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Broadstairs 2008
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Subject: Broadstairs Folk Week 2008 From: stormalong Date: 31 Jul 08 - 09:05 AM I'm very glad to see that the daily 'participatory' element has been boosted this year with two Neptune singalongs and Bob Kenward's Woodshed Sessions at the Wrotham Arms, as well as the usual Folk Club and Tom and Barbara's singaround in the Sailing Club. The Sailing Club singaround certainly hit capacity last year, so these new arenas are welcome. I was a little concerned that the festival might become fixated on promotion of headline acts, but I've no complaints about this year's programme, so many thanks to the organisers for listening to the folkies who want to play and sing. Hopefully Mudcatters and others will support all these activities so they will be available again next year. Rik |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,dillietheoastouseopper Date: 31 Jul 08 - 09:36 AM I'll be working in the festival shop for a few days next week and the week of the festival - everything is really gearing up for a great festival, and everyone I know is really excited. I agree with you, there are some great headline acts this year, accompanied by the amazing pub gigs, morris dancing, and loads of opportunities to play and sing throughout the week, for people of all abilities and my personal highlight I'm sure will be listening to the hartley singers of a lunchtime, lovely burger from the nelson in hand :0) That and dancing in and around the town....reminds me I must fix my clogs. See you all there! x Charlotte x |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 31 Jul 08 - 10:38 AM BG will be there from early. Look out for Dilligaf's knickers on a flagpole. There may be another little treatlet from the BG ladies for the gentlemen (or should that be genitalmen) amongst you. I am reasonably confident I will not need to practise the drum so as to interrupt the favourite dreams (I think they involved virgins and warm yoghourt) of any person of distressed parentage and enhanced girth. ALas I personally will only be able to make the opening weekend (pressure of work). |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: vectis Date: 31 Jul 08 - 05:32 PM Not me Broadstairs has lost its appeal. There just isn't enough places to sing and play except organised sessions. More pubs wanted to have free for alls like Sidmouth & Whitby. I'll be at both of them plus Bideford. Have fun Y'all |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: wrotham-arms-jen Date: 02 Aug 08 - 10:13 PM well...if that isn't a way to stop a thread i don't know what is. the sun is shining and the beer is flowing...it WILL be a good time. broadstairs has started its pre-folk week hummmmmmmm 5 days and counting, jen |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Paddywack Date: 03 Aug 08 - 06:07 AM So thats what you were doing last night (counting) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: BB Date: 03 Aug 08 - 02:53 PM Anyone out there able to combine these two Broadstairs threads? It seems a bit pointless to have two... Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: wrotham-arms-jen Date: 03 Aug 08 - 05:01 PM no, paddywack...was counting how many master brews you could drink! hehehe so, when you going to join in the woodsheds? jen xx |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 03 Aug 08 - 05:01 PM That one was last year's! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: growler Date: 04 Aug 08 - 04:46 PM I agree with Vectis, everything goes to 2 o'clock, then nothing'till seven. However, Dilligaff's bloomers flying high, should and indeed would, change the tone of the whole festival |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Zen Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:51 AM I was looking forward to going for the first time this year and am disturbed by reports that it seems to have gone tits up. Can anybody dispel my anxiety? Zen |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: RamblinStu Date: 05 Aug 08 - 07:17 AM ZEN Don't worry, some people can be miserable anywhere. I'm going, and am looking forward to it, and I intend to have a good time, and I bet there will be hundreds of other people enjoying themselves too Stuart Pendrill |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,synbyn Date: 05 Aug 08 - 08:46 AM well, growler, it was to address the gap you're looking at that the daily woodshed sessions in the wrotham at 3 pm were dreamed up- in fact there always have been things going on, and it's always been open to busk for the benefit of the festival- with a tin of course! Avril has her folk club late afternoon for those who prefer to listen, and there are drumming workshops etc also at that time. Broadie is always such a fun festival- now for a look at he other thread.. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:10 PM Let us hope that the principal tits up will be Dilligaf's... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,synbyn Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:17 PM and as richard said, it's last year's but the link works to this year's program and lower down there are some recent posts re sessions and session etiquette... Zen, never sure where rumours come from, hope it isn't just spoilers/ competition... some things the organisers have to adapt to, vectis (who's a sweetie really) knows that the school is no longer available because of insurance, so the lates were bound to change, & the pubs put forward their own views of what they think will pull in custom, cos it keeps them alive all year-if they have invested in a music licence... each to their taste. it's up to all of us who go to make it what we would like to visit... must say i've always found broadie a very friendly festival with plenty of workshops & variety- you need to fit a fortnight into a week! