Beverley Folk Festival

Subject: Beverley Folk Festival
From: festadmin
Date: 03 May 08 - 09:45 AM

As you may know by now, the festival is currently conducting a feasibility study into how the festival can develop into the future.

As part of the study, we have recently added a thread to the festival web forum and would welcome any comments.

To log in and add a comment, you can go to:
http://www.beverleyfestival.com/forum/

Please do let us know what you think.

Subject: Beverley folk Festival
From: Wildboy
Date: 13 May 08 - 09:37 AM

Hi all,

Beverley folk festival's website has now got a forum where you can air your views on the future of the festival. There is a study/consultation going on as to whether to keep the festival in town or move to a green field site or another town in the region. Have your say!
Forum

There is also a public meeting in the Tiger Inn, Beverley on Thurs 22nd May at 7.30pm for those who can make it.

Roy

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: oombanjo
Date: 13 May 08 - 01:19 PM

Having joined the BFF forum with the intent of gaining the intent of the organisers and giving my opinion on the issues. I found that there is only one issue, to move or not to move the festival out of Beverley. This was covered in a questionnaire at the last festival. With the result that the festival should not move out of town. The festival and the town go together to produce its atmosphere.    I for one would not like to see it go, and although I have issues with the way the festival is going I still think it is one of the best festivals in the country. If the intent is for the Festival to move there are questions to be raised. "Would they still seek funding from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council" or would they find alternative funding, would it still be a folk festival, or a world roots festival. These are only two questions but there are many more. Join the forum and post your questions, ask for a positive response and let the festival users gauge the way the organisers of the festival intend to develop the future of the Beverley Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 14 May 08 - 03:07 AM

Hola Oom old chap. Pardon me for being thick, but why do people want to move it out of town?

                     Flamenco, the true path!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 14 May 08 - 03:27 AM

Paco, here's part of an email I received from Chris Wade when I asked her the same question in June last year.

"There have been rumours about the festival moving. Well, it was certainly great this year and ideally we would love to keep it where it is. Having said that we are facing more and more difficulties with restrictions imposed on us at the venues and generally in the town with regard to signage, putting up posters, banners etc to publicise the event, all of which make life more and more difficult for us. And we want an easier life! We also have the problem of the fact that the Memorial Hall is likely to be closed for a year for renovations - and we are not sure when. It was supposed to have been this year - maybe it will be 2008 or not till 2009. In any case we need to plan ahead and work out the best way forward for when this happens."

Like many people, I wouldn't want to see the festival move out of town.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 14 May 08 - 04:27 AM

Ah! Thanks for that Mr Leveller.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,buspassed
Date: 14 May 08 - 05:06 AM

As we intend to move to Beverley in 18 months time I'd be well off piste if our arrival coincided with BFF being shunted into some sort of fenced-off enclosure on the Westwood aping that dreadful alleged Folk festival they have in Cambridge!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: oombanjo
Date: 14 May 08 - 02:31 PM

I doubt the westwood, more like 20 miles away!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,ET
Date: 14 May 08 - 03:30 PM

I would also like to see the Festival remain in Beverley andd East Riding County Council ought to appoint a liaison officer with decision making powers, to help overcome the increasingly petty and largely irrelevant nonsensical rules that burden just about everything done today.   I am sure if there was enough of the right publicity the Council, who own the site and have many rules to enforce, would pull out all the stops to keep the festival in town, don't you?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Gedpipes
Date: 15 May 08 - 04:42 AM

The festival ought not to be moved from the town
The organisers, principally Chris Wade, who I think does a great job, should be supported in that endeavour if that is her stated intention.

Perhaps EYCC should be encouraged to engage in a feasibility study which will enable it to reflect on the economic and social benefits which a cultural event of this kind brings to region enhancing its reputation and so forth. Such dialogue may well be convincing – maybe not.

Maybe the festival committee ought to reflect on scaling down the number of headline acts for a couple of years.
Clearly, it ought to make a ROI but that is not the sole reason for its existence.
Cheers
Ged

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 15 May 08 - 05:23 AM

Will there be a flamenco session this year?....... I'll get my coat!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 15 May 08 - 06:24 AM

"East Riding County Council ought to appoint a liaison officer with decision making powers"

"Perhaps EYCC should be encouraged to engage in a feasibility study"

I suppose, as a rate-payer, I'll be asked to pay for this.

Actually, EYCC do seem quite alert to the benefits of folk music if their encouragement of school projects is anything to go by (as anyone who saw the performance at last year's BFF by the fantastic group of youngsters whose name for the moment escapes me will appreciate).

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Folkiedave
Date: 15 May 08 - 07:21 AM

Move it twenty miles away? Pickering?

