Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Dick Goddard
Date: 05 Sep 09 - 08:46 AM

Hi Mr Red (or Yellow)

Yes, I know you'll be at Bromyard - we've been parked next to you a couple of times (the little Eriba Puck). By next weekend (i.e. Bromyard 2009( we'll know whether our new event is confirmed, so I'll give you details then...

Regards to all

Dick Goddard

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 09:05 AM

To take up the original posting here:

"I thought that I'd start this EVALUATION thread regarding Sidmouth 2009 ......I have a fair few thoughts about 2009 - too tired to compose them now, but hope that this thread can be used PRODUCTIVELY and HONESTLY to comment on all aspects of the festival in order that views can be considered and possibly acted upon for 2010."

OK, I've completed my draft pages and they start about here, 122 or maybe 124: and go on to page 139, or thereabouts.

Sidmouth 2009 evaluated.

Any comments welcome, as always.

By the way, if anyone knows Izzy who runs the campsite at Sidmouth - I did dance with her at Towersey and forget to say - your photo is on the campsite page - the one of you in the footspa looking cheerful.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 07:09 AM

Dick Goddard

Don't forget the information junkies that cover your area - like cresby.com and all the relevant links therein and Sam Simmons' FolkWest.

We are pretty pro-active in finding information but we do need help.

Say hello at Bromyard - I will be the one wearing ............. er um ....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Dick Goddard
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 05:04 AM

Just noticed Eliza's comment about the old timey bar sessions in the Bedford. I was stewarding most of the concerts in the Bedford "dining room" and we too had problems, because of the noise filtering through from those sessions (especially when step-dancing or bass playing was happening). Most of the time they were pretty good about stopping or quieting when we asked, so that the main concerts - ticketed, of course - weren't too disrupted. However, it's not a good or easy situation, and I've suggested a couple of possible solutions in my post festival steward's feedback. Hope this can be sorted next year, as otherwise the Bedford main room is a pleasant intimate space.

On a more general point, this was my first Sidmouth for about 30 years and I thought it had much of the old spirit about it - but with the added advantage of young people, like Eliza and many more, who have brought such exciting new, but traditionally based, ideas and techniques. Just a brilliant week.

We're planning a folk weekend in South Herefordshire in June next year, and if it has just a 50th of the Sidmouth atmosphere I'll be very happy!

Dick Goddard

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: mattkeen
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 04:52 AM

Oh I forget Hotel Palindrone, who were great too

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Folkie
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 12:40 PM

I had a great week at Sidmouth in spite of the rain. I absolutely loved the Beggars Opera and the Peter Bellamy tribute concert. Unfortunately I could not get in to some of the early morning Arts Centre events - my own fault for getting up too late. Roger Watson's harmony workshop was a wonderful experience. Sidmouth ice creams continue to be the best.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 10:55 AM

There seem to be more non performing prima donnas, than performing ones sometimes.

Oh more often than that IMNSHO.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Jim Redfern
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 07:44 AM

The opening concert at the Ham on Saturday lunchtime was short and incredibly sweet.
The Bulgarian dancers,Dyer Cummings,George Papavgeris,Matt Quinn and the wonderful Claque delivered a precise and entertaining hour which was top hole.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 06:43 AM

Hi Jim
Will do...But we haven't even all met yet!!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 06:22 AM

Great news Ralphie! Of course, I realised "Eric" could never be quite the same again but look forward to hearing of details of your cunning plan.

Perhaps a new thread would be in order as they could getted bogged down on here?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,ifor
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 09:05 AM

I thought the launch of Folk Against Fascism was excellent...and most timely!Well done for having the event listed in the programme.

I also really enjoyed the political songs event, hosted by Sisters Unlimited, in the rugby club.I do hope that something similar will be repeated next year.

The singing sessions hosted by Kitty and Taff in the Faulkner were also excellent. Really enjoyed the range of singing especially the Scottish woman who sang those Robbie Burns songs.What a powerful and emotive voice!

