Eltham Arts is celebrating the launch of its first folk CD featuring fifteen original songs on a culinary theme, composed and performed by musicians from across South East London.

A Plateful of Songs features music from local musician from South London and includes themes as varied as foodbanks, sweets, pasta and turnips! The professionally recorded, one off, limited edition CD marks the culmination of a competition run for the Eltham Arts Winter Festival 2016. The CDs launch comes as preparations are being made for next month’s July Eltham Music Festival Month – which included live music three consecutive Saturdays in July in Passey Place , Eltham High Street , Jazz at Eltham Palace and Eltham Warren Golf Club, Folk and a classical concert. There are also concerts in the local Eltham Parks. . Eltham Arts Founder Gaynor Wingham said, “This CD has been an incredibly exciting project to be part of. We had a fantastic response to the competition last year; the entries were of a very high standard. I think the resulting CD represents well the range and diversity of musicality in the area and will be sure to intrigue and delight. A Plateful of Songs celebrates the creativity, talent and sense of community which we have in this part of London.”

Nationally renowned Folk singer and peace campaigner, Jim Radford, from Lewisham, whose track The Galleyboy’s Song features at the end of the CD said, “I am thrilled to have been chosen to contribute to this amazing CD which explores personal, historic and often nostalgic views on food and our relationship with it. I am sure it will give much pleasure to all those who listen to it for many years to come.”

Submitted by Elizabeth Drury