East Yorkshire Showground at Driffield seems the obvious place to me.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Anglogeezer
Date: 15 May 08 - 09:03 AM

FOLKIEDAVE said "East Yorkshire Showground at Driffield seems the obvious place to me."
HOWEVER, Driffield already has it's own folk festival, see here Driffield Folk Festival
So, a move there to set up on someone else's patch wouldn't go down very well would it???
Nor would it be the Beverley Folk Festival.
At the moment there's not enough information in the public domain to base any meaningful discussion on. So until the Beverley Folk Festival organisers give us something more substantial to go on there ain't much to discuss.

regards
Jake
(in Beverley)

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 15 May 08 - 02:12 PM

Beverley Advertiser says there is a public meeting in The Tiger Thursday May 22 at 7:30pm -it will be worth going along to hear views and submit ideas.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: oombanjo
Date: 16 May 08 - 01:42 PM

I'll see you there.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 16 May 08 - 02:53 PM

Beverley festival is a great festival with a unique Beverley town atmosphere. The loss of the Picture Playhouse and of Nellys were blows, and those venues brought visitors through Saturday market and added local flavour.

I wonder if the work on Norwood House is anywhere near being completed(?) as that would be a good venue. The parish hall next to the Minster is another great venue and perhaps that could be used.

Can anyone think of any other Beverly Town venues that could fill the gap left by the Picture Playhouse and Nellys while the Memorial hall is done up?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Willa
Date: 16 May 08 - 03:33 PM

Toll Gavel Methodist Church
Toll Gavel
Beverley
East Yorkshire
HU17 8PQ
is an excellent venue often used for plays/musical events and with several extra rooms available.

I think refreshments would be soft drinks only.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 16 May 08 - 03:39 PM

Guildhall, Treasue House Cafe area as a small venue?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: the button
Date: 16 May 08 - 03:52 PM

Good call, Willa. Dead central, too.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 May 08 - 08:42 PM

Having only got to the Beverley Festival on a day out from Leeds when I was Ooop north doing Missionary work , I think it would be a Criminal Act if it ceased to be IN the Town .


And see you at The Beck next week !

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,goodlife
Date: 17 May 08 - 04:57 AM

as anyone invited a representative from t council might be a good idea
tony

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 17 May 08 - 09:39 AM

"Having only got to the Beverley Festival on a day out from Leeds when I was Ooop north doing Missionary work "

Trying to convert the heathen barbarians of Yorkshire were you - you're lucky you didn't end up in a wicker man!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 17 May 08 - 09:40 AM

Damnation, forgot to sign in!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Pistachio
Date: 20 May 08 - 12:22 PM

Refresh/reminder

'public meeting in The Tiger, Lairgate, Thursday May 22 at 7:30pm' -

see you there.

H.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 20 May 08 - 12:28 PM

Not me

I'm away until Friday

r

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 22 May 08 - 06:15 PM

Chap collapsed at meeting and ambulance had to be called. Meeting postponed.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 27 May 08 - 01:06 AM

Trying to remember what was said before the meeting halted. There was mention of 'Beverley Folk Festival' now being just 'Beverley Festival'?, or was it 'Beverley Folk Roots and World Music Festival'? Hadn't realised that had happened.

There were questionaires around after a concert one year asking things like 'is it ok to include ..... music'. I thought it was meant to refer to an inclusion that wouldn't interfere with or take resources from the rest of the folk festival.

If there are questionaires around this year, anyone interested needs to get hold of one and fill it in. I'm going to take care to think about the implications of what it might be used for too.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 27 May 08 - 09:27 AM

I went to both the Saturday and Sunday night main concerts last year and had a great time. Judging by the attendance on both nights then reasonable profits should have been made. The present location is ideal as 'it's' all in the same area of Beverley. People like everything to be within walking distance of pubs (fringe events), and amenities which is what they've got now. Traveling further afield for weekend events could seriously effect numbers with the possiblity of the festival being seriousy fragmented. Artists should be willing to reduce their fees substantialy in order to perform at such a highly regarded annual event.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 27 May 08 - 02:30 PM

Hissyfit are on Sunday Afternoon 3:45 pm in the club room -come see!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Willa
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:25 PM

The programme is now on the website http://www.beverleyfestival.com/

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Willa
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:26 PM

Includes details of fringe events

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 08:43 PM

There is a new meeting scheduled for 11th June

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 07:18 PM

There is a suggestions section on the Beverley folk festival forum (see the 'forum' link Wildboy posted near top of thread).

If anyone has ideas they could post them there, in advance of the meeting next Wednesday. Could get some good ideas going and raise points to think about.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 06 Jun 08 - 06:37 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 07 Jun 08 - 09:30 AM

Has anyone else got helpful suggestions for the festival forum?
You go on the forum site, get on the topic 'thread' and click 'reply'

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: danensis
Date: 07 Jun 08 - 06:19 PM

I think it should take place in Beverley and feature folk music.