Lasltly,I'd like to mention the White Horse cafe near the square.... a place of sanctuary when the rain was blowing in and the day was dreary.Thank you for the food and the warmth!
Ifor

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: bfdk
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 08:29 AM

* Fewer chairs
* A row of (numbered) coat hooks

I don't agree, especially not for a venue with a 'wet' (in places) floor. For my part, I'm one who left my belongings on a chair while dancing (Blackmore tent). But I also sat there during breaks and a couple of times during dances, too, taking a break. And the chair kept my belongings - not all of them 'hangable' dry and off the floor, the chair also protected my drink from being kicked over when left unattendet, as I placed it underneath the chair. This worked except for once, when someone who must have had exceedingly long toes had still managed to topple it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 08:25 AM

Thanks for the thought Mr Martin, But, sadly we are one third short of a Trio, and have been since 1986. Buggeration...
Have a new cunning plan though. Watch this space (And it's not a revival of the Hackney Martians!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GRex
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 07:37 AM

I heartily endorse Rumcoke's message (11 Aug 2009) re the running of the evening sessions in the Faulkner. My thanks to Taffy, Liz and Mary for supervising seven very enjoyable evenings.
Hope I'll see you all there next year.

             GRex

          ps
               Enjoyed your songs Anne.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: steve_harris
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 07:15 AM

chairs which act mainly as a repository for ceilidh dancers' bags, jumpers etc.

I'm wondering if there's a better way of organising dance venues?

A chair is not the best place to stash your stuff but it's often the only choice. As you point out, it isn't particularly space-efficient. And, when the dancer wants to get at their stuff, it can be hard to find unless they've carefully noted 5th chair from the left or whatever.

Personally, I'd settle for:

* Fewer chairs
* A row of (numbered) coat hooks

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 06:12 AM

"(Thats my sneaky way of asking for a booking BTW!)"

Ralphie - how about as a re-incarnated "Eric" - there must be loads of people now who would never have heard them and really don't know what they have missed!

As the infamous Mrs Doyle would say, "Go on, go on, go on" - although I'm not sure whether "Eric" drank much tea?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Ralphie
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 02:59 AM

Hi All
Was only down for the second half of the week (On route to Dart-I-Moor)but was delighted to be asked to play with the Serendipty band at the Anchor on Thursday (Trebles all round to Roger Smith for getting so many egos on one stage!)
Managed to get my FaF T-Shirt from Jo Freya. Sad to have missed the FaF bash in the Ham. Was already in the Pit Orchestra in the Volly.
Never got to the Bedford, but would agree with Joan and Eliza that there is no earthly reason why a few unbooked individuals can just take over a bar. Reminds me of the unpleasant people who insist on blankets and deck chairs at Cambridge, and then don't even listen to the artists.
As no one has yet mentioned the Radway. As usual it was it's normal rambling shambolic self, but was always inclusive for anyone who wanted to fire off a tune.
I think Joan and her team of little helpers do a fantastic job. I certainly couldn't even begin to compete. And for all those who have gripes about the festival. Remember, Joan has probably already started organising next years bash. We might go for a week, She spends her whole year planning it. I doff my hat to you Joan! (Thats my sneaky way of asking for a booking BTW!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Gervase
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 06:01 PM

Bum. Another Sidmouth missed - and looking a the disco on YouTube I'm deeply jealous; it looks like huge fun. For me the LNEs typify the magic of the place. all that energy, enthusiasm and anarchy surging between performers and punters of all ages, and so much sheer bloody niceness and decency. That, for me, outweighs any amount of anal pettiness by some of the OCD types who hang around the pub sessions for far too long.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Dazbo at work
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 03:36 PM

Oh, and I love the morrissey T-shirt (although I have heard Morrissey can be very litigious so I hope he doesn't get the 'ump about it), would have loved the clash album cover and Ewan McColl folk police ones as T-shirts too.