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: BB Date: 05 Aug 08 - 03:52 PM Zen, have you looked at both the programme and the line-up? There's plenty to appeal to everyone in both. Most festivals as what you make them to some extent, and we have a brilliant time every year! There's always loads we have no choice but to miss because we're working there, but there's so much on, you won't be bored. Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 05 Aug 08 - 05:48 PM Wossis no lates business? I've had a rummage on the site, no info. What do they think we go there for? Will it be guitars at dawn in the Moor& Coast tent then, or what??? Oh, and where will there be proper singing on the first Friday night? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:31 PM Well, upon rummaging - "In 2008, the school hall will be available for late night sessions until 0200 hours" But - a real candidate for the "who do they think they are" award - "The campsite is a no smoking zone". So where are smokers (I am not a smoker) supposed to camp? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 05 Aug 08 - 06:40 PM And while I'm at it - the campsite is a 10 minute walk from the town centre??? Double that dude, this is not the Olympic village. And I have looked but not dug like an archaeologist on the website - no sign of any info about busses. Handy, that, for disabled injured or ageing campers? Why is there not a REGULAR and widely publicised bus service every 10 minutes from at least the tourist office and outside the council offices to the front AND REAR entrances to the campsite (and in the opposite directions, from about 10 am to about 1 am? I appreciate that it is tricky to access the other side of town, but ehynot a loop-service by bus going out of town the other way and back to the campsite? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 06 Aug 08 - 12:27 PM Does Broadstairs HAVE a toon centre? The streets is like a Geordie Crossword puzzle - One doon and one across. There IS a bus service which gans past the campsite on the main road but it diverts just as you get to the 'main' bit of toon as the streets is too narrow further doon. HOWSOMEVER..... The bus does gan right past The Wrotham Arms where there just happens te be.... Synbyn and The Woodshed Sessions Gerrin there! Ye knaah it meks sense |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 06 Aug 08 - 02:29 PM Having rules like that which no one is in any position to enforce is a daft idea. (And I hope there isn't going to be some kind of anti-smoking patrol going round.) I suppose the smokers (of whom I'm not one) will be lining up with their heads stuck out over the fence, so the smoking is being done outside the camping area. Or they'll be puffing away regardless, more likely. Though there's always the electronic cigarette: "It looks like a cigarette, however there is no tar. It does smoke BUT there is no smoking pollution material. You do not need any matches or lighter for smoking it BUT it lets you enjoy and satisfy those tactile sensations without any risk and dependence on tobacco. It gives you the same feeling of a tobacco cigar or cigarette without suffering any smoking damage. Smoke healthily without any environmental pollution!" "I can't see any reason why the Electronic Cigarette couldn't be used in Pubs. The ban only covers smoking, not the use of nicotine" - A UK Department of Health spokesperson. I imagine that'd apply to the campsite as well. |
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Subject: Vanwatch! From: Richard Bridge Date: 06 Aug 08 - 04:36 PM I think the new ebay wardo will make its first expotition! First steps - re-finish the kitchen floor area with stick-down mock wood floor where the carpet had been removed and also the vapour barrier had been removed, and add edging bar on edge of carpet. Remove chewing gum and some of the other crap from the carpet. Carpet steam clean could be on the cards in due course. Dismantle and rebuild damaged kitchen overhead cupboards. Dismantle and fix two non-working flourescent lights. Re-install safety covers over rear of spotlights. Replace run-back valve for Carver II. New outer cover for Carver II Re-seat all water connections for Carver II Re-set electrical circuits for Carver II Replace tampered with leaking gas valve and cracked gas pipes (oops, that could have been a big bang) in gas compartment. Replace about 6 external light bulbs. New Jockey-wheel with nosewheel weight gauge and full service and gas safety check. Professional electrical check. Ooh, that was dear. Dismantle gas fire re-insulate wiring and send cover for blasting and powder coating Lots of cleaning, particularly around kitchen which was inches deep in grease. Also inside cupboards. Make new pedestals for pan-stand on hob. Try to dismantle oven to fix, and get parts blasted and powder coated. Give up and buy new oven on ebay. New oven gets smashed to smithereens by DHL. Arrange refund. Shit, old cooker although working now needs much re-mantling and a new door handle so you can open it without your fingers going up in flames. Dismantle shower-room sink. Plan re-seal of grey waste so that grey waste water really goes out as dstinct from emptying inside caravan floor! (not yet finished). Try to figure out how to fix rear wall of shower (still working on that, it needs proper smoothing off before tiling on a roll and real re-sealing. Try to fix door lock. Give up and buy new one. Dismantle main door. Dismantle hinges. Straighten aluminium door edging and re-attach. Drill out binding hinge bushes. Re-attach door. Hooray, works with new lock. Locate source for new rubber draught excluder. Rebuild the slide-out double bed that had been stupidly broken and very badly repaired. Wooden edge needs re-finishing. Buy job lot of knackered blinds cheap on ebay. Rebuilt and refitted one so far. Door needs one too in due course. New giant battery - quite cheap on ebay. Wash shower curtains. Must re-install. Cracked and distorted front panel needs sorting. This could be tricky, but it is only cosmetic as the gas compartment is waterproof internally. Little hole in back panel also needs sorting. Guitar shelves need designing and installing. One knackered overhead storage area needs sorting. New latches for rear window need sorting. Locks for gas compartment and battery compartment need sorting. In-van boom-box need sorting. Oh, and all the stuff that goes with me needs loading. Friday might be a bit busy!.. The van electrics might now be working properly on the turbo so I might use that for towing - less risk of bogging at Broadstairs! What have I forgotten...? