Saltburn v Pickering

Subject: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,Scoresby
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:13 AM

There has been a lot of debate between these two festivals being on the same date and generally in the same area ( ie Yorkshire, the biggest county in England)

All you have to remember is one has been built up over many years through folk club fund raising, hard unpaid work by organisers and committees' and a love of the music and tradition which the festival supports.

The other is a large business attempt to milk off a quick profit from their showfield (during a quiet week for them), by booking the dearest artists from the agents lists. They have little knowledge of the the acts or the audiences who buy the tickets, or the ethos and tradition of these audiences. If this festival doesn't provide a payout for the business it will be axed...

It is also sad that some acts now only go for the money too...

Make your own mind up!!!

There's only one way to sort this out!!!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Mr Happy
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:18 AM

Which is?

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:19 AM

Or two ways...take your pick!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:45 AM

Looking at their websites, Pickering seems to me to be a concert-only, strictly sit-back-and-listen, and don't-sing-during-the-choruses kind. Too many "superband" or "see them here and on TV" acts, and I see no nod towards participation of any sort.

While Saltburn gives me a totally different feeling; much warmer.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: JHW
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 03:46 PM

I agree with George. I once went to Skagen Festival (Denmark)and had a great Saturday night on the harbour singing on a bollard for hours to many because No One there did anything but listen to artists on stage.    No singarounds, no sessions of any sort, nothing to participate in. I hope we don't go that way over here. I'll always go for the setup, never the lineup.
John Wilson

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,Steve Gardham
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 05:36 PM

ABSOLUTELY

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 03:43 AM

"a large business attempt to milk off a quick profit from their showfield ... They have little knowledge of the the acts or the audiences who buy the tickets, or the ethos and tradition of these audiences."

"Looking at their websites, Pickering seems to me to be a concert-only, strictly sit-back-and-listen, and don't-sing-during-the-choruses kind."

You don't think you're prejudging it just a little, do you, Scoresby and George?

I get the impression that it'll be a great family festival with, hopefully, something for everyone. I think it's really unfair that, on the one hand, people are clamouring for folk music to have a greater exposure to the widest possible audience (am I wrong - do we want it to remain an elitist genre?) and yet they put down a new and brave initiative out of hand with a lot of unsubstantiated allegation.

Well I, for one, am going to go and see what it's like. I'll certainly be taking my instruments and will be playing somewhere, at some stage, even if it's only by the caravan. In my opinion, impromptu sessions are the best anyway - organised ones always seem to get hijacked by groups who know each other or by melodeon players (oops, sweeping statement on my part!). I wouldn't be going to Saltburn anyway, so there's no loss to them and I expect that most of the Pickering audience will never have heard of Saltburn. Let's just try to keep an open mind here.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 03:55 AM

Of course I am prejudging, leveller - it's before the event; and as I said, my impression is based only on what I can see on the websites. But surely, it is OK to have a view? I have not condemned them after all, simply expressed an opinion as an answer to a question.

And events may prove me wrong in holding that view, certainly. It won't be the first time, and I won't be too proud to admit it, if it happens. But for now, based on what I know today, this is my (personal, nobody has to accept it or follow it, but I won't let anyone steal my right to it) view.

I can't go, so it would be good if you (and anyone else who does go) give us feedback from pickering FF on this (or perhaps better on a separate) thread.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:14 AM

George, I notice that you're booked for Satlburn. Would you have turned down a booking for Pickering if they'd asked you first?

All I'm saying is that we who love folk music should be glad that someone is prepared to risk money by putting on another folk festival. I'll certainly give an honest assessment afterwards (for what it's worth). Let's hope that, if it continues, they'll hold it on a different weekend to Saltburn, then there won't be the 'either/or'.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Folkiedave
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:18 AM

I don't think it becomes anyone from criticising artists (or there agents) for accepting the gig. That's what artists do. Since Saltburn wasn't booking them who can blame them?

My own opinion is that they have made such a poor job of marketing this festival they may struggle to break even.

But that is their privilege.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:25 AM

No, I wouldn't have turned down Pickering - why should I anyway. The opinion I expressed above is "as a punter". I also expressly stated on the other Pickering thread that my view had nothing to do with my booking for Saltburn (I haven't been there yet either by the way, so at this stage I have personal experience of neither festival).

It is possible to have differing views on the same event, with different hats on. As a performer I like a good sound, attentive audiences, pre- and post-gig comfort and a good fee among other things. Given my songs, I prefer participating audiences, but I will happily play for passive ones also.