John

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 08 Jun 08 - 06:07 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 10:31 AM

Tomorow.
Public consultation meeting, Wednesday 11th June in the Tiger 7.30.
see the Beverley Folk festival forum website.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 04:00 PM

Would be an idea to get there for 7.15 as it will start promptly and could be crowded.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 08:07 AM

Public consultation meeting tonight re the future of Beverley Folk festival. See above.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 07:57 PM

As I understand it there will be an announcement at this years festival as to whether or not it will stay in Beverley and whether the word 'folk' will be dropped.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 05:41 AM

Well, what happened?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 06:22 AM

They say it's not decided yet. There will an announcement about whatever will happen at the end of this years festival. The directors that spoke said they wanted a music festival not a folk festival and that they would much prefer to be at another location. One of them (an odd person to be involved in Beverley folk festival) was strongly against both 'folk' and 'Beverley'. No one agreed with them, even the youngsters who wanted a rock music tent.

We think there will always be a Beverley folk festival of some kind. There has always been something going on, from the minstrels gathering in Medieval times to the dance groups that danced out for the efdss national day of dance pre the white horse folk club folk festival.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: nutty
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 06:35 AM

If that's the way they feel then, perhaps it's best that they move on.

Then Beverley's 'People' festival can rise again and give the people of Beverley what they want.

I think that the Shanty Festival together with a smaller folk festival would be perfect but that's just a personal opinion.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Kampervan
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 07:00 AM

Interesting goings on.
Well said Nutty.

I've been travelling up to Beverley for the folk festival since the mid eighties. I've missed one or two along the way, but I've certainly enjoyed every one that I got to.

It's gone through lots of ups and downs, many changes and we (the public) even managed to keep it going the year when there wasn't (an official) one.

If the powers that are now in control have decided that Beverley folk festival shouldn't be
a) About folk and
b) In Beverely

then let them go off and organise what they want, where they want. I've no doubt that Beverley won't be short of a Folk Festival for very long.

See you all soon.


K/van

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Willa
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 12:08 PM

I'll second that, nutty

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Michael
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 01:05 PM

It is rather like going to The Vatican Council and saying:
"It shouldn't be in Rome and shouldn't discuss religion".
Strange people.

Mike

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 15 Jun 08 - 06:12 AM

Beverley realy needs an arts centre and its silly that we don't have one. Massive amounts are raised from us rate-payers in Beverley and Beverley sees very little back. The East Riding authority (who get nearly all the money) spend a lot elsewhere. Pocklington have a nice arts centre and Bridlington have a lot spent on various costly projects.

Norwood house is a lovely historic building close to the center of town. The picture playhouse wasn't saved but it's not too late to do something with Norwood House.   If the current festival organisers move onto a different festival in a different place, an arts centre would be an ideal center for the organisation of events such as a traditional folk festival in Beverley.

We are writing to the Libraries, Arts and Heritage group manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Anyone else interested in this? See www.norwoodhouse.org    or    www.beverleyhigh.e-yorks.sch.uk/norwood/

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 15 Jun 08 - 07:12 AM

I agree that the shameful sale of the Playhouse by East Riding Council robbed us of a great venue and I would support any move to establish an arts centre in Beverley.

Roger

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Folkiedave
Date: 15 Jun 08 - 08:20 AM

Apologies to Jake - I did not know about Driffield Folk Festival and ought to have done.

Dave

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jun 08 - 09:43 AM

Hi Everybody,well Folk Week is just around the corner, and we have endeavoured to keep the pub as musically orientated in keeping with your kind advice, and our love for live music, not just for Folk Week but all year round, we now have a new piano, guitars, harp, violin, for all musicians to play etc..Looking forward to seeing you all again, and once again thank you for all your help. Love to you all...The Two Sisters..Sun Inn Beverley

---

This seems the most appropriate place for this message. I deleted 5 other copies. Please don't post the same message multiple times. ~Muderator

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: danensis
Date: 15 Jun 08 - 02:24 PM

What's happening to the memorial hall?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jun 08 - 04:56 PM

Rebuilding it next year

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 07:24 AM

If anyone fancies a flamenco session at the festival, I can be found this friday night in a corner of the carpark of The Tiger, quietly crying to myself over a rather fine peghead guitar!
                Flamenco, the true path!
       Paco - no mates - Rabanne.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 12:43 PM

Edwardio Niebla was booked a few years ago. He was fantastic. Made many a guitarist cry.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Kampervan
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 04:01 PM

Paco
After a posting like that I doubt very much that you will be crying to yourself. Just don't expect much in the way of dancing to complement your guitar playing!
(Unless of course there are talents out there which will be revealed.)

Looking forward to the weekend

K/van

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 16 Jun 08 - 06:04 PM

Dear Peghead Paco
What is it thats making you cry?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 03:05 AM

The loneliness of playing flamenco during a folk festival three sheds old fruit, hence the tears. But I shall also take my trusty octave mandolin for a tune or two as well.
                Edwardo Niebla is a splendid chap, Juan Martin has appeared at Beverley Folk Festival a few times too.
                see you in the car park!
                      Paco Rabanne
                      King pie procurer

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Si
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 05:21 AM

Thanks Jake. Took a look at your Driffield Folk Festival Link, that looks an interesting festival. Beverley definatly wouldnt want to step on their exciting toes.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 05:26 AM

Performing at the EcoFest just outside Louth this Saturday , so can't get to Beverley before Sunday, when I'm planning to catch The Watersons in the afternoon.

