Organisers. Why do we do it?

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: GUEST,Guest - begging the question
Date: 20 Sep 16 - 07:54 PM

How very strange - just a yes or no would have done.

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: GUEST,pauperback
Date: 20 Sep 16 - 09:54 PM

Hey pard, round here it's not wangle, it's wrangle, like the jeans

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 Sep 16 - 04:41 AM

Folk festivals are becoming more narrow in their provision of all encompassing attraction ~ this is of course their right ~ as it is for audience members to be more selective as to which festival best suits them
I would say that "some" festivals are becoming more narrow, as a reaction to "some" festivals becoming more wide.

It is all down to why they do it, narrow is because the organisers know their subject and do it for the love. Wide is because it pulls in the money, and ensures viability. And then there is the cynical lot who use it as an income, for that very reason.

Take a look at Cropedy, barely folk but it provides enough income in one weekend to keep a viable post office and stores, two pubs and a car repair shop in the village. And that was their reason to start it.

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 21 Sep 16 - 09:37 AM

Correct Mr Red

Ray

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: GUEST,Bloke in Groucho mask
Date: 21 Sep 16 - 01:26 PM

Perhaps more accurate if you say Cropedy is barely Mr Red's interpretation of folk.

One of the many folk festivals I enjoy year on year. Shows the variety of the genre, and not a single T shirt with 1954 on it...

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: Mr Red
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 06:52 AM

no ceilidh, limited variety. & FWIW once my active earplug are delivered I could be there at a respectable volume.

Compare some of the commercial UK festivals with the Les Grande Bals de l'Europe in Saint Gervaise/Gennetines, Bourbonnais France:
We welcome dancers and musicians who accept our invitation, our organization and contribute to running costs but we reject all forms of trade, propaganda and recruitment in the chamber meetings and on our car parks and grounds for camping ( some accredited persons are allowed to sell in these places in the public interest). (Goggle translate)

and it looks like I might be there next year. Maybe no ceilidhs, but wall to wall dancing. Mazurka anyone?

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 08:19 PM

Well I served my time as a festival organiser for a good few years, and still go back to the same festival as a volunteer. Lots of work, many grey hairs acquired, but loads of enjoyment too. Still on other organising committees and have had various artistes staying chez nous. Have never taken, or asked, for any payment, other than a limited amount of reimbursement for outlays such as buying badges and lanyards for committee officials, and some printing costs.

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: GUEST,Just Curious
Date: 22 Sep 16 - 08:24 PM

It's interesting that none of the long term / time organisers of major events have made any comment here.

Perhaps they have better things to do?

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 Sep 16 - 03:42 AM

Ihave organised a festival for 5 years, how do you define long?is it not long enough to have an opinion.

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: GUEST,Bloke in Groucho mask
Date: 23 Sep 16 - 04:15 AM

These days, with it losing its way, most people don't bother with Mudcat.

Even me.

Where am I??

Hang on, I'll just pinch myself

Subject: RE: Organisers. Why do we do it?
From: Mr Red
Date: 23 Sep 16 - 04:25 AM

A moot point and not entirely thread drift.
Why did Max do it?
Because he could?