As a punter I like a good variety of concerts and singarounds, plenty of opportunities for harmonising with others, a good set of stalls and dancing to while away the time in between, some good food and craic. All of these would also be nice with a performer's hat on, but not necessary for "Performing George" - they are important to "Punter George" though.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Banjiman
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:27 AM

Leveller,

That's alright for you then! The problem for me is it gives me a real dilemma, assuming there are joiny inny things at Pickering, I'm really torn between the 2....they are about the same distance, excellent, (if very different) acts at both, same price range.......feel some loyalty towards Saltburn (especially as Wendy won the Songwriter comp there last year and the organisers are part of the local "folk scene") but Pickering might be easier with the kids as I understand it is on one Green field site........Might be too difficult, could end up staying at home and playing at the local (Kirkby Fleetham) village feast instead!

(I know, how dare they put Saltburn and Pickering on the same weekend as the mighty Kirkby Fleetham Village Feast which pre-dates either of them by at least a couple of centuries......and is truly traditional)

Actually, now I think about it, anyone for a session/ singaround at Kirkby Fleetham (40 miles from Saltburn/ Pickering)?....It's free, can arrange free parking for campers/ caravans, we've got some great local players/singers.........and there is a talent competition and pet show at the feast if anyone fancies it!

Paul

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:29 AM

Oh, and I agree 100% with you leveller about those prepared to put their own time and effort (and money too, in many cases) into organising festivals (and clubs and other events). They are to be admired and applauded.

And I also agree with your wish about having different dates in future. Here's hoping.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:32 AM

This thread is very depressing.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Banjiman
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:46 AM

Ruth,

Why depressing? Choice is good (except when you can't make your mind up!).

Paul

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:56 AM

I think so too, Paul. I don't understand this concept that there are some festivals which are fundamentally "good" and some which are "bad". The company running Pickering hardly seems a multinational conglomorate - they seem to run steam rallies and country fairs.

The two events are so different as to attract completely different audiences.

The thing that also winds me up is that many of the people who slag off Pickering will be the same people who don't buy a festival ticket anyway - they largely attend more participative fringe events. Good luck to them. But why shouldn't other types of punters attend a festivval they will probably enjoy very much, if they're willing to pay for the privelege? WHy the aggressive nature of the first post?

i am inclined to support new folk initiatives. Do we know whether Pickering is working with local folk enthusiasts to put together its festival and its programme? It all seems a bit of a knee-jerk reaction.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:59 AM

Banjiman - Kirby Fleetham feast sounds brilliant! Hmmmm...see your dilemma; the singaround sounds very enticing. Haven't actually booked for Pickering yet but what attracted me was, as you say, that there seems to be plenty for kids (my 8-year old even gets bored at Cambridge!) and it's also very easy for me to get there. Plus, of course, great line-up.

Choices, choices - what was going to be a relaxing summer is turning into the usual festival frenzy - love it!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Banjiman
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 05:15 AM

Though I am pro-choice........I do worry slightly that Pickering might impact Saltburn numbers (which would be a shame, it is a good festival) ....if the organisers could move it for next year that would be a great thing.

However, all new (folk, folky, folkish) festivals should be encouraged and I assume the organisers had good reasons for putting it on this particular weekend.

I like the idea of a session at our Village Feast to be honest now that I've thought of it so I'm about to talk to the feast organiser! We have played there but not done a participative thing before. We have lots of festivals that we have to attend this summer (as Wendy has bookings), I think the kids will appreciate a weekend at home with their friends!

Funny isn't it, without the Pickering dilemma we would just have gone to Saltburn...........

I guess I am now discounted from having a view on Pickering v Saltburn!

Paul

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:12 AM

I now feel that I have to comment on these varying views having read them over the last few days.

"The other is a large business attempt to milk off a quick profit from their showfield (during a quiet week for them), by booking the dearest artists from the agents lists. They have little knowledge of the the acts or the audiences who buy the tickets, or the ethos and tradition of these audiences. If this festival doesn't provide a payout for the business it will be axed..."

George, this is complete and utter drivel! How do you know what knowledge the organisers have? Please tell me how you came to this ridiculous conclusion. I suspect that the person putting this show together would be deeply hurt by this were they to read it. It looks like a very tasty little line-up to me. I don't think you could book such a varied and talented programme WITHOUT having such an extensive knowledge. I, personally will definately be going to Pickering. I've been to too many tedious singarounds and talentless sessions in my time. In fact the ONLY reason that most of these 'musicians' are in sessions and singarounds is because they haven't got a prayer of ever being booked at a festival like Pickering! They're nearly always run by 'the clique' as well that turn up year after year out of duty.

"All you have to remember is one has been built up over many years through folk club fund raising, hard unpaid work by organisers and committees' and a love of the music and tradition which the festival supports."