Anyone know if and where there are any open sessions around later on the Sunday teatime/evening at all?

Cheers!
Dáithí

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Carol
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 06:26 AM

The Sun for singers I should think the Tiger for musicians

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 07:10 AM

If you google Beverley folk festival and get to the festival website there is information under what's on for 'fringe'. Lots of tunes in the Tiger. Probably several sessions at once in the different rooms. The Sun will probably be mixed sessions. There is a Saturday afternoon session there year round now that is mixed, with plenty of tunes as well as songs.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 08:42 AM

Ill be in the tiger then - the guest beers recently have been ace, although due to general crap I havent been to many sessions lately - Graham & Jo, will you have your friday session as normal? (albeit a little more crowded?!!)

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 03:35 PM

Will be there as usual on Friday. There should be several sessions going on at once in different rooms in the Tiger.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Les from Hull
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 05:37 PM

The Festival Fringe page mentioned by Graham and Jo is here

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Dickie
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 05:45 PM

The Flivers will be holding a session in The Mariners on Saturday From 2pm till 6.30pm.. All welcome! It would be lovely to see you there!!

Come Flivering with us...

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Leila...
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 05:53 PM

I'll be there Dickie m'dears...

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 07:20 AM

Last minute camping only tickets should be available now on the Beverley folk festival website.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 12:00 PM

Do you know if the singing sessions in The Sun inn will be formal (with an MC) or informal and will The Sun be the main venue for singarounds?
It's a really good pub The Sun. Spent most of my time in it at the recent Beverly Beck Shanty Festival and was impressed with its layout (condusive to different sessions taking place in different rooms/levels at the same time),atmosphere, and also very importantly what looked to be the best and the biggest range of hand-pulled real ales in town.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Les from Hull
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 12:27 PM

SB - check out the festival fringe page that I've blickyed to in my earlier post. The Sun would seem to be looking after itself. I'm surprised about your comments about the Shanty Festival and the Sun, as the Shanty Festival wasn't using the Sun! I agree about the layout, beers etc., there's always a good welcome in the Sun. But you might want to check out some of the other sessions / singarounds as well.

Les

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 12:31 PM

The landlords of the sun have left it open. There are specifically tunes sessions in the Tiger on Friday. You may find that Saturday there are quite a few tunes in the Sun.
It won't be a quiet going round in a circle thing.
There are specifically singing sessions in Hodgesons and in the Monks Walk.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 12:37 PM

Just looked at the 'fringe' list. What's happened to Mick's singaround in the Monks walk? Couldn't see either.

Lots of people will be dissapointed.

It was always brilliant.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 12:50 PM

Hi Les. Thanks for your reply to my question. The sessions I came across in The Sun at the Shanty Festival were singarounds/playarounds by a small 'fringe'element and they were very good. I am suprised that the festival wasn't using The Sun. It seems to be too good a venue to miss out.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Les from Hull
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 01:19 PM

I believe that the decision that the Shanty organisers took was to use the pubs nearest to the Beck, to concentrate the music and so on down that end. I know that the Sun is only two pubs further away, but I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere! And there is a regular Saturday and Sunday session in the Sun throughout the year. That must have been what you joined.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 01:40 PM

The Beckside shanty festival didn't want to recreate the Beverley folk festival, but to have things going on around the Beck.
There are plenty of good pubs in town. The Tiger, the Monks Walk, The Green Dragon, The Royal Standard, and Nellies (the White Horse) are worth a look. But they won't allow music in Nellies.

The person who looks after sessions in the Sun on usual Saturday afternoons is John the Harp. Don't know what his plans are exactly this weekend but he'll probably be in the Sun.

They often have rock bands there Friday nights though. Don't know if they will this Friday.

What's happened to Mick's singaround?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 03:33 PM

The Monk's Walk beer garden is currently full of debris and would not be a good venue for anything except demolition!

I think that Mick is meeting me in the Sun at noon on Saturday and then proceeding to the Mariners to meet up with Dick etc

R

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: ossonflags
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 03:45 PM

Plenty going on people!! never mind what has gone before or the whys, the whats and the wherefores, just enjoy the festival and let us keep music live!!!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 05:08 AM

No rock bands in The Sun this weekend - it is folk friendly from Friday lunchtime onwards

R

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 05:14 AM

Thanks for the info regarding sessions on sunday - hope to see some familiar faces!