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,synbyn Date: 06 Aug 08 - 04:41 PM the purpose of the thread? teehee.... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 06 Aug 08 - 05:03 PM Well, no, it's about going to Broadstairs. I have not even tried to put up the awning that the bloke left in the van yet... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 07 Aug 08 - 12:49 PM Us two ageing, disabled folkies will walk when we can, drive if we can park in town, get a ride on the performers transport when there is space, be flexible about drop-off points. Any rate, I have my bus pass now, and it's good nationwide for busses. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Dead Horse Date: 07 Aug 08 - 05:35 PM I shall be around, and will make a point of always wearing one of my folkie hats. If there is any repetition of previous years ban on the wearing of such hats in pubs (Bradstow Mill for one) then I shall start a boycott and refuse to play those venues - that'll teach 'em. They will likely have to take on extra staff when word gets round that I aint gonna be there :-) The Wrotham Arms has accepted me for what I am - a relatively harmless old codger - rather than as a threat to public safety, so that will be one of my regular haunts, as will the "Tart n Friggit" and the "Inept-tune". As the bloody hill seems to be getting steeper every year, I may just take the easy way out and stay downtown in the pubs, only crawling back to campsite when absolutely necessary. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 07 Aug 08 - 05:39 PM Girl Friday - you put the whingers to shame - I look forward to seeing your happy smiling faces on the prom at this fantastic folk extravaganza! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 07 Aug 08 - 06:49 PM On the prom is good! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: My guru always said Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:27 AM Have a Fab time you lot! If I can get along for a day trip I'll pop along & joing the fun! Good luck with the van Richard! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: My guru always said Date: 08 Aug 08 - 03:28 AM Joing..... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,synbyn Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:10 AM To joing is to combine jogging and bouncing, much practised by Samantha Fox at one time... sometimes confused with joggling... definitely fun... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 08 Aug 08 - 04:31 AM Alernatively it expresses the joy of a rubberoid "boing" or "doing" (not do-ing), a practice once beloved of DAF owners. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:00 PM Hey up!! Aah'm ganna be there on crutches this year as aah've had me 'hammer-toe' straightened Any advice on dodgin' the dog-sh*te on sticks? Noo aah knaah some of yez by sight so if any of yez are at a Phatt-B'Stards gig, come up and greet me with the traditional 'Hello, you fat sod - Get the beers in!' I will of course reply with the time honoured response, 'Who the f*ck are you?' |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Dartford Warbler Date: 08 Aug 08 - 07:26 PM Geordie-Peorgie - the "Crufts" dogs around here are not clever enough to put it on sticks yet ;-) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Mrs Banjiman Date: 09 Aug 08 - 08:16 AM I think I understood about 20% of the above thread...still, it is raining heavily here in N Yorkshire and I should have been at Pickering which has been cancelled due to waterlogged site! If I'd had a crystal ball and known that I'm sure we'd have made our way to Broadstairs. Hope the week goes "swimmingly" (metaphorically - especially if Caspar is reading this!!!) With you all in spirit!!! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 09 Aug 08 - 03:20 PM Eeh! Warbler! Yarra cheeky 'un an' nee mistake. 'Dog-sh*te in sticks' - Soonds like summat from a 'Monty Python' sketch (Stormy Petrel on a Stick! Albatross! Dog-turd & tonic, sir?) It's hoyin' it doon here at the moment so aah hope the weather improves! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: My guru always said Date: 10 Aug 08 - 05:33 PM Managed to get along today for a few hours & it well well worth the long round trip from Leatherhead. Think I now now how to pronounce Wrotham, but I could be wrong. Excellent session in there today, thanks Bob for encouraging me to sing. Looks like you're all in for a Fab week, shame I've got to work *mutter, mutter* |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 10 Aug 08 - 08:01 PM Root'm. Work calls me back too, but I have not been enthused. Plenty of caravan and work related delays to my departure to go there meant a late arrival - and since I had heard that the Eliza Carthy concert was a sell-out I did not rush to it. But it wasn't and so I missed it. I'm told it was a cracker. Saturday the weather became horrid and by the time the side stopped dancing the Wrotham was totally rammed. Impossible to get close enough to enjoy the singing and playing over the