More drivel I'm afraid. How is it a sin to be starting up a new festival? Everything has to start at the beginning. If this company in Pickering were so adamant about making money would they have seriously organised a folk festival? Surely with their 'apparent' wads at their disposal they would have gone for the Rock option. Seriously big headliners at seriously expensive ticket prices.

Get real guys. It's not a competition. It's entertainment.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Banjiman
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:19 AM

"In fact the ONLY reason that most of these 'musicians' are in sessions and singarounds is because they haven't got a prayer of ever being booked at a festival like Pickering!"

.....er, no not always true.....I think you are also guilty of some drivel here.

Paul

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:30 AM

"They're nearly always run by 'the clique' as well that turn up year after year out of duty."

Not sure about turning up out of duty but I've certainly got the impression that signgarounds can be dominated by cliques of people who've known each other for years - I've found this at Whitby and Towersey, in particular, and it can be quite intimidating for someone who isn't one of the group to join in. Also, with a small child in tow, it can be difficult to participate as they don't want to be sat around (or stood) in a crowded pub for hours. I'm not saying Saltburn is like this as I've never been, but a festival on a single site can be much easier for both parents and children.

Any families with young children going to Saltburn? I'd be interested to hear how it works for you.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:31 AM

Maybe so Paul and I'll happily retract it! Interesting that that's the only point you picked up on though :-)

May I also add that the comment about 'booking the dearest artists from the agents lists' is somewhat insulting to those artists. They are ALL highly skilled musicians and worthy of an appearance on any festival programme.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:40 AM

GUEST, The Input

I agree that the text you quoted is "less than perfect" (I hesitate to use your term only out of politeness). However, you have erroneously attributed it to me; in fact it was written by the creator of this thread, GUEST, Scoresby. And as you can see from my own postings, at no point did I subscribe to the views you mention.

It's not that I don't talk drivel sometimes, I am only human. But I don't like to be blamed for someone else's views. I carry enough blame for my own. 8-)

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:46 AM

Aaaah, um.... yes. I do apologise George although I still disagree with most of your views ;-)

So SCORESBY................ GGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Perhaps you would like to comment!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:49 AM

No worries about disagreeing with my views, GTI, happy to discuss them if you like. Equally happy if you dismiss them - they are only "my" views after all and should affect nobody else.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:56 AM

"Looking at their websites, Pickering seems to me to be a concert-only, strictly sit-back-and-listen, and don't-sing-during-the-choruses kind. Too many "superband" or "see them here and on TV" acts, and I see no nod towards participation of any sort."

Ian Bruce, Pete Morton, Luka Bloom, Stan Acc, Eliza Carthy........ Don't-sing-during-the-choruses?

'Superbands'are just that George for one very good reason which I shouldn't really have to spell out. There's nothing wrong with making a good living at what you do best!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:01 AM

.....and I notice that Scoresby has disappeared completely since 'sewing the seed'. Come back you coward, I'll bite yer legs off! :-)

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Banjiman
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:06 AM

"Maybe so Paul and I'll happily retract it! Interesting that that's the only point you picked up on though :-)"

Guest,The Input. That's because it is the only one I disagree with.....read my posts.

Leveller, we did Saltburn last year with 2 young children (6 & 7 at last years festival) and we camped. It worked OK, though Greenfield sites such as the utterly brilliant Dent Festival (not just because they've booked Wendy, we would have been going anyway as punters) are obviously easier.

We did plenty of singarounds both at venues and on the campsite, watched a few concerts and had a main stage appearance . The most difficult bit with kids was the main stage concert.....it was very stuffy and they both got quite tetchy while hanging around....and then slept through our "big" moment! They built a fantastic beer mat sculpture at one of the singarounds....and no one complained.

Paul

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:07 AM

Ah, but read my words carefully, GTI. I referred to the setup as "don't-sing-during-the-choruses", and not the artists! Big difference! I have seen most of the artists you name (except Luka) in both kinds of setup: the sit-and-listen one, where if you hum along you get scowls from the folks around you; and the more intimate and participatory one where you are welcome to join in. Being a self-confessed "harmony slut", I personally prefer the latter. And I don't think there is any artist that would object to people joining in on the choruses (though some, rightly, object to people joining in with the verses!)

As for "superbands", I don't begrudge them their living - not in the least; what gave you that idea? The majority are not my cup of tea, that's all. Horses for courses.

Innocent on both counts, therefore. I only stated personal preferences, don't read more into my words than is there.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:12 AM

GTI, I reckon Scoresby dropped one and ran. You know, fights to start, inciting to be done, a troll's work is never done.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:20 AM

Yes George and my point is that do you honestly think that Pete, Eliza, Ian and Luka are going to set a 'don't-sing-during-the-choruses' tone? I don't think so.