Dáithí
(Whistle player with Gone to the Dogs)

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Wildboy
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 02:13 PM

Hi All. There is a flyer circulating with a list of all fringe events, which I have reproduced below...
Fringe Events

Sun Inn – The home of live music in Beverley
The Big Session - Singers and musicians welcome throughout the weekend.
Friday 12pm – late, Sat & Sun 9am – late
Breakfasts & proper pub grub available

Hodgsons – Front bar
Fri 6.30pm Welcome session – Hosts - Les & Maggie
Sat 12pm Singers & musicians – Host - Derek Waudby
Sat 4pm The Good Old Days (Music Hall) – Carol & Hazel
Sat 7pm Singers & musicians – Hosts – John Yeoman & John Nixon
Sun 11am Hessle Ceilidh Band (session for musicians wanting to play (or listen to) Early music & French tunes. Line up includes hurdy gurdy, shawm, pipes and percussion).
Sun 2pm Singers & musicians – Hosts Whisperin' Chris Mullins & Murph
Sun 7pm Farewell session – Les & Maggie

The Tiger Inn - Lairgate
Fri 8.30pm – Tune session – Hosts – Jo & Graham
Sat – Tune sessions –Turn up & play throughout the day
Sun – Daytime tune sessions –Turn up & play
Sun 8pm – Irish Tune session – Hosts – Kinetic Ceilidh

Syntan Barge – Beverley Beck
Sun 11am – 2pm – Lunchtime sing in a unique venue – Host – Carol

The Foresters Arms - Beckside north
Sat Daytime – Folk friendly – Turn up & play!
Sun 2pm – Songwriters session – always a popular session of original songs
Hosts – Pip, Merry, Martin & Merv
The Mariners - Flemingate
Sat 2pm -7pm – The Flivvers session – lively bunch of musicians doing for music what St. Vitus did for dance!

The Moulders Arms - 32 Wilbert Lane
(Worth seeking out, real ales. No under 18s)
Folk friendly throughout the weekend. Turn up & play!

The Sloop Inn - Beckside
Folk Friendly Sat & Sun Daytime. Turn up & play!

The Queens Head - Wednesday Market
Folk Friendly. Turn up & play!

Lord Nelson- 13 Flemingate
Folk Friendly. Turn up & play!

Kinetic Ceilidh will play a roving session of Irish tunes on Saturday (musicians welcome)
The Green Dragon (Saturday Market)                            3pm - 6pm
The Durham Ox (48 Norwood)                                     6pm - 8.30pm
The Beverley Arms Hotel (25 North Bar Within)            8.45pm - late

Beverley is blessed with loads of great pubs and many that don't appear in these listings may still welcome musicians. Go explore! Please note that Nellies (The White Horse – Hengate) still doesn't allow live music, but if you've never been before it's still a must for a pint.

Music in Beverley doesn't begin and end with the festival. There are regular music sessions throughout the year…
Mondays 8pm - Folk Club – Foresters
Tuesdays 8.30pm Acoustic/open mic nights – Sun Inn
Tuesdays 8pm– Tune session – The Tiger
Fridays 8.30pm Tune Session – The Tiger
Sat 4pm – Musicians session The Sun Inn
Sun 4pm – Singers & musicians The Sun Inn
Sun 8.30pm – Kinetic Ceilidh tune session – The Tiger

Fringe organiser – Roy Wild (wildboy – mudcat)
Keep it live!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 02:24 PM

Add to the list of regular sessions in Beverley year round
Wednesday 8.30 tunes session Tiger (mostly Northumbrian and Irish)
Sunday 8.00 Irish tunes session Tiger

The Tuesday session in the Tiger is a tunes workshop for every level from beginner to expert until about 9.40, and in the last part of the session gemeral tunes and songs session.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 02:28 PM

This Friday in the tiger the front room session will be generaly aiming at English / morris tunes / steady pace / easier tunes.

Ged will be in the back room. Back room sessions will be Northumbrian / Irish / faster tunes.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: danensis
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 03:29 PM

Are those Rocky Horror Morris girlies going to be there?

John

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Les from Hull
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 03:36 PM

Yes they are.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jun 08 - 03:25 AM

Hows it going so far folks? should be there later today

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 06:15 PM

Wow! What a great festival.

It'a an absolute gem. Can't understand why I have not been to it before.

Everything is close at hand, the pubs are great, the people are great and there is so much choice.
This really is a little diamond of a festival and ticks all the boxes for me. So why on earth would anyone dare to even think about changing it.
No way. That would be sacrilege and a crime against good reason and common sense.

If it's not broke don't try to fix it.

This festival comfortably fits the needs and aspirations of the folk community, the local community and local businesses in the town like a warm pair of gloves.

A big thank you and my fullest praise and admiration to all the organisers and all the helpers that worked tirelessly to make this festival such a resounding success.

It's brilliant!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 03:25 AM

Anybody else see The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain last night? What a titter they were! I also saw Tony Benn stood in the bike shelter outside the Leisure Centre on saturday smoking his pipe.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 05:32 AM

Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the Sun Inn on saturday. It was splendid to see Rich Wastling back doing his thing, and Jim MacDonald back in town sorting out the rabble as only he can. Had a couple in the newly reopened Oddfellows later in the evening, too, with Kampervan, Vicky and friends. All in all, a top day out spent in good company.