mighty roar of shouted bar conversations, the Bishop's Finger was sold out and I was not enjoying the other beers, and there was additional soundwash from some people playing rock and roll under the canopy right outside the bar window. Nothing in the program on Saturday night was enough to tempt me out for a walk in the weather. Sunday the side's playing and dancing seemed OK and the weather was nicer, but although I could thereafter get into the Wrotham I could not summon any enthusiasm for the proceedings. The players in the pubs that I passed seemed far from folk. As a result of unwise munching on Saturday, I am now (1am) in more dental pain than at any other time in my life (and I have had my share of dental abcesses) - despite the use of some very heavy duty prescription pain killers that I had in stock. Not at all sure how I will be able to do the urgent work shceduled for an early start on Monday. Very worrying. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 10 Aug 08 - 08:14 PM PS, actually, really did enjoy some moments at Mike Nicholson's evening session in the school on Friday night and thereafter slept very soundly assisted by the Moor & Coast special hot chocolate. It's time the Moor & Coast did chips on the campsite though... The evening sessions at the school (when they are on) would be assisted by better mood lighting - some theatrical lights with coloured gels, or colour wheels, on a couple of stands, would surely be easy enough to rig up. Ooooh - painkillers might be working. Partial relief... Let's hope I have not OD'd. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:24 AM talking of Saturday night and the foul weather - it was a great effort by Norcsalordie to go through with the bandstand gig in the teeth of a gale given that it was about 7.30pm before the rain stopped and the bandstand was deserted, locked up and minus all PA gear when they arrived there seemed to be a lot of hardy people who appreciated it - especially the people running the burger hut ! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Hamish Date: 11 Aug 08 - 03:45 PM Looking forward to being there on Thursday and Friday... ...I'll be a Broadstairs virgin. Be gentle with me... ~8^) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 11 Aug 08 - 05:57 PM hi Hamish - look out for and take part in all the free stuff - a dozen or more pubs - busking on the prom - the bandstand - morris on the prom - sessions in the Wrotham Arms and Neptunes Hall - workshops - all for just a few coins in a tin hope the weather improves for you |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Hamish Date: 12 Aug 08 - 04:22 AM Well I'm on the south coast right now - in Worthing - and it's blowing a gale. But sunny. Forecast for Thursday okay, but Friday looks gorgeous!!! I'll be in The Dolphin on Thursday night and The Tartar Frigate on Friday night - wearing a very dodgy hat. But hope to take in some other stuff during the day time and/or super-late nights! -- Hamish |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 12 Aug 08 - 08:41 AM take the dodgy hat off and we might be able to pick you out :-) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Zen Date: 12 Aug 08 - 09:07 AM As a first timer to Broadstairs (should be down tomorrow evening)... any special recommendations (especially good instrumental sessions)? Zen |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Twiz Date: 12 Aug 08 - 02:38 PM There is usually a lively session in 'The Lord Nelson' starts about 12.30 get there a bit earlier to get a seat. A mixture of English and Irish a few songs...anything goes really, as long as it's musical! In the afternoon about 4pm at 'The Wrotham Arms' a bit more organised, put your name down and you will get a turn. A lot more songs there but instrumentals too. The whole thing is very friendly and supportive whatever the level. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Twiz Date: 12 Aug 08 - 02:51 PM Zen, Sorry, I only mentioned the day sessions. There is a playalong session in The Lord Nelson at 7.30 |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: wrotham-arms-jen Date: 13 Aug 08 - 03:37 AM Thank you Twiz- the Woodshed session in the Wrotham Arms is every day from 3pm and we like to welcome new Shedders any time! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Hamish Date: 13 Aug 08 - 05:01 AM Rafflesbear: when you say "Pick you out" that's exactly what I'm hoping to avoid. But if you do manage, please use well-ripened fruit. Nothing too hard, please! ;-) Wrotham Arms sounds good - I'll try and find the time to be there. Depends on what the boss (no - not Bruce Springsteen) has in mind for me. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 14 Aug 08 - 06:55 AM 2008 photos - http://www.stella-maris.org.uk/images2g.shtml |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Dave (Bass) Date: 14 Aug 08 - 06:57 AM RE: Wrotham Woodshed session Sat (soundwash) Richard, No offence meant, it was just a festival moment when we couldn't get in the pub. The woodshed sessions to me are all about a mix of singers and musicians getting together to have a good time whatever their style. As it says "let all men sing", so we did. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 14 Aug 08 - 11:00 AM Well Dave, the comment as I was passing "Better than that shit in there" to which I replied "I was thinking exactly the opposite" does not fully fit within your expressed view above. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Dave (Bass) Date: 14 Aug 08 - 04:21 PM CONFUSED!! It's Been a long hard but enjoyable week full of some great entertainment, I hope you find what you're looking for because the one thing Broadstairs offers is a lot of venues and a wide range of musical and dance styles, with something for everyone. have fun. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Paddywack Date: 14 Aug 08 - 09:17 PM Having been reading this thread and being a Broadstairs Festival attender since 1978 (missed one caus I was hospitalised) I come to the conclusion that Richard Bridge is in polite English a moaner. There is room for all types of music at the festival and todays Woodshed is an example we had some really nice singer songwriters and not the usual Irish and wild Rovers. Woodshed says nothing about the gendre of music played once it is acoustic |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: wrotham-arms-jen Date: 15 Aug 08 - 02:46 PM We just finished our last Folk Week Woodshed. Thanks to all the catters who came and particularly the ones that encouraged me to bash away at my guitar (sorry if you were sitting next to me!) Pictures are all posted on www.myspace.com/wrothamarms Special thanks to synbyn for running brilliant sessions. See the above website for Woodshed Sessions throughout the year. Only 357 days to Broadstairs Folk Week... Jen |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Dave (BASS) Date: 16 Aug 08 - 06:17 AM Just survived another fantastic Folk Week, full of fun fabulous music and great venues, especially the Wrotham arms with it's special waitress service!! I'm even looking forward to the town being invaded again next year. (getting soft in my old age) A big thank you to everyone involved and the folkweek committee and organisers. see you in 2009. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Hamish Date: 16 Aug 08 - 08:35 AM Had a fabulous couple of days. Highlights? Robb Johnson was fantastic. Sheelanagig storming! And the final ceilidh was brill. Folk club on Friday was excellent, and the bits of Wrotham Arms and Lord Nelson sessions I caught were wonderful, too. Tired but happy Hamish... ~8^) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: wrotham-arms-jen Date: 16 Aug 08 - 10:19 AM Sorry - link above didn't work...trying again... http://www.myspace.com/wrothamarms Unfortunately you have to be a member of myspace to see pics. Jen |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Chair82 Date: 16 Aug 08 - 12:40 PM I have just come back from Broadstairs and I really enjoyed myself. It was a brilliant week. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: melodeonboy Date: 16 Aug 08 - 01:05 PM I had a great time, as usual, although I was a bit disappointed that The Ginger Jug Band were not there this year. The highlight for me?: Brett Marvin and the Thunderbolts! I'd also like to say a word of thanks to the drivers who transported the equipment to our gigs, especially Paul. Polite, reliable, punctual, friendly, helpful and able to handle drunken musicians with a smile! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 16 Aug 08 - 04:06 PM Just back home, after a very good week. Sang a few songs, played some tunes and listened to some great music, saw some entertaining dancing, and even danced a bit myself. And the weather was good most of the time too, with just enough rain to make it a proper English seaside holiday. What I like about festivals is coming across performers I've never heard of or whom I've never actually got to hear. Robb Johnson was a case of the latter, and he lived up to the hood things I'd heard about home. Nick Burbridge's Dermott's Two Hours was a case of the former, and if he'd had a CD I'd have bought it (I was on a strict resolution not to buy CDs this trip, and I kept to it otherwise), partly beacause the music was so good, but also because I couldn't make out a lot of the lyrics which sounded interesting - but he hadn't. The Wrotham Arms Woodshed session was a very enjoyable addition, alongside the always welcoming Folk Club at the Sailing Club. That's a great pub too, with the walls festooned with instruments and a fiercely pro-music landlady in Jenny. I wish there were more like her! (And the beer on draught was pretty good too, Richard, even if the Badgers had run out.) And Mike Jackson, back from Australia, was tremendous fun. No, not that American twit, this bloke. He told me at Moor and Coast breakfast one day (and no, we don't need them doing chips) that it's a real drag sometimes having that name when you're a children's entertainer - but he had it first. "Good Old Broadstairs" as Mr Pooter used to say. (He'd have loved it this week, and would have fitted in very well indeed - "August 16 — Lupin positively refused to walk down the Parade with me because I was wearing my new straw helmet with my frock-coat.") |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Zen Date: 16 Aug 08 - 04:31 PM Just back from Bradstairs. I didn't see much of the booked performers but enjoyed joining in in a couple of Lord Nelson sessions and playing with friends on the prom. According to locals the town does seem more overrun with non-folk young people than before. Zen |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: stormalong Date: 16 Aug 08 - 05:43 PM Apart from the shanty session on the jetty, I spread my time exclusively between the Neptune, the Woodshed and Tom and Barbara's singaround and for me it was the best BFW to date. The Woodshed was a new experience. synbyn's approach was both inclusive and encouraging, and several people remarked on how friendly the atmosphere was, especially for aspiring musicians. He who is tired of Broadstairs Folk Week is tired of life! