Tribute to popular Towersey folk legend who died yesterday

THE much-loved patron of Towersey Festival, British folk legend ROY BAILEY, died yesterday, Tuesday, November 20, 2018.

The late, great Roy Bailey

A hugely important figure in British music, Roy started performing skiffle in the 1950s before falling in love with traditional songs. He was on stage, and in brilliant form, in August when he played his now traditional Bank Holiday Afternoon concert at the festival to a packed audience.

In a statement today, Joe Heap,Towersey Festival’s Festival Director, said the following:

“It’s with great sadness we hear of the passing of our Festival Patron and friend Roy Bailey.

“Roy has been a part of Towersey Festival since our very first event, and even before. He was there, back in 1965 at the very meeting where the festival was conceived, and he’s been performing at the festival almost every year since.

“Always playing to capacity crowds, his regular Monday afternoon concerts were an utter joy – warm, funny, poignant, and well-observed.

“We’ll miss him greatly, and we know many Towersey-goers will do too.

“Our thoughts are with his family.”

In a message of the Roy Bailey official website, Roy’s family have posted this message:

“Many of you will know that Roy has struggled with heart failure for over 30 years. Sadly today his condition finally claimed him. His last few days were peaceful and filled with love, family and friends whilst being cared for by the amazing folk at St. Luke’s hospice in Sheffield.

Professor Roy Bailey – a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, singer, academic and humanitarian – 1935 – 2018. “