Johnny Collins has been a guest at Bromyard Folk Festival continuously for nearly forty years, so it very sad to have to write that Johhny died from a heart attack on Sunday 5th July in Gdansk Poland. He and Jim Mageean were performing at the shanty festival and had just finished their concert at the Sailor's Club when he was taken ill.
I am sure there are many, many people locally who will remember Johnny for his singing, his friendship and his gentleness. Just a lovely man in so many ways. I count myself fortunate to have been known him, and to have sung in the same room as him on so maay occasions.
Farewll, Johnny – an inspiration and example to everyone.