The earliest known version of Cockles and Mussels was published in London in 1884 by Francis Brothers and Day. The song is there described as "a comic song" written and composed by James Yorkston (of Scotland) and arranged by Edmund Forman. Because it is ...  moreThe earliest known version of Cockles and Mussels was published in London in 1884 by Francis Brothers and Day. The song is there described as "a comic song" written and composed by James Yorkston (of Scotland) and arranged by Edmund Forman. Because it is noted as printed with permission of an Edinburgh firm, there was clearly an earlier version. Although the song is the unofficial anthem of Dublin and generally regarded as Irish, it was, in fact, written by a Scotsman. This outdoor performance was the culmination of a six-week project which creates a choir from scratch for one night only. Each winter and summer, Chris Rowbury gathers a random bunch of singers from in and around Ipswich. There are no auditions and all songs are taught and learnt by ear. Usually eight songs are learnt in six two-hour sessions and in the summer are performed outdoors near Ipswich. http://chrisrowbury.com  less