After a what seemed to me to be a disappointing showing last year, it was good to see the festival alive and kicking again. Might even join in the camping again next year! Good to see you all.

Pete.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 05:46 AM

Spent a fair amount of time in the Tiger, heard some great music, played a few tunes, drank a few beers, met some nice people, generally had a good time. Could barely get in the door of the Sun when I tried!

My only problem with the festival itself - how difficult would it have been to set up a proper bar in the sports hall?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 09:02 AM

Perhaps the thinking was that the two urinals wouldnt have coped with an increased throughput of beer!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: r.padgett
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 09:51 AM

I made it for an hour or two in the Sun with Jimmy and "Campervan" Paul and Berni Warner ~ on Sunday thanks for the sing! and all others who took part

Not been for a few years

Ray

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 09:55 AM

Tired out after a fantastic weekend

Loved the ukeleles.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 09:57 AM

I managed to slice my finger open on the Sunday so no playing for me - a blessing to everyone else?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,buspassed
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 10:26 AM

Couldn't believe it on Saturday night when the smoke alarm went off at the end of the Simpson/Cutting set, the reason given fom the stage that it might be the smoke generator! What are tech rehearsals for? Could be the checking the level of smoke against the sensitivity of detection not be included?

Having got that whinge out the way let me say it was a grand concert, Mike Waterson,in fine voice, singing those wonderful 'Hull' songs of his as only he can had this Hull exile reaching for the hanky. I think the highspot though was Eliza & Saul creating communal goosebumps with their performance of 'I Wish All the Wars were over'. Real magic!

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Kampervan
Date: 23 Jun 08 - 11:50 AM

Just struggled back to Kent after yet another fantastic Beverley weekend that leaves me wondering why the whole world doesn't live in Yorkshire.(And since I chiefly come from Grimsby that takes some admitting).

We missed last year, but this one certainly made up for it.
Great to see Ray and Jim and Steve.....and, well everybody who made the sessions so fantastic.

Thank you to everyone for putting it all together. I know it's a lot of hard work, and we just swan up and enjoy it, but we do appreciate it.

Great food tent too. I don't know how those guys worked the hours they did; they were still cooking breakfast when we left, after 10am on Monday.

Finally, a personal message to Messrs Tony Benn and Roy Bailey. Long may you carry on your crusade. I don't think I've ever before heard so much truth and common(?)sense crammed into such a short space of time.

Hopefully see you all next year.

Best wishes

K/van and Big bird

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 06:30 AM

Had a belting time. Great to see Paul and Viccky (Kampervan and Big Bird) plus Steve ,the Deimeister, little Legs Padgett, Bernard Warner, Richard Wastling (looking well )and all. The sessions were belting but the craic was even better. For various reasons I haven't been there the last two years but I now know what I was missing.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: nutty
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 07:50 AM

So --- does anybody know what's going to happen next year??

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 10:20 AM

Was that tumbleweed passing by....?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 11:30 AM

Anyone any thoughts on any of the acts?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 12:29 PM

As th opening concert is not folk music then I would suggest Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, Muse, Yes, Nic Cave and the Bad Seeds, Bjork, Foo Fighters.....................................etc.....

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Kampervan
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 04:15 PM

Deanmeister

I cannot beleive that you let any sort of weed pass by, tumbling or not!

K/van

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Kampervan
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 04:17 PM

Sorry, senility setting in. Please amend spelling in posting above to

DeanMeister

&

believe

Apologies

K/van

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 04:19 AM

Hey, I'm a reformed character, KV... ;o)

The Eagles? Aerosmith, anyone?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: danensis
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 08:26 AM

Unfortunately, I remember Burnley Folk Festival going the same way. It was a great festival until they decided to "diversify".

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 09:05 AM

A few points, in my opinion, if the folk festival moved into pop / rock:

1) The fringe would disappear - it seems like the fringe and the festival have a symbiotic relationship. Without the fringe, there is less to offer to punters, therefore less punters. (I use 'punters' because money is probably the main factor)

2) For the size / potential revenue / cost etc, only small-time rock / pop acts would be available in comparison to Folk, where for the same money, big name folk acts can be brought in. Who wants to see small time bands when you can see bigger/better bands at Leeds etc?