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 16 Aug 08 - 05:52 PM just as a matter of interest did anybody go anywhere other than the Wrotham Arms or the Lord Nelson ? Any chance of hearing from someone who went to The Rose The Balmoral Wine Bar The Dolphin The Barnaby Rudge The Charles Dickens The Prince Albert Harpers Wine Bar The Prom The Bandstand Neptune's Hall The Tartar Frigate The jetty Methodist Church Pavilion on the sands the Sailing Club Torchlight Procession The Bradstow Mill Royal Albion Gardens Ye Olde Crown or were they all empty ? (stormalong thanks - I note your contribution made since I started typing this) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: stormalong Date: 16 Aug 08 - 06:05 PM rafflesbear, the other venues didn't have any particular theme or style of activity but hosted the various guest acts as they circulated between them, so it might be more relevant to comment on the guests than the venues... Of all the guests, I think the most interesting was Jeff Warner, a man of great personal charm, an expert on traditional music on both sides of the Atlantic and an entrancing performer. Rik |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 16 Aug 08 - 06:13 PM I see your point stormalong - I was just getting a little tired of reading I went to Broadstairs, I went to the Wrotham Arms, I sang, I enjoyed myself when there was a whole town given over to folk music |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 16 Aug 08 - 06:35 PM reminds me of the old joke Q - Why do folk singers put their fingers in their ears ? A - Because they only want to hear themselves ! It's a joke folks ..... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 16 Aug 08 - 07:17 PM The Woodshed sessions in the Wrotham Arms were a new initiative - and one which had been suggested in a previous thread on the Mudcat, to fill a gap which had been commented on, for a pub session that combined tunes and songs. Giving it a special mention is a way of saying thank you. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 16 Aug 08 - 07:56 PM We went to Harpers for Norcsalordie. They were worried that noone was there, when we arrived at around 12.30. Explained to them that due to the price of the beer,people arrive at last minute. Proved right. Went to The Rose upstairs. There was a very noisy performer downstairs, and our event for songwriters moved to the Leisure Centre. Went to the Neptune and sang on my own one day and with Mr Leopard the next. Not as heaving as normal. On another occasion we played an impromptu set in their garden, before the band inside started. No seats inside that night ! Went to Folk Club twice, that was quieter than normal, even on Friday. Were the world and his wife watching the Olympics? Went to the Pav to see Keith's show, brill stuff, and quite full. In fact, we went everywhere there wasn't a pub gig this year. {We try to do something different each year.} Went to several concerts, mostly excellent, especially Wednesday night. TDL |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Crampton Date: 17 Aug 08 - 10:12 AM I'm just back from Broadstairs - stayed right to the last ceilidh and had a great time. Took loads of band photos and videos and have just finished putting them all up at that GigsRemembered site - go to www.gigsremembered.com and do a search for broadstairs - they should all come up (another nice feature is when you view a gig there, all the other Broadstairs gigs uploaded are linked from each page). Completely danced and played out. I love it down there. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 17 Aug 08 - 01:21 PM Some great photos on there Crampton. Sorry not to have managed more busking rafflesbear, but the session o/s the Wrotham was fun. We have a new song on which a double bass, and trumpet would work well.. any offers? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 17 Aug 08 - 01:34 PM Was that the session outside the Neptune ? I've heard rumours about your new song Girl Friday - although I missed it myself I know two people who are still chuckling over it I'll look out for a double bass but for me you can blow your own trumpet any time anyone out there who knows TDL - they've done it again with another gem ! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Charlotte the oast ouse opper Date: 18 Aug 08 - 09:16 AM Well I'm now back at work after two weeks in which i worked in the folk shop setting up and selling pre festival tickets and what not and then had a great week working a bit more, going to the neptune for the singarounds and then dancing my little socks off wherever I could. Highlights for me included: 1) finally getting the courage to sing in the neptune and at the woodshed sessions...apologies to those of you who got to hear the cruel ships carpernter not once but twice - i couldn't really on myself to remember the words to any other songs! 2) tim van eyken in the concert marquee on the thursday 3) going out dressed in a ball gown to the lark rise to candleford gig, just cos we could and it beats wearing the same pair of jeans 8 nights on the trot 4) seeing minster mayhems perform - my 16 yr old sis is their foreman and its great to see dancing being taught by little ones for little ones - carrying on the tradition - even if their kit is silly. 5) the entry in the ceilidh mail that read "things to try during folk week to get you in trouble - put your hand up a hobby horse!" 6) the amazing, wonderful, fabulous WHEELER STREET. Totally had the Wrotham arms PACKED out to the rafters. 