The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #94632   Message #1833426
Posted By: Mr Red
13-Sep-06 - 08:15 AM
Thread Name: Can a mainly 'Fringe' festival work?
Subject: RE: Can a mainly 'Fringe' festival work?
Depends on the will to organise it. Or in the case of Steve Heap - tax it.

The answer is yes - but the fact remains - you need critical mass and look at fringies at (say) bromyard who have tickets. I do the ceilidhs, the fringe sessions and steward. I don't go to Alcester and Arden because they can't make ceilidh work in the venues they choose. I have many chances to dance other weekends & that w/e as it happens - locally.

Other people go to concerts and sessions. Some to be with friends and schmooze and sessions. Without the breadth and distractions how do you get the critical mass?

Even Upton - which is now classed as a DIY festival had two ceilidhs (one with Hekety) and if you look to the principle organiser he is a keen ceilidh dancer, morris fanatic, and caller. If he was a concert nut it would be two concerts and loads of sessions but maybe not me.

Isn't a Morris meet a bit like what is being asked?


There are obviously cultural difference around the world. The NZ festivals I went to the sessions were thin or maybe based around one tent with the owner holding court. Factions were definitely apparent.