PODCAST #10 - Seth Lakeman: Harwich & The Mayflower

The Essex 2020 podcast

In this series, we go behind the scenes of the UK’s biggest celebration of science and creativity.  In each episode, Essex 2020 project director Richard Freeman meets some of the brilliant people and organisations who are working to create, inspire and discover Essex’s past, present and future. 

In this episode: folk musician Seth Lakeman



Seth Lakeman is one of the UK’s most acclaimed folk singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists. Recording and performing around the world since 1994, Seth’s traditional music style and story-telling was nominated for the 2005 Mercury Music Prize for his album Kitty Jay. And collaborations with his brothers Sean and Sam, as well as his solo work, have garnered trophies form the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

For this episode, Richard talks to Seth about his 10th studio album, ‘A Pilgrim’s Tale’ - release in February 2020. The album tells the story of the voyagers on The Mayflower, the boat that left England in 1620 in order to build the so-called New World - or what has become the modern USA.

The Mayflower was built and launched in the Essex port of Harwich, and captained by Christopher Jones - a prominent Harwich man with recognition from the king for his role in the town.

*Please note that this interview took place before the Covid-19 pandemic and references some events that have since been postponed or cancelled.


Useful links

Seth Lakeman online
Mayflower 400 - Visit Harwich
Historic Harwich


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Essex 2020 is an Essex Partners initiative. This is an always possible podcast.

The interviewer was Richard Freeman for always possible and the producer was Chris Thorpe-Tracey for Lo Fi Arts