'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 03 Jun 14 - 02:13 AM

Photos of GW Festival...    Did we get the year wrong? It says 1972.... I'm sure it was 1971!!!

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 03 Jun 14 - 02:15 AM

Perhaps it was a different Festival........ I don't remember it being called The Great Western either!

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,oggie
Date: 03 Jun 14 - 08:45 AM

Two different festivals.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,raymond j martin aka Snowie
Date: 24 Jul 14 - 03:54 AM

Forty-three years ago today was a Saturday, I had the weekend off from work. At the time I worked for Plessey Telecommunications as a wireman. This weekend was special, my girlfriend Eileen was away on holiday with her parents, and I had a ticket for the Tupholme Folk Festival in Bardney near Lincoln. The ticket for the one day festival cost £2-00p., what a price. Go to a concert today, I am next month, a minor act, and the tickets were on sale for EUR 38,50 that's £30 for a two hour concert. The times they are a changing!
In Bardney that day 43 years ago the sun was shining, the atmosphere was peaceful and calm and the music phenomenal. There were three highlights which I remember: Buffy St. Marie, a Cree Indian she sang so beautifully; if my memory serves me right she had a very husky voice and her songs were stories. Listen to the song Soldier Blue
The next highlight was the late coming group The Byrds. They started with an acoustic song (the whole festival was under the motto acoustic folk music); after that as an intro, they said something like "And this is what you wanted to hear" and exchanged their acoustic instruments for electric. The crowd went wild but the abided by the motto and went back to playing unplugged.
Most amazing was the performance of James Taylor. He was so cool and sang the crowd nearly into sleep; I've never seen so many people laid-back singing along with the songs. It was indescribable!
One more thing, if anyone who is reading was at the festival: Do you remember the Meeting Tree? I don't know why, but when I think of the festival the big oak tree at the end of the field always comes to my mind. Wasn't that a great festival? It was the best I have ever been to.
Today I posted this story on my Blog:
http://my-daily-banana.blogspot.de/

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Peter Kievenaar
Date: 14 Sep 14 - 07:10 AM

We are going to see James Taylor next month at The Royal Albert Hall; this has brought back fond memories, as I remember going to the Lincoln Folk Festival, but had forgotten what year it was. 1971- 43 years ago- I can hardly believe it! One of the highlights for me was The Byrds- fantastic stuff!
I remember a shower of rain in the afternoon, and some people went to shelter. We were able to get virtually right up to the stage, meaning I was a matter of feet away when James Taylor came on. Of all the concerts I have been to, James Taylor's set stands out- relaxed, fantastic vocally, and a wonderful guitarist.
Great to read all the other comments here- it has brought it all to life again!

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Kenny Goodman
Date: 23 Sep 14 - 10:02 AM

Great day, travelled from Manchester,I remember all the line up especially sonny terry and brownie McGee who were excellent, a magical time !!!!

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Dave Evardson
Date: 18 Mar 15 - 05:30 PM

I should remember it well. Coming home on the coach (courtesy of Liam Duffy & Grimsby's Black Swan Folk Club) I sat next to Julie & the rest is history (we're still together 43 years later). Other acts I recall: Steeleye Span, Tim Hardyn, Tom Paxton. All a hazy memory but very very special.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,les owen
Date: 09 Jul 15 - 03:56 PM

I went with Bob Fox. Bob now knows all the artistes (just about). What a day!!! My lasting memories are of Sonny and Brownie, Buffy and Martin Carthy/Dave Swarbrick. It was either Melody Maker or NME that reported about fans shouting out their favourites to Martin C and Dave S late at night. That was me and Bob. Took us Sunday and half Monday to hitch home in sweltering weather. Halcyon Days.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Les Owen
Date: 09 Jul 15 - 04:12 PM

P.s. If my memory serves me well (thanks Dylan) Steeleye Span were late on stage so Tim Hart and Maddy Prior did two or three on their own. Didn't go down too well.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Bill Hornsby
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 04:27 PM