I can't help feeling that many on here have doomed Pickering's new festival before it's even had it's arse slapped. (That's not levelled at you particularly George). Give them a break. If Saltburn's your bag then go along and have a great time but please, please, please wish the same for Pickering. I'm afraid that old-fashioned attitudes will never win new festival-goers. I'm predicting that the average age at Pickering will be considerably lower than at Saltburn.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:24 AM

"I'm predicting that the average age at Pickering will be considerably lower than at Saltburn. "

Oh bugger - maybe I'd better not go or I could spoil the average!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:33 AM

No problem with the tone Eliza et al set, GTI. And we'll also agree on this - Pickering should be given a chance.

You may also be right about the age average.
Unless theleveller goes, of course :-)

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:36 AM

Oh bugger! So might I! My point is that festivals have to offer something for all ages otherwise they will die. If organisers can hook them now when they're in their early teens then they'll have hooked them for life. My kids started going with us from tiny toddlers.... Sidmouth, Cambridge, Broadstairs etc. They now are old enough to buy their own tickets and go along with their mates. In fact, around 20 of them descend on Towersey and Cambridge every year (all aged between 18 and 25). We do take a little pride in this and yes, they're all going to Pickering. Why? Because of the camping experience, the price and, most of all, the line-up. Big fans of The Waterboys, Nizlopi and Tiny Tin Lady.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: theleveller
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:47 AM

"Though I look old, yet I am strong and lusty..." As you Like It, Scene 2

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:50 AM

LOL! Now, that one I MUST remember! Cheers :-)

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:26 PM

Though I look old I am wrong and rusty is nearer the mark for me.

:D

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,Steve Gardham
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:58 PM

A similar position is reached in a couple of weeks. A new festival (First last year) has started at Helmsley on the same weekend as Holmfirth. The lady running the show has no idea what a folk festival consists of but has booked 3 cracking acts for the Fri, Sat, Sun night concerts and is willing to listen to advice about other aspects. I keep trying to get her to involve some of the inevitable local folkies without success. However she is very brave and is making a really good effort and is to be applauded for this. I hope it goes off well. I'll be there for all 3 concerts and a few singarounds and workshops she's asked me to run.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Betsy
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 05:44 PM

Performers need gigs and vice versa , and ticket payers want the type of Festival which pleases or suits them.
It will all find it's own level - Que sera , sera. No need for anyone to get bent out of shape , only to ask the question why didn't Pickering do it's homework / exercised a little courtesy re:- Saltburn's established dates, then ALL of us could have attended BOTH with everyone happy instead of dividing us (in more ways that one).
It's a pity isn't it ?

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: nutty
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:12 PM

The reason The Events Office chose those dates was to fit in with its own events calendar. see here

I doubt if they ever gave a thought to what and where other things might be happening.

I still feel that its strange for an organisation putting on country fairs, steam rallies, bikers events to name but a few, would want to put on a headliners folk festival for any other reason but that they expect to make money.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: Folkiedave
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:46 PM

I still feel that its strange for an organisation putting on country fairs, steam rallies, bikers events to name but a few, would want to put on a headliners folk festival for any other reason but that they expect to make money.

Well they might have chosen something else had they known what people would say about them on here!!

But seriously folks - have you come across a festival that set out to lose money?

I can think of one festival that is not all that bothered whether it makes money or not and that is because - discretely - it has a well-off patron who subsidies is out of his own pocket. And last year it had visitors from France amongst other places.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: stallion
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 08:01 PM

What bothers me is that we were not invited to either, having being deemed good enough to support M.C. and the Young Coppers, ah no agent, and we are difficult to contact, can't even get a gig in my home town ( Scarborough Seafest) I concur with George with the "fringe" stuff but I think these sort of things develop over time and since Pickering is debut it is a very much "wait and see" brief. However, my motive for posting is to enquire as to why we are not invited to these events? Pickering is only a few miles away from York. Anyway 2BS&S have a Myspace site. End
Peter

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: LesB
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 08:05 PM

