MEMORIES of a "sorely missed" friend of the Furness folk music scene have inspired a new tune-writing competition.

John Hazlehurst, who died two years ago, was a popular and much-respected musician with Furness Morris, and he supported Ulverston's Furness Tradition Festival for many years.

According to his family's wishes, his legacy is to be celebrated with the new John Hazlehurst Memorial Trophy. The cup will be awarded to the composer of the best new traditional-style dance tune, as part of this year's 20th festival, from July 13 to 15.

John played with the Old Friends Band for two decades, was a stalwart of the Furness Tradition Community Band, and his ability as a Morris musician playing the Anglo concertina and Northumbrian pipes was said to be "second to none".

Competitors are invited to compose a tune such as a jig, reel, hornpipe, polka or waltz. The closing date is July 9, and the winning entry will be played on the Friday night of the festival.

See https://furnesstradition.org.uk/festival-2018/furness-tradition-tune-writing-competition/