Just found this thread while looking for the reprint poster now on sale. Yep - I was there. Went with a load of mates . Train from Darlington to Lincoln then the organised bus to the site. Remember Lots of the acts - Buffy was great but Sonny and Brownie were the most memorable to me. I'm afraid I was a bit vague (must have been the No6(?) about Sandy Denny and James Taylor - well I was there so I must have seen them . Was there until the early hours but me and my mates got split up on way out. I managed to get that bus (after a long wait) into Lincoln. Remember a church was open for people to crash in and bumped into one of the lads then train back home that morning. How the hell i hadnt lost the ticket I dont know. Yeh those toilets were basic (no portaloos in those days kids!!). I've read all of the above so thanks for the 40+ year old memories folks.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,derek
Date: 12 Aug 15 - 09:54 AM

I remember sitting in the "parcel" section of the train back from Lincoln with the Incredibles!

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 12:29 PM

Just found this thread, prompted to look up Tupholme Manor after my program from the festival turned up in a box of memorabilia. Hadn't thought about it in a long time! I'm from the States and was backpacking through England at what I now (as a grandmother) think is a shockingly young age. I remember best Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee and the Byrds. No memory of Buffy St. Marie, but the latrines were vividly etched in memory so maybe that's where I was when she was on stage. Though I don't look back on my youth as a golden era, I'm glad to have been able to see so many whose music I still love and listen to.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Sue
Date: 04 Oct 15 - 01:27 PM

Still have fond memories of this festival. Travelled from south London, staying in Nottingham with friends before cadging a lift with them to Lincoln. Little did I realise that eight years later I would be offered a job here and have stayed ever since! Amazed how so many people fitted into the field at Tupholme Manor as it seems quite small and isolated now. A great event - happy days!

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Jonny Soprano
Date: 03 Nov 15 - 06:46 AM

Missed most of the festival because of work. Dashed to the site just as the crowd was departing. Felt like i had let a little piece of history slip through my fingers.
Found a pub close by where i guy gave me a copy of the programme called :A Concert Of Contemporary And Traditional Folk Music. Still in excellent condition.
I was 20 years old and thought i new everything. I'm 65 this coming Saturday. Where did it all go?

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Pavane
Date: 30 Nov 15 - 09:58 AM

I was there too. Drove a group of friends from a club - I think it was the Herga. Never to be forgotten! Never thought much of James Taylor before, but he was GOOD. And Buffy and Sonny and Brownie stand out in my memory. It was the only time I ever saw Sandy Denny, too.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Mar 16 - 11:09 AM

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Paul Richard Sheridan
Date: 07 Sep 16 - 06:41 AM

I was there.Fantastic...I remember seeing topless girls as well as al the acts. I remember wishing I was James Taylor! So memorable. I went with Graham Drew and David Smith = all of us from Grimsby.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 07 Sep 16 - 09:35 AM

Wasn't there but can listen to Sandy Denny's set!!

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 07 Sep 16 - 10:23 AM

Georgiansilver (2014)....Yes, the Great Western Festival was a different one, the following year (1972). I was there.

There was a Folk Tent, and I remember Harvey Andrews and Anne Briggs performing there.

Main stage was bands such as Focus, Nazareth, Wishbone Ash, Joe Cocker, The Beach Boys, Rory Gallagher and loads more. Not much folk there!

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 07 Sep 16 - 02:06 PM

Thanks Rob....

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Descartes
Date: 03 Sep 17 - 03:09 PM

I was there in 1971, with a couple of uni mates.

We travelled up by train from Cambridge, and walked to the festival site from Lincoln - and back again the following day.

And I recently discovered that my sister-in-law's partner of the last 4 years was also there - probably sitting next to us. He unearthed his own copy of the programme.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 03 Sep 17 - 04:23 PM

The order of appearance, listed above, certainly isn't correct.
Ralph McTell did open the show but Buffy st Marie appeared very late in the show.
I'm tempted to say that she was the penultimate act with Carthy/Swarbrick closing proceedings.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Spider Maghee
Date: 17 Sep 17 - 08:09 AM

Arrived at the site on Friday night, parked up in a field and walked into the village to find a pub. Mission accomplished we were having a few beers while some guy was abusing a piano in the corner. Then a group of Hells Angels walked in and Altamont sprang immediately to mind. One of them announced that his mate could actually play the piano and would we mind awefully if they entertained us. The whole pub ended up singing Rock N'Roll songs. Probably my favourite memory of a great weekend although the Byrds blasting into So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star is a close second.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Barbara Smock
Date: 05 Oct 17 - 09:37 PM

I still have my £2 ticket. I thought (at the time) the Byrds sucked, but James Taylor made me melt... We had all been smoking of course - the air was thick with a sweet heavy smell. I married the guy I was with at the time and moved to America. I'll never forget that concert....