7)hearing pete sing 'little eyes'. Love it love it love it. So other than that, it was awful! NOT I cannot wait for the next one .... Charlotte xxx (Dillie) xx |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Skylark Date: 18 Aug 08 - 09:54 AM Broadstairs was great this year, the Woodshed particularly, as well as the Lord Nelso. I heard a song sung that originally was performed by the late Freyda Epstein and called - Today's the Day - on Heaven and Earth by Child's Play and written by Mark Simos. If you don't know Childs Play - check them out, but please, does anyone know the words to Today's the Day? I'd be most grateful to receive them... Row on, row on another Broadstairs, may shine with brighter light |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,synbyn Date: 18 Aug 08 - 02:06 PM well, back again after a marsh festival too... so belated thanks to everyone who came along to the... Woodshed and the Wrotham Arms! Sorry to those who were on the fringe outside on Saturday, the rain filled the pub and we physically couldn't get anyone else in, as you know. There were many magical moments, and about 100 musicians who led a song or tune during the week- and one of the most magical for me was the Friday afternoon when 19 instruments were playing and you could hear each one clearly, everyone was listening to each other and the melody was carried in a way you can only achieve when there are many musicians in harmony. Gentle lilt, not speed. Stunning. Yes, there was so much going on at the festival that you could easily have started afresh, plotted a different choice of events and still mixed your own performance with quality concerts- heard many people say that it was a true town festival. It's always been a feelgood festival and long may it continue so. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: RamblinStu Date: 18 Aug 08 - 04:47 PM I had a brilliant time in Broadstairs this year. There were fantastic acts everywhere, in the marquee, the pavilion and various other halls, plus some really good pub acts. I enjoyed the singarounds in The Neptune and, yes, The Woodshed Sessions in The Wrotham Arms were very special. What also impressed me, was the quantity and quality of the young performers appearing this year. 4Square, Skyhook and Wheeler Street to name but three. It's good to see that the future of folk is in safe hands. Now after a very very full week of Broadstairs, and beer, I need a few days to recover, See you there next year for another great Folk Week? Too bloody true Stuart Pendrill |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,norcsalordie Date: 18 Aug 08 - 05:54 PM follow this link for our folkweek review www.norcsalordie.com/broadstairsfolkweek |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 18 Aug 08 - 07:07 PM Well, this'll put the cat amongst the pidgeons!! There were some great bits of Broadstairs this year, there were also some crap bits as well! I'm sorry to say it, but Broadstairs does not rate very highly on my list of "Folk Festivals". I went to Sidmouth the week before, and Broadstairs is a pale immitation. The pubs are WAY too crowded (I'm sure that some of them are breaching Health and Safety); there are NOT enough sessions for singers and players; the bus service is awful; the campsite security for the first three evenings was non existant; the lower High Street, espicially Dolphin Corner is VERY intimidating and full of some very drunk and agressive people. I go to Broadstairs because my Morris Side go, because it is our local festival. I've done four now, and feel certain that in 2009, I shall only be doing a couple of days instead of a whole week. The good bits were Norcsalordie, Wheeler Street, Triality, all of the Morris Dancing sides, Moore & Coast at the campsite, The Wrotham Arms, The Neptune, The Nelson. It was nice to meet up with friends from other sides and from the folk scene in general, but Faversham, Deal and Tenterden and Sweeps do a far better job. As an organiser of a much smaller festival, I know that the committee and the organisers have put in a great deal of work and effort - well done to them - I just don't think that they have got it right. See you in Faversham then. Kev |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 18 Aug 08 - 07:26 PM A half-empty glass man, I see. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 19 Aug 08 - 01:50 AM Nah, Kev can empty a glass faster than that |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Crampton Date: 19 Aug 08 - 04:26 AM Kev the Clogs - I accept your opinion about the 'bad bits', but if I may just comment .... I've been to Sidmouth and Broadstairs plenty of times (admittedly not Sidmouth in recent years), and there have been some pretty crowded pubs in Sidmouth as well. The bus service, I believe, is primarily to get artists and their equipment to the venues as they are all in town without parking spaces. Punters are always welcome to any spare seats on the buses. When not being used for that, buses could be booked at the festival office. Campsite security was noticably stepped up after trouble on the first couple of nights (always the case after the event!!) and I suppose the crowds of youths outside the Dolphin may seem daunting, but actually they are (mostly) harmless and I was more than happy to push through them, chatting to them on the way. Part of the festival atmosphere imho. One thing I might say after reading through this thread - does everyone just go to Broadstairs for the free pub gigs and sessions? Very little mention of the excellent marquee and pavilion events (especially the late night stuff) that all us ticket holders went to. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,charlotte the oast ouse opper Date: 19 Aug 08 - 05:29 AM In response to kev the clogs: (this is not meant personally, just wanted to clear some things up and perhaps make you see the festival from a different perspective) I have been attending festivals for 22 years - in fact this broady was my 22nd....and I can quite honestly say that the overall feeling this year while ther are always things that could have run more smoothly, was one of happiness at a great festival with something for everyone - from the hobby horse club, to the trouser trumpets, to Cara Dillon, to Brett Marvin and the thunderbolts. the buses are indeed only really intended for the bands, performers and the less able. Those if us of were organising buses almost constantly for others try our best to find transport for the weary and tipsy wherever possible. We really do. And please remember the drivers, and organisers of this service are ALL volunteers, working together to really make the festival what it is. Alternatively, taxi's are CHEEP CHEEP in Thanet - especially