Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)

Subject: Last Four Fools Folk Festival
From: Barb'ry
Date: 16 May 07 - 04:12 PM

This year's Four Fools Folk Festival is going to be the last one so it would be great to see lots of you there. It's 29th 30th June and 1st July and has some fantastic guests:
Alison McMorland and Geordie McIntyre, Tom Napper and Tom Bliss, Bernard Wrigley, Steve Turner, Brian Peters, Peta Webb and Ken Hall, Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, Shellback Chorus and a whole pile of morris sides, to name but a few on the list!
The festival takes place at Lostock Hall Community High School but there is a fine real ale bar and food (and cakes).
There are also lots of singarounds and music sessions, so plenty for everyone to do.
Have I sold it?
Barb'ry
now the attempt at blue clicky
http://www.four-fools.co.uk

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival
From: Alio
Date: 16 May 07 - 05:55 PM

The last one Barbara?!! That's terrible! Why?

Ali

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 16 May 07 - 05:56 PM

The last? I'm sorry, last year was my first. Mind you, was a bit perplexed to find a "Celebrating 20 years of Shopmobility" banner as the tour bus pulled in...

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Andrew
Date: 16 May 07 - 06:32 PM

Four Fools is a great little festival. I know it's had to move around a bit but the organisers always do a splendid job in creating a special atmosphere and plenty of great music free from hype.

Andrew

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: LesB
Date: 16 May 07 - 06:52 PM

Alio, I'd heard rumours that it was to be the last Saddleworth as well!?
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: ragdall
Date: 16 May 07 - 06:58 PM

I'm sad to hear it will be the last. 2006 was my first. The organizers did a great job, I thoroughly enjoyed myself there. It was a highlight of my visit to the UK.

rags

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 17 May 07 - 02:06 PM

Another piece of sad news. What is the world coming to?
I've not managed to get to FFF for the past two or three years, sadly, but I came to some years before that and always found it one of the best in so many ways, not just in its well run and friendly organisation and great atmosphere and an excellent mix of performers.
So what's the story then Barb'ry?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 May 07 - 02:26 PM

Are you sure.
I played at four fools folk club and stayed with Ken and Angie at their house in April,and no mention was made of it being the last

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Alexis no cookie
Date: 17 May 07 - 02:42 PM

Slubbing Billy's are looking forward to coming.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 17 May 07 - 04:03 PM

Sad but true. I think Angie and Ken wanted it to continue but there is a continual battle getting 'bums on seats' etc, so decided it is time to call it a day.
It's a great shame. Maybe we can get a good turnout for it and try to persuade them otherwise!
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: John Routledge
Date: 18 May 07 - 01:42 PM

A great festival where the majority of the guest artists stay all weekend and join in.

None of this helicopter landing pad - perform - helicopter landing pad

Try to get there for some of the time.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 19 May 07 - 03:27 AM

Just sending off for my tickets now - bo ho if it's the last one 'cos it's a great atmosphere with plenty of singarounds to keep me happy!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 19 May 07 - 03:28 AM

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 08 Jun 07 - 12:23 PM

refresh - tickets going fast and you can come to the 'sing for Terry Whelan' singaround and concert too!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Jun 07 - 12:27 PM

Such a shame - can't you forget 'buns on seats' & make it a DIY fest instead?

What's the score with Saddleworth??

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Alio
Date: 08 Jun 07 - 01:46 PM

Only just returned to Mudcat again - another spell in hospital! I've been in that often that I recognised the ward cleaner had a new hairstyle! How sad is that?

This year's Saddleworth will be quite special hopefully as it's our 10th birthday, and the Festival CD looks - and sounds - brilliant! All the tracks have been donated by artists - local, national and international (all of whom have appeared at least once at the festival).

I'll be finishing this year - I've promised my children that I'll try to do a bit less - but the festival will go on I'm sure. The committee is now quite large, so there are plenty to take on the jobs.

But back to Four Fools - I know how hard it is to keep the energy going, but really hope that it won't be the last.

Ali

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 12:22 PM

So who's going then?

Barb- you didn't mention that Cara are also on the bill, featuring the lovely Oaklet on fiddle with whelk accompaniment.

See you there!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 05:04 PM

Look forward to seeing lots of you there - Sorry Noreen - 'and Cara are going to be there, too'!
B

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 05:46 PM

They are very good are Cara

Ali, so sorry to heer that you are still in and out of hospital. Best wishes.

Les

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:30 PM

Mr Happy said: "Such a shame - can't you forget 'buns on seats'"

Maybe that's the problem - buns make such a mess of your trousers when you sit on them. I prefer the up-market festivals where you get to sit on fresh cream cakes and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts removed.

I'll be there playing in the "Squeezer Geezer" concert on Sunday with Bill Whaley & Dave Fletcher, Brian Peters and Roy Clinging & Neil Brookes. And probably around at other times.

See you there
Martin

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,M&C
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 07:22 PM

Moor & Coast Food Tent will be there...

and... a little secret...

Next year's dates are 27 - 29 June 2008

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Soldier boy
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:37 PM

Sounds like there will be a festival next year then GUEST,M&C !
Please tell.
Glad that Moor & Coast food tent will be there.
I've not been to this festival before and it's the first time our side has been invited so I'm interested to find out how it works.
Is it all based around the Lostock Hall Community High School with all concerts,musician sessions, sing-arounds, dance outs and workshops etc etc all on site?
In other words is it pretty much self contained or are there any happenings going off in nearby pubs as well and is there a late night sing-around in an acoustic-enhanced shower block?
Sorry to be a sad B but the late night sing-around in the showers at the Moor and Coast Festival has always been a fovourite with me.
I'm probably going to get some disparaging comments and sad innuendos by saying this but who cares!!
What are your best bits about this festival?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 02:58 AM

Ah! so the secret's out. I wasn't sure whether it was common knowledge so I kept shtum (if that's how you spell it).