3) Other smaller rock / pop festivals have been extremely unsuccessful

4) The folk festival has been a folk festival for 25 years, surely small adaptations can make this continue, big changes would just kill the whole thing off! YOu would lose the regulars etc.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: oombanjo
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 11:51 AM

Hi Joe, take my word for what its worth, you are wrong on number one. the fringe in Beverley goes on 52 weeks a year on 5 or 6 nights a week we have live fringe music in various venues

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 11:57 AM

Big attraction for me last year was New Model Army; I know some folkies didn't like it but the room was packed. I didn't go this year and one reason was that the line-up wasn't as attractive to me as before.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: r.padgett
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 04:18 AM

Folk song and its future lies in the very strength of the folk clubs as reflected in the regular sessions of music and song at beverley throughout the year

Whilst larger festivals give money to the professional artists, who seem to be becoming younger! they add the icing on the cake as well as attracting larger more "uninformed" audiences, the folk clubs are folk singers bread and butter for all their ills

I for one do not like Green field sites as they cost "dead money" in tents and a whole host of extras such as toilets and lots more stewarding

They are at the mercy of the weather

Folk festivals should NOT be rock festivals with people standing waving their arms ~ well ok they might get that way, but they should not as the songs are totally different, not meaning less drivel!!

Ray

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Betsy at work
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 05:06 AM

Hiya Padge,
You're talking complete Yorkshire sense as usual. I say that, because I don't like Green field site Festivals either.
I would like to think a village, town or city benefits in kind by the use of its amenities by interlopers and that the interlopers see a side of the town, which one normally wouldn't. In this case, although you go for the Beverley Festival, surely you must also visit the Minster and its other churches, or eating houses, or purchasing food from the shops. It puts money into a local economy, not to mention the benefit to publicans who seem to be going through a well-documented hard time these days.
Apparently these boozers in Beverley have developed into a hot bed of music sessions, mostly as a by-product of the festival(s), so, the label "folk music" may not necessarily be as bad as it first sounded to Landlords, especially as it appears as it might be another useful source of income for them.
Sounds like everyone is a winner – I know GedPipes loves it there.
Cheers Betsy

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 05:59 AM

I agree with a lot of what you say, Ray, but I do think there are rock bands who could broaden the horizons of folk festivals. I cited New Model Army earlier. They are a rockband and fans do wave their arms about, but Justin Sullivan's lyrics are certainly not meaningless drivel. In fact, I'd go so far as to say they are far more thoughtful, powerful, poetical and relevant than a lot of folk songs.

Can't we like a wide spectrum of music and have this reflected in the festivals we go to? For instance, I'm going to the new Pickering Festival because I like the line-up and the fact that it is all on one site - ideal if you have young children, rather than Sandsend, which is spread out and which I have the (probably wrong) perception of being more for the 'finger in the ear' old brigade.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 06:22 AM

Sandsend? Whoops, meant Saltburn (both lovely places).

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: nutty
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 06:51 AM

Leveller...................

Had Saltburn Festival((and Redcar before it) catered only for the "Finger in the Ear Brigade" it would not have been running for at least 25 years.
Remember all 'old' folkies once had small children yet we still managed to support folk music within the community.

I wonder if you young folks will be so loyal.

Probably not ,,, hence the debate as to whether Beverley Folk Festival will remain in Beverley or move to somewhere where the organisers can make more money

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 07:48 AM

"I wonder if you young folks will be so loyal."

Nutty, why do you get the impression that I'm a youngster. I've been 'supporting' folk music for almost 45 years and, at 59, can hardly be described as 'young'. But, yes, I do have an 8-year old daughter who I have to consider when deciding which festivals to go to and Beverley has always been a favourite (although we had previous commitments this year), especially as I was born in Beverley and live about 45 minutes drive away . I did say it was just my impression of Saltburn - so that's probably the fault of the festival for not promoting a more positive image, not mine for having that impression.

Ryedale Folk Weekend had a fantastic selection of artistes, plus a brilliant atmosphere - pity more people didn't support it.

Did you?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,betsy at work
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 08:35 AM

Hi Leveller,
I'm repeating myself from a distant thread....but ....Nutty ran a Workshop at Saltburn. Finger in the ear stuff ?? Not quite.
It was " Accessing folk music via the internet" with more half a dozen pc's set-up for individual "tuition". She was as busy as hell and I know for certain that introductions to Mudcat were high on her list.
I think it might be a case of some people like the big occasion / stage thing , whereas some of us are a bit more paroachial / want to join in / put some time aside to talk to old friends.Last year at Saltburn, Wendy Arrowsmith got a chance to shine , and shine she did, but I feel she would have had less of a chance at the bigger events , but Vive la difference.

Cheers Betsy

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 08:54 AM

Thanks for that Betsy - I like both the big stage events and also the more 'parochial' stuff such as Ryedale - and the folk clubs where I've played over the years. I'll say it once again - right or wrong, that's my impression of Saltburn. It's up to the organisers to change that impression if it's wrong.

Yes, I know Wendy shone at Saltburn; we enjoyed her performance at Ryedale and at KFFC last weekend where we (Whipstaff) were delighted to have her join us in one of our songs - helping us fight against the wind and rain that tried to drown us out. We're also looking forward to seeing her at Pickering FF in August.