Seconded about the campsite stewards too.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: PaulF
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 02:50 PM

I think it is worth pointing out, that the Sidmouth festival is bigger than those running it.
It has been going longer than some of us have lived, and certainly longer than some of us have lived in the UK
It will still be running after we have gone too, hopefully.
If big name performers can, join in activities without expecting special treatment, then the same should be true of others.
Standing beside a famous singer or player, does not improve your own abilities in either direction either.
There seem to be more non performing prima donnas, then performing ones sometimes.
PaulF

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: dj bass
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 11:51 AM

Glad to hear about Dyer Cummings. I'll check out Youtube, but I didn't think it was just nerves, although I can understand how nerves would not have helped - the main stage of a major folk festival is a big gig. I also like artistes who take risks.

My son got to know some of the Demon Barbers quite well during the week so I can certainly attest to their support of youngsters.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 10:21 AM

And Dyer Cummings will be at the Lewes Saturday Folk Club on 30th. January 2010.

Valmai

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 10:04 AM

Re Stringfury: The band had two absolutely storming gigs in the Anchor during the week (there are videos on Youtube if you didn't see them). I had people coming up to me at Bulverton congratulating me for "discovering" them (I didn't - it was Pete Rees who programmed them in the Anchor).

When I was asked only a few days before the Demon Barbers gig to provide a support act at late notice, I took a chance on Stringfury - this has happened before, most notably at Bulverton last year when Eddie Upton put Dyer Cummings in as a last-minute support act. And the Demons are well known for supporting youngsters and new talent, so it seemed to make sense. Unfortunately, on this occasion nerves got the better of the lads, which was gutting for them. But I know it's not the last we'll see of them - they just need a bit more experience and confidence, which will come with time - the talent is definitely there. They are doing something quite different to any other young folk-fusion band I can think of, and I like artists who take risks.

We'll definitely be seeing more of Dyer Cummings next year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: dj bass
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 09:49 AM

We had a great time too. Top moments: Lau, Spooky Men's Chorale in the Methodist church and the lunchtime workshop, Jim and Jackie's "soiree" in the Arts centre, Folk against Fascism, The Navvy's Wife, Eric Bogle singing "the Band played Waltzing Matilda", Kerfuffle, Mawkin Causley, Spiers and Boden, Demon Barbers (again), Oysterband at the LNE, Silent Disco. Low points: String Fury in the Ham (someone's parents know someone in charge, surely), some lack of clarity in the bus service between Bulverton and town (but the drivers were great).

I'd have preferred better weather but I enjoyed the seige mentality of camping in the rain and mud, and the campsite Stewards were great.

I hope Dyer:Cummings get some recognition - a group of youngsters that were really keen and talented - I saw them in the Ship and in the asbo tent.

Thanks Ruth for explaining some things on here. BTW, I thought the Bulverton floor was better this year and I didn't notice it being smaller.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 08:42 AM

none at all that I'm aware of. We knew that the event wouldn't be entirely silent, what with people singing(!) along - what we also know is that it's amplified sound, and particularly bass, that carries through the valley from the Bulverton hill (or Betsy's Knapp, to give it its proper name!)and gets us into trouble. As there was no amplified sound, and in particular no bass, it didn't constitute a noise nuisance. I even got the Witchmen to dampen their bass drum so that it wouldn't carry unnecessarily.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Dazbo at Work
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 07:54 AM

Ruth,

Thanks for you comments. I'd been thinking about how to possibly better utilise the Bulverton without much succes; it's quite problem it being where it is. Apart from the odd workshop I only really find time to go there in the evening/lne but would sorely miss it if it wasn't there, even to the point of not attending the festival as often:-(

The silent folking disco was one of the nights the bed was more attractive than the wait. However, from my tent it sounded anything but silent - even wearing earplugs I could hear the crowd singing along and shouting. Has there been any comeback/feedback from the locals about sfd?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 07:40 AM

Possibly bunting is now considered a cruel sport, or at least one that should be restricted to consenting adults in private.

Valmai

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 07:34 AM

There seemed to be some confusion about events which were pre-bookable at certain venues (the Lark Rie Band at The Manor Pavilion was one) with a 1/3 allocation of total seats which had priority over season ticket holders and this caused some discontent. As far as I could see, there was no mention of this in the working programme which is what I think was the cause of the discontent. (It was, however, clearly indicated in the colour programme which was published earlier in the year but I, like most people, go by the working prog).