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,D Milne
Date: 10 Feb 18 - 05:52 PM

Went there with my cousin and a couple of friends. We arrived too early the Monday or Tuesday. We were interviewed by the local newspaper, although never got a copy. The hells angels came up to our tents as we were the only ones there. One of them volunteered me to go with him into town to buy alcohol on his easy rider style bike. Never to be forgotten. For some mad reson we took my cousins dog Turk with us. Don't know what we were thinking.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Wounded
Date: 26 Jul 19 - 03:20 PM

Drove to Lincoln from Dover in 1971. Engine blew 60 miles short. Had to hich back following week to collect. A great bill opened by Ralph McTell, who played superb ragtime guitar and had the whole crowd joining in his recently written Streets of London. He was followed by an acoustic Dion with Abraham, Martin and John, Ruby baby etc. I was very anxious to see Tim Hardin, whose songs I first heard through Bobby Darin and Scott Walker. He sang his well-known Lady came from Baltimore, Black sheep boy, and Reason to believe in a style which was too jazzy at times and failed to project to the audience as it should have. Steeleye Span were entertaining. Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee were a thrill to see after all those years of listening to their records. Their set was pretty well the one they recorded at The Troubadour with Lightnin' Hopkins, which I had bought on the Saga label, and included the wonderful Just rode in your town. Sandy Denny was billed to appear with Fotheringay but they'd since disbanded. Instead, she sang powerfully with Richard Thompson, Dave Pegg and Gerry Conway who, I'm told, called themselves The Happy Blunderers - I thought I recalled her saying they were The Bunch. Tom Paxton was so predictably superb, that we thought we'd leave, so good had been the feast. Still to come were The Byrds, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick and James Taylor and Buffy Sainte Marie. However, as we were making our preparations and farewells, The Byrds came on stage. They had been billed to play an acoustic set, but they stormed on with the electric Rock and roll star and played a classic set which included a cymbal knocking over version of Jesus is just all right and an acoustic second half which included Chestnut Mare. They were magnificent. I hadn't been a fan previously, but now I was converted. When they finished, that really was it for us. It couldn't get any better. By this time the audience at the back were chucking cans about and setting fire to the rudimentary toilets which straddled a long ditch.

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Alan Watson
Date: 29 Oct 19 - 04:51 PM

The first festival I ever went to... and what a line up!! Like so many others, it's the Byrds, James Taylor, Buffy and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee (why did only two of them turn up?). We caught the train from Donny on Friday Night, camped that night and Saturday too under a huge ex-army bell tent, which no-one had an idea about erecting. I have read elsewhere that Cat Stevens (quite a star at the time) turned up and asked to play but was told, in no uncertain terms, that no pop stars were wanted on the bill!! Don't know if it's been posted before but here's a link to the Byrds playing at the festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfUuDTJmAOw

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Mike Boursnell
Date: 05 Nov 20 - 10:33 AM

I remember that some of Steeleye Span were late, so Tim Hart and Maddy Prior did some stuff from "Summer Solstice".

Subject: RE: 'Lincoln' Folk festival July 1971
From: GUEST,Paul Martin from nearby Newark
Date: 19 Apr 22 - 04:05 PM

I hitched up Friday evening from Uni summer hols building-site job in London, crashed out at the family house in Newark, parents away on holiday, don't remember how I got to the festival site next day. Met up with some gorgeous Dutch girls, but sadly nothing happened even in the big tent that night. A great, great day. Wish I could remember what words the Incredibles were singing as the sun went down! And Buffy Saint Marie definitely sang later on, I clearly remember her red dress in the spotlights in the darkness. And the Byrds were not exactly folk but great! Superb, a brilliant experience.