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Sparkles
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 08:52 AM

I'm a little confused, which one is happening next year 4 Fools or Saddleworth? And why is it a secret? I've been to Four Fools, it was great.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: John Routledge
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 09:14 AM

Sparkles - Looks like both festivals :0) In the current climate even great festivals do not have a 100% certain future

I love this Festival which combines a considerable amount of singing with a considerable amount of dancing and with many opportunities for musicians to get together and play.

Roll on Friday

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: nutty
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 09:32 AM

Do you have a programme John. I need to know what time things finish on Sunday. Any idea?

Looking forward to what has to be a great festival.

Wonderful line-up of wonderful people.

It would be a shame if it was to fold but then Ken and Angie have worked hard for so many years they deserve a rest.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Surreysinger
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 09:38 AM

Glad to hear that this festival is likely to continue -I've been thinking of going for years, and just when I think it might be a good idea next year an announcement is made that 2007 is the last!:-(

Mr Ellison..... "Maybe that's the problem - buns make such a mess of your trousers when you sit on them. I prefer the up-market festivals where you get to sit on fresh cream cakes and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts removed."

Surely sitting on cream cakes would make FAR more of a mess of the trousers than buns - just think of the grease stains from all that cream !! Mind you the cucumber sandwiches might be a bit safer?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 09:54 AM

Surreysinger - you have a valid point. I retract my comment and discard my soiled trousers.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 10:36 AM

Roll on Friday

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 10:46 AM

What a waste, sitting on all those buns.

Look before you seat.

LTS

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 11:49 AM

Oakley confirmed to me at the Beverely FF that he woudl be going-well I think it was to me-he was having trouble focusing at the time due and a glazed look which I suspect was Guiness induced.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 01:59 PM

There will be a wonderful cake stall too (with buns just for you, Martin!)
Still going to be the last Four Fools though - Angie seems determined!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 05:08 PM

you mean Ken and Angie are determined.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: nutty
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 07:02 PM

What Barb'ry said is most likely Dick.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 03:25 AM

For all musicians amongst you, whatever level, there is a 'slow and steady' tune session on Friday night starting at 8.30pm. I really like these sessions because all the tunes are played several times through at a slow pace, giving chance for the more instrumentally challenged (me) to grasp the tune! Things speed up a little bit but it never becomes a 'thrash 'em and bash 'em' session where you (I) can only join in every tenth note!
B

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Soldier boy
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 10:17 AM

Where are all sessions held Barb'ry?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 11:21 AM

hi Soldier Boy
Everything takes place within the school. The Hall, classrooms and library are all used and there is loads of space. Parking is easy around the school and the campsite is on the playing field at the back.
Everything starts on Friday with a couple of 'rolling concerts' from about 7.30ish but I could be wrong, perhaps it's earlier, I'll check, and there is also a singaround and the tune session. Events go on until midnight on Saturday and the final event on Sunday goes on until 11.30pm, which is a singaround with Wally and Lorna and at the same time there is a concert. No slacking! (or voices left!)

Looking forward to it
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 11:41 AM

Only one more day!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 01:48 PM

Me Johnny...

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Mr Red
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 01:59 PM

I told Ken nad Angie I might be able to make it next year and they didn't give a hint. so what is the

Next year's dates are 27 - 29 June 2008 applicable to?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 03:09 PM

Ken and Angie asked me to let everyone know that there would be no Four Fools Festival after this one. They do plan to do something else - different format, different structure etc and not a festival as such, which is probably what the M/C folks are referring to. I will leave her to make the announcement re exactly what it will be but it wont be called Four Fools! It may involve workshops of different types but is very much on the drawing board at the moment.
I don't think it's fair to preempt Angie and Ken but I will try and get them to give me some information to put on the site after this festival is finished.
b

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 06:43 PM

Whatever happens in the future lets make this one a festival to remember, and not just for the promised deluge on saturday and sunday.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Soldier boy
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 09:39 PM

Better bring me water-proofs and wellies then!!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Ruston Hornsby
Date: 29 Jun 07 - 07:40 AM

Buns on seats? This is Lancashire - it should be "barms".

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Goldengob
Date: 01 Jul 07 - 06:59 PM

Last or not it's been a great weekend!!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 04:09 AM

Well, it was great fun, as ever, in spite of the rain. Well done Ken and Angie and team.

The king is dead long live the king - watch this space!

Tom

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: nutty
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 06:24 AM

I've just arrived home after a most interesting and enjoyable festival.

Managed to get out before the roads gridlocked (chemical fire) and can testify to the fact that all the rain was in the west.

Highlights were Muldoons Picnic, such talented enthusiastic youngsters. I shall look forward to seeing more of them at Saddleworth.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 07:12 AM

Despite the festival being only 2 miles down the road and despite the fact that I was actually booked - I missed it.
A rather evil stomach bug laid me low from Friday - you really don't want details.
I hope the "Squeezer Geezer" concert went with a swing, sorry I missed it
Martin

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: andrewq
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 08:05 AM

Wonderful festival, as always. The ballad session in particular was excellent. Let's hope that next year's "different" event will still incorporate many of the things we know and love from Four Fools. The emphasis on trad. song has always been its strongest draw for me.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 08:44 AM

I certainly had a good time. The ballad session was the equal of any such session I've been involved in anywhere, including the National. And although Martin E. was sorely missed at the "Squeezer Geezers" event, we managed to have a good session without him. Hope you're feeling better, Martin.

Events in small rooms, with several singers or musicians playing round-robin at the front, often seems to bring out the best in performers, particularly traditionally-oriented ones.