Allen Miller

Sandy Still

Rod Hall

Jim Jack

Welcome to Fourum’s web site.  In these pages you will find everything you want to know about this popular North East Folk Group who have been entertaining audiences since 1972 with their own special brand of music and humour. Fourum are best known for their unique evocative songs, composed by group member Allen Miller, portraying the characters, history and legends of the North Yorkshire Dales, - but their repertoire also includes traditional Scottish, Irish and Tyneside music. Fourum have appeared on local and national radio and television , as well as in folk clubs, theatres, village halls and outdoor venues at home and abroad. Now in  their 41st year of singing together, the group is still going strong and their passion for making music and telling stories is undiminished, as is evidenced by the appreciative response of audiences wherever they play.

Site last updated 16th May 2013

“Musical talent and versatility, humour and an entertaining programme .... combined to provide an enjoyable evening of folk music at the Civic Theatre...’” (Judy Abel).

‘”..through their friendliness, humour and camaraderie they established a rapport with their audience which was never lost.’” (Judy Abel)

“This was a very successful evening and there can be no doubt that the Fourum will not have much difficulty in packing houses wherever the group is known.’” (Jeremy Morrison)

“The discovery of a new talented songwriter penning material about local life is worth shouting about...” (Nic Mitchell - Middlesbrough Evening Gazette)

“.. a superb performance ... combining humour with sadness in a range of songs from Geordie favourites and sea shanties to the beautiful compositions of group member Allen Miller about his beloved Swaledale. ... A lasting memory of the evening will be the Swaledale songs .... Not only was it a slick performance but a thoroughly friendly one...’” (John Dean)

“The versatility of the individual members was staggering, with each one playing several instruments, as well as singing solo parts. But it was the beautiful blend of voices, the perfect timing and genuine musicianship which gave each song its own atmosphere, and brought each one to life.’” (Darlington & Stockton Times)

“... Fourum are best known of course for their songs of the dales, and indeed the characters and incidents, the legends, and the places themselves which make up the rich heritage of life in the dales, were wonderfully evoked in these songs written by Allen Miller.’” (Darlington & Stockton Times)

“ ... One imagined an old photograph, a line from a parish register, a ruined building, and there was the inspiration for a song, and we were transported in time and place – we were there.’” (MP)

Some quotes about Fourum:

Fourum performing outside Grinton Smelt Mill at the Swlaledale Festival with the late Bob Hattersley (2nd from right)

New 3 CD Set - The Dales Collection is now available!

This is the definitive collection of Dales songs - every Allen Miller Dales song ever recorded by Fourum, including 3 new songs, 2 new instrumental arrangements and 13 tracks never previously available in digital format - 43 tracks in total. Disc One: Around Richmond --- Disc Two: Around Swaledale --- Disc Three: Swaledale and Beyond.

Click here for the full list of tracks and to order your copy now!

Upcoming Concerts

(Keep up to date by liking us on Facebook. Search for Fourum Folk Group)

25th May 2013 - Ireby Folk Festival, Ireby, Cumbria - For details click here

26th May 2013 - Swaledale Festival - For details click here