I was also disappointed to see that there was still no bunting on The Esplanade but was assured by the committee that the problem was being adressed. Apparently the safety police had banned it when the lamp posts were still wood, now that they are metal it shouldn't be a problem (but it obviously is)!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 05:53 AM

"Ruth, I know why they have to clear the bulverton, that isn't my point, but having to wait for half an hour when it is cold wet and very muddy is no fun. No other venue is as exposed or as isolated - at least in previous year's you could stay in the bar."

I know that our infrastructure team is already looking at ways of addressing this for next year.


"The trouble with both the Bulverton and the Blackmore Garden ceilidh marquees is that there is very little space for people who aren't dancing, not everyone wants to or can dance every dance and needs to sit down or have a rest which is difficult when your squeezed in."

See, the paradox at the Bulverton is that, last year, the space set aside for that purpose was hardly used. it's hard to justify the extra space when the majority of it is sat empty throughout the week. Even this year, when I wanted a place to sit down up at the Bulverton I could usually find one (though maybe not the same seat all night). I think the one thing we didn't accomodate so much this year is the rows and rows of empty chairs which act mainly as a repository for ceilidh dancers' bags, jumpers etc. While I can understand that it is nice to know you have a "saved" seat to go back to when you want to sit a dance out, it costs a lot to create that extra space.

To be perfectly honest, this year was a make-or-break year for the Bulverton. It has been a loss-leader for the festival for several years, and if we didn't make it work this year, we risked losing it altogether. The strategy for addressing this was to rejuvenate the programme while reducing the costs, and to re-evaluate our catering partners in order to maximise the return on the secondary spend (bar and food) to the festival.

In reducing the size of the venue, we looked at ways of doing this while compromising the dance experience as little as possible. That's why the dance floor itself only lost 2 metres, while the space that was lost was the "sidelines" space. As I say, when I wanted to sit down this year, I usually found there was a seat available. It might have someone else's jumper over the back, but I moved if they returned. I think that a slightly more adaptable approach by ceilidh dancers in this respect will mean that the space is used to its fullest potential (and value).

So, to sum up, it isn't a case of "We'd like the big marquee back, please." It's a case of making the size of marquee work as it is, or not having a Bulverton at all. Having said that, as I said earlier in my post, our infrastructure team is looking at ways of using the space up there differently next year in order to create more chatting-and-standing-about space which is under cover.

We have similar issues with Blackmore, but again, the team is looking at ways of creating more undercover space for next year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Mr Yellow
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 05:29 AM

Bente

You be confusing me with someone else. I am the shy modest one.

The best way to deal with people who think they are someone is to ask them to explain who they are. Then get on the radio and ask for confirmation.

Performers who value their audience have to be nice all the time, or earn a different reputation. I think I could take a bit of frustration from a performer, it just depends on what I can deduce about the context.

I well remember an Ozzie who reckoned she would never book Eric Bogle after a rather unpleasant incedent, and yet Mick Holditch asked him questions about his guitar (like one Mick wants to buy) and Eric handed him the guitar and invited him to play it.

Context is all.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 05:22 AM

That reminds me of the beginnings of breakfast television when we worked with patchy resources and no chance of outsourcing till daylight office hours. A Well-Known Presenter decided at about 5 a.m. that the music for an item was unsuitable. I found some vinyl in a cupboard which she said, grudgingly, would "have to do". As she flounced off I called her back loudly, produced the book in which material was meant to be signed out and asked: "Name?" Collapse of production office.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: dilligafxx
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 05:15 AM

Just smile,be polite and remember that the same people who are rude to me, also seem to be rude to people like Eliza C who is somebody xx

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 05:00 AM

So, how do you deal with rudeness from people who think they're "somebody".

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 04:59 AM

"I stewarded and found that its the people who think their someone who can be most rude and demanding, the people who are someone are polite and most accomadating when things aren,t going their way."