Beverley is one of the festivals I think has got the right mix (and I've told Chris Wade so, in the past) - the big stage, the mix of styles, the smaller stage events, the fringe and lots and lots of old mates to chew the fat with. Personally, I'd like to keep Beverley just as it is. Maybe I'll make it to Saltburn one year to see for myself - with so many festivals around now, there really is something for everyone. Let's just hope they can all keep going.

One last point: let's be careful about being too 'protectionist' about the festivals we love - change isn't always a bad thing and it may be needed to keep festivals alive. And some organisers need to put a lot more thought into the way they publicise their festivals (but, hey, as someone who's in the business, I would say that!).

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 09:06 AM

"One last point: let's be careful about being too 'protectionist' about the festivals we love - change isn't always a bad thing and it may be needed to keep festivals alive. And some organisers need to put a lot more thought into the way they publicise their festivals (but, hey, as someone who's in the business, I would say that!). "

But there is change and there is change. If the festival is fine as it is, let it evolve, but from what I hear, one of the Directors wishes the festival to move somewhere else, and to become pop/rock orientated (losing the 'folk'tag altogether).

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 09:32 AM

Just making a general point, Joe. As I've already said, I want Beverley to stay the way it is. I think the local council and ERCC should be more even more supportive than they are. I don't mind some of my council tax going on the festival - they waste pelnty on other things.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 10:10 AM

Obviously, cost plays a big part in the success or failure of festivals. I've already put here some of the comments I received from Chris Wade after last year's (2007) festival. Here are some more:

"Over the 25 years of running the festival there has been the need to make many changes due to various pressures imposed on us - loss of venues; increasing costs - Artists fees; venue hire costs, increasing pressure imposed by the ever expanding H & S issues, Insurance; License fees; plus the costs of extra marketing due to greater competition from other events etc. When the festival was first staged, we were the only festival on our weekend - now there are 2 other major festivals - both with similar artistic programmes. No doubt numerous smaller festivals exist that I do not know about. Also - this year we had increasing competition from another festival that took place on Beverley Racecourse on the Saturday of our festival. This, whilst possibly catering for a different audience, competed with us for media coverage. So you can see that life never gets easier - and this year has probably been the hardest yet in terms of the organizing of the event. It has been totally exhausting for all concerned. Up until 2 weeks ago, ticket sales were low and a great deal of extra effort took place to build up to the figures we eventually reached. We only have one paid administrator (this year - Cally Barker) and the rest we rely on voluntary help - so there is a massive amount of work and co-ordination that goes on.

The ultimate aim is to produce a festival that is successful in terms of an event for our audiences, but also to break even financially (as we cannot afford to subsidise it ourselves), and if possible to ideally earn sufficient money to put back a little as a reserve for future festivals."


Out of interest, I've just done a quick comparison of what various local festivals would cost us (2 adults, 1 child, plus camping):

Pickering (top name acts plus a wide variety of other excellent performers on greenfield site) - £150.

Beverley (top name folk acts, excellent range of performers but no big names outside the folk world) - £180.

Saltburn (good range of 'folkies' but not top names) - £132


Well, yer pays yer money and yer takes yer choice of what you think is good value.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 04:25 AM

Oombanjo – Joe knows about the year round fringe. He has been along to much of it. I think I know what he means. During the festival, if you leave the leisure centre site and walk into town its like there is a big party going on, and a big celebration of everything 'folk'. It gets us all together at the same time. We get to share tunes etc with more people. Local non folkies understand a bit more of what folk is about. It makes traditional stuff more exciting to the younger local folkies and keeps them interested.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Jane of 'ull
Date: 27 Jun 08 - 04:24 PM

Well I hope Beverley doesnt change. I went this year for the first time in ages and really enjoyed it. I hope it doesnt go too far in inviting other musical styles in, I think the opening concerts this year and last year didnt go with the festival.. I'm not sure about world music either at the festival..ok maybe the levellers and some folk rock but I think that should be the limit.

dont get me wrong I'm into lots of different music not just folk, but i think trying to please evreyone can result in a 'one size fits nobody' situation. I'm not a fusty old purist either, I'm 37 and been into folk music for nearly 20 years. I just dont like this dilution that seems to be happening more and more nowadays, for various reasons.

I'd like to have come to the 'future of beverley festival' meeting recently but couldnt make it, would be interested though if anyone can keep me informed of any future meetings like this?

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 04:31 AM

You can register on the Beverley Folk festival forum and that will probably get you on the contact list.

We think that dilution of the 'folk' focus is a danger too. It's not that we have a thing against school bands and wanabee pop groups doing some thing of their own in the background (as long as it doesn't interfere with the folk festival). It was the statements by one of the festival directors about folk music and folk festivals that we didn't like. He had no interest in folk at all.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 04:34 AM

A link to the forum is in (Wildboy's) second post on this thread.

Subject: RE: Beverley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 09:11 AM

I read that the festival will go ahead next year in the same format. Hurrah! I just hope the weather wont be there next year in the same format... (booo!)