There has been a lot of talk about the 'Great' line up at Pickering. That all depends of who floats you boat. It's all irrelevent to me as I won't be going to either, with them being 160mls away & just a week away from Whitby (where i will be going), but the same distance. All too much for me.
But if i was choosing ... ( & these are just my opinions)
Pickering.....Water Boys (Pop gp), Cara Dillon ( not for me),Luka Bloom(?), Johnny Dickenson, Tin Tin Lady, Marie ne Chatashaigh & Mike Newman, (not bothered), Eddi Reader, & Hot House Flowers bloke & Sqeeze bloke (might be interesting),Last Nights Fun (not keen) tim Edey Band (might be interesting), Eliza Carthy (big fan), Carth & Swarb (good)C.B.S. Demon Barbers Pete Morton Les Barker (big fan), Bella Hardy ( would like to see) most of the rest (not bovered).
Saltburn......Vin Garbutt, Sands Family, Flossie Steve Tilston, Bill Whalley & Dave Fletcher,Tro Threlfall, Jez Lowe & the Bad Pennies, The Wilsons, Roy Bailey, George Papavgeris, Marie Little, Robin Laing,(are all people I would pay to go & see, in fact all are people I could see in folk clubs)
As such these are the mainstay of folk festivals for me. So my choice would be Saltburn because most of the the artists are people I would like to see unlike Pickering where there are only a few.
But thats only my opinion. You may differ & probably will.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: theleveller
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 03:10 AM

"You may differ & probably will."

Yep!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 03:59 AM

Yep! Without question!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 04:07 AM

By the way LesB, Luka Bloom is Barry Moore, Christy's brother. Hugely talented in his own right. Great singer/songwriter. Check him out first chance you get. Also, The Waterboys are NOT pop and never have been. Rock, maybe. They're hardly The Boyzone of the folk circuit. I'm thinking that any band that has, Seamus Begley, Mairtin O'Connor, De Danann, Sharon Shannon etc on two of their albums can't really be called a pop act!

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,Betsy at Work
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 04:16 AM

Hiya Hazel . See Nutty's message above . It's not until you open the blue clicky that I fully understood what she has written .
Well spotted Nutty.
The "Events Office" seems to be a "stand alone" Company involved in staging events from the South of England to Edinburgh and their activities don't seem to indicate that they are Folk music (or music for that matter )orientated, which is why (they appear to me) to have not done their homework regarding existing established dates of Saltburn.
If they are a cash-laden Co.they may well have said "F*** Saltburn we're going ahead no matter what" who knows ?.
I may tell readers, Nutty did a Programmed Event at Saltburn - a Workshop on accessing Folk music / and related sites (including things like Mudcat)via the Internet. I never got to speak to her as she was too busy attending to people of all ages in their thirst for this sort of knowledge.
Another direction for Festivals to go, if, and when, resources allow , and an illustration that a Traditional Festival doesn't necessarily mean being stuck in a time warp.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 04:23 AM

De gustibus non disputandum (just showing off...)

The artists in both lineaups are all excellent and I would pay to see live any one of them - and have indeed done so, for most of the above (except for Damien's Demons, Luka Bloom, Cara Dillon and Eddie Reader whom I missed by a hair recently, but I have seen them on video). And I have not yet seen Ben Sands - looking forward to it greatly. My personal favourite from the Pickering lineup is Tim Edey, whom I saw at the back end of last year in London and he just blew me away. Don't miss him, those who go there.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,PFF 2008
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 04:47 AM

Having been pointed in the general direction of these discussions I feel that maybe it is time to pass comment. Let me assure anyone here that has any doubts that The Events Office are dedicated supporters and lovers of Folk Music. I say this whilst sitting listening to a copy of Black Mountains Revisited by Julie Murphy. The organisers of Pickering Folk Festival 2008 are as knowledgable about folk music as anyone here. The festival clashes (unfortunately) with Saltburn because a) It suits the calendar of events and b) It was deemed to be wise to avoid clashing with other 'major' festivals that are held on EVERY weekend throughout the summer months Whitby (week after), Cambridge, Sidmouth (week before) etc. Naturally, The Events Office would like to welcome as many of you along as possible whilst wishing the very best to the organisers of Saltburn Festival (and yes, we have been there many times). Regarding participatary events at Pickering, there will be singarounds, sessions, workshops, morris and children's entertainment. As for the question of late advertising, this was due to problems beyond our control. Rest assured, you will see flyers and posters over the coming four months everywhere you go.

If you have any questions about the Pickering Folk Festival regarding any subject please go to www.pickeringfolkfestival.com or email to [e-mail]

Regards.

Subject: RE: Saltburn v Pickering
From: GUEST,Scoresby
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 04:51 AM

Quote from THE MAIN EVENT the magazine for event organisers...

Front Page Headline: Claims that market is overcrouded.

"The music festival market is at risk of becoming overcrowded with stiff competition likely to force some organisers to pull the plug on their events... and there are fears the increasing number of new events will make it harder for new and smaller festivals to survive"

"The festival market is really crowded and the problem is that they all have to compete for bands, and also compete for their audiences"