Hehe! I can believe that alright!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: dilligafxx
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 04:46 AM

Forgot to add a Big thank you to Howard and Graham for being the best x

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: dilligafxx
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 03:30 AM

Sidmouth was GREAT dispite being sober all the time, due to being a sick bunny. Weather meant I spent more time in concerts and public houses, listening to some terrific music, Navvy's Wife, what a show, Eric Bogle, The Spooky Men who I saw twice and when unforunately we cannot let them in the Arts centre (Safety Elf says No) due to numbers inside being reached at the the Jim Moray sing around performed for about 10 of us on a street corner !! The understanding of Steve Knightley when I told him he couldn,t go in and him waiting paitently for someone to leave so he could go in to sing. I stewarded and found that its the people who think their someone who can be most rude and demanding, the people who are someone are polite and most accomadating when things aren,t going their way. A Big thank you to the organisers and to the performers and to all the people who played and sang in the pubs, who sorry but I don,t know your names but I enjoyed you all the same. And for singing You are my sunshine in the Newt on a very very wet day xx

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Chris_S
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:29 PM

First time back at Sidders after Steve Heap pulled out and despite weather we had a great week. The Ham marquee provided most of the highlights with the Bedford a close second. The headliners all delivered but more importantly lots of new stuff shone through, especially SpinnDrift and Hannah Hames and Sam Sweeney. All in all well worth the price of the tickets.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:16 PM

Nah, that was just his less evil twin brother!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: bfdk
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:12 PM

Rain apart I had a great time, lots of dancing, got to hear Eric Bogle, but missed the ceilidh in the ford instead. However, I did get to take part in the torchlit parade this year :-)

I must say, though, that I was terribly disappointed when, on the day I showed up dressed all in red, Mr. Red had deemed fit to show up in yellow...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 03:19 PM

I tried to rip up my Sidder ticket and only just realised it was plastic. I was worried that as cardboard it would disintigrate.
Had I known I could have punched a hole in it and hung it round my neck. In the wallet worked but Joy had to find another repository.

Anyway one Brownie point to the organisers for the plastic ticket.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 01:27 PM

Be wary what photos you put up for public consumption. Flickr was where the BNP got their photos of people they wished to clone.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 09:51 AM

Does anyone have any photos to share? If they are all on Facebook only friends can see them. At least if they are on an online album and linked from here we can all see what you got up to.

Just a thought

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Surreysinger at work
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 09:08 AM

Pip ... re your comments on Bristol Morris, I presume you are aware that there is a Youtube video of the dancing after Shirley's talk ? Can't access the Youtube site at work, but I have a feeling it may be one of the official festival videos on there.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 06:46 AM

Having just looked at all the above again, apart from the weather which is outside the control of the organisers, a great time was had by all. Some peoples lows were other peoples highs, vive la difference. There was also a grteat variety, something for everyone, and a very healthy fringe, which of course is a reflection of a healthy host conference.
So lets hear it for the organisers.

    Be upstanding Ruth Archer

La la la la lalala, la la la la laaa la.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Pip
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 05:43 AM

One more high point for me - and I think I failed to mention it first time around in case it read like a bit of own-trumpet-blowing - but the last ten minutes of our show, A Most Sunshiny Day (which I DO think was wonderful. There!), were further graced with a terrific contribution from Bristol Morris, dancing up the aisle and on to the stage to the(recorded)Staines Morris, then launching into one of their own (live)tunes and dances, hoisting a delighted young woman from the audience into the air at the finish. When we've done the show elsewhere we've been very priveleged to have our local Brighton Morris capering for us, and it's a pleasure to say that Bristol Morris maintained the very high standard we're used to. So thanks to Paul, to Jack, to all the other fine fellows - I can imagine no more splendid a way to round off a show about English music than with the Morris danced as vigorously and elegantly as you did.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Folkiedave
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 06:10 PM

I refer to all the Sidmouth threads.

I happen to think Ruth has done a great job on Mudcat, coming on here just after it has happened when she has had to do her washing and all the things others have had to do, and (mostly) patiently explaining the reason for decisions. This when she has also had vehicle problems that would strain most of us.

