Keith was a founder member of the group, which was formed in 1981, and a prolific songwriter. After Keith's death in 1991, Val, John and Graham worked to re-establish Cockersdale at the forefront of the English folk music arena. Although the sound was changed the unique character of Cockersdale and the quality of their performance remains.

Many of Keith's songs are on the typical folk themes of war, poverty and suffering and have been taken up by many other singers. Cockersdale also sing songs by other contemporary writers such as Peter Bellamy's arrangements of Rudyard Kipling's "Barrack room ballads", and more recent material by the likes of Chris Sugden, Les Barker, Graham Pirt and Martin Carthy as well as many traditional songs.

Although they have only appeared in Kent on one previous occasion, at Faversham Folk Club, I have had the privilege of seeing and hearing them on several occasions at Chippenham Folk Festival. They are in much demand on the folk festival circuit and we are pleased to have them as guests at Tenterden Folk Festival on Saturday 6^th and Sunday 7^th October 2001. Besides appearing in folk clubs Cockersdale will be running a workshop during the festival and joining the Sunday morning sing-a-round.

Last updated 25^th March 2001

Copyright © Tenterden Folk Festival 2001