I doubt an organisation like Sidmouth gets it all correct all of the time but I do suggest that this and any other organisation in the folk world needs all the help it can get. Don't sit there on the sidelines. Get involved in your local festival, get some experience behind you, and give a hand. It helps you to understand a lot better.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Dazbo at work
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 04:03 PM

Ruth, I know why they have to clear the bulverton, that isn't my point, but having to wait for half an hour when it is cold wet and very muddy is no fun. No other venue is as exposed or as isolated - at least in previous year's you could stay in the bar.

The trouble with both the Bulverton and the Blackmore Garden ceilidh marquees is that there is very little space for people who aren't dancing, not everyone wants to or can dance every dance and needs to sit down or have a rest which is difficult when your squeezed in. The fenced of area of Blackmore was a good idea, but due to the weather was pretty much unusable.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: lady penelope
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 04:02 PM

Well, by the kind gift of a ticket from a friend, I attended Sidmouth for the first time this year.

The choice of things to do was, frankly, overwhelming! At times it really was hard to have to choose between what to miss to see/do something else.

My only comment about missing things like the Bellamy tribute (queued for over an hour but missed getting in) is that possibly these events that are obviously going to be popular, would have been better off in a venue like the Ham. I've no idea how organisers match acts/events to venues, but there were at least a couple of gigs that definitely could have done with being at much bigger venues and was surprised that they had been put on at relatively small venues.

My only gripes are personal ones and no reflection on the organisation of the event. Not used to having a campsite so far from the action. The rain on top made getting down for morning workshops etc a grind or (on a couple of occasions) I just plain missed stuff. We really could have done with even just straw being put down round by the showers, just to combat the slurry effect. However as the campsite is on about a 30 degree slope (I must admit to getting a tad fed up waking up in a heap at the bottom of the tent each morning....) the water did drain pretty quickly once it stopped raining.... *G* Whoever was cleaning the toilets deserves a medal, as they managed to keep cleaning the floors as well as the toilets themselves!

Moments to treasure -

Seeing George perform (finally!) at the opening concert. His song about folk clubs had me in very happy tears!

Catching up with mates I haven't seen for yonks and finally meeting people I've only talked to online before.

Spookymen

Discovering several new (to me) acts to help further bankrupt me.

Mike Wilson & Damien Barbour in the Bedford

Joining in The Sing In the Sea with the Middle Bar Singers

Queuing for stuff (it was never dull, always had a laugh even when I didn't get into things)

Finding Ganesha (vegan food shop - I'm not vegetarian, but the food was really good!)

Being able to combine two of my favourite things - Folk and seaside!

Nearly having my feet run over by Eliza's dad (driving buggy one handed - he did apologise *G*) in Tesco's and watching him bustle off muttering curses against buggies....

The ceilidh in the Ford that didn't happen.

Sitting in my tent listening to - I don't know how many people singing 'Living on a prayer' at the tops of their voices in the Silent Disco at the Bulverton. That still makes me grin...

The bus back to the campsite at night

As I got a free season ticket this year, I could afford to come. I'm not sure I can next year, but as my mate pointed out there are various ways of attending, so I'll have a good think about it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: GUEST,Sue
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 11:54 AM

The Peter Bellamy tribute concert was great, the Watersons were wonderful as were Damion and Mike, but we were just talking about the festival in general the other night, and we can't recall ever seeing the rest of the excellent Wilsons at Sidmouth. Is this correct? and if so isn't it about time they were. A suggestion for a concert next year, the Wilson and Waterson Families, how good would that be?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2009 - Evaluation
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 10:18 AM

The Bulverton was smaller this year - because last year it was largely half full. It's hard to justify paying for infrastructure that is largely wasted. The dance floor at the Bulverton, however, only actually lost two meters of space. The general feeling seems to be that a more compact venue, more suited to the actual audience size, created a much better buzz than a half-empty, aircraft hangar vibe.

The venue has to be cleared between events because not everyone has a ticket for the whole evening. And even silent disco needed set-up time.

I can categorically state that the other venues are not being sacrificed to pay for the development of the Ham. This year a new marquee company was used for the Ham, meaning that it was actually a more cost-effective alternative to last year's marquee, despite offering better facilities.