when compared to a medway / maidstone price. Pubs in Sidmouth are normally RAMMED. - I think that while you say that Broadstairs is a pale immitation of festivals such as Sidmouth - it does not try to be like Sidmouth - as a previous poster said - it is a stand alone festival which has a real 'feel good family friendly' factor. Faversham while being a great festival for the morris (i've danced at it since 1990 or earlier - can't remember!) is a HOP festival and not a folk festival, so again comparisons cannot be made - and need i remind you of the nickname of faversham - Chaversham? Stand outside wetherspoons in chaversham high street during the hop festival at any time and you'll soon feel intimidated. And this coming from a girl who went to school in Chatham and is Medway born and bred. And the streets themselves become a health and safety issue - it gets too crowded and bottlenecked. But is once again a festival we all love and support as its local and traditional and long may it continue. Deal, Sweeps and Tenterden are also really small festivals in comparison to broady - and I agree kev are all great, (especially for us crazy morris types), so to comapre these is just not really accurate. The security on the camp site faced many challenges through out folk week - including successfully defeating a group of yobbos who crashed the site. And that was to the testament of those volunteers and employed security staff who gave up their free hours to patrol the site in high vis jackets to ensure the security and provde peace of mind for all. (in the pouring rain and not even a tiny bit near decent beer). Long may Broadstairs continue in the way it does - it does provide something for everyone, and the mini bus service is something that just does not happen at some other festivals - so with all the extras and free fringe events that only require a donation, it truly is value for money in a gorgeous town in a lovely part of kent. Hope you don't think me rude, just felt that i needed to reply! Dillie x |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: banjoman Date: 19 Aug 08 - 06:20 AM Just got back after our almost 20th year at Broadstairs with Old Trout Band. A great week and a credit to the organisers. My only gripe is the lack of Disabled Facilities at the School Campsite. I find it very dufficult to move about there when its wet and my mobility scooter wont go over the ground. Why cant Blue Badge holders be allowed to have their cars next to caravans/tents. There were plenty of able bodied people who seemed to just disregard the no vehicle rule while I was told in no uncertain terms to get my car of the field. That aside, it was a great week despite coping with 60mph winds at the bandstand and a couple of groups of rowdy youths who invaded the camp site one night. Thanks to all those who helped me to get about Pete |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 19 Aug 08 - 07:59 AM Hi Pete. Sorry to hear of your mobility problems. Trev and I have trouble getting about sometimes, being both hip replacement candidates. We camp in C field, where you can keep your car by your tent/caravan. We didn't use it this year due to problems with keys for the first few days. We had a few rides on the bus, and walked when we could. The hill is the worst part, and we take a couple of rests on route. It would be good to have a disabled toilet in C, but we can cope with the regular ones. It's a shame that all the lit loos are on the other side, and all the showers. The lack of security at the start of the festival meant that there was no light on the crossing between B and C and my night vision is very poor. I'm constantly in fear of falling over, but, thankfully, no tumbles at all this year.All in all, a great week.. you can't please everyone. The norcsalordie clickie didn't work, so let's try again Let's try again |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 19 Aug 08 - 08:22 AM Hi Dillie, no offence taken - all valid comments from you as well. Having been to a variety of festivals, Broadstairs just doesn't come up to scratch on many levels (I doubt I will every be swayed on this). I compared the bus service this year, to the previous three (this is only my fourth). It was much better then. This year, the service really felt like "us and them" and not "all". There is a need for a service for Joe Public. People would willingly pay a quid each way if there were a regular service (Sidmouth - the busses are full throughout the day and into the small hours!) Again, the security - in 2005 and 2006, the security presence was there from day one (it was good and it worked). 2007, it was not as high profile, and this year, was abscent until after the problems started. Guest Crampton - walking up past the petrol station on Friday afternoon/early evening, we passed a group of well dressed twenty somethings, who asked us "are you enjoying freak week? - We're not, we live here you don't" - they were sober. Several of our group experienced similar such comments during the week. Most of us are from areas where we have had to be street wise and are able to look after ourselves, but still felt intimidated. We spoke with several of the staff from shops in the High Street (who live in or near Broadstairs) and they said that it was getting worse year on year and that they didn't venture out on Friday, Saturday or Wednesday nights because of the crowds and the behaviour, specifically on Dolphin corner. McGrath of Harlow - How wrong you are my friend - I am very much a glass half full person. I am a very tollerent person. However, if I feel that something is not right, or I have been wronged, then I will stand up and say so! For all on this thread who have been going for 20 odd years etc, fine, you have a connection with the place. Take a step backwards and compare this year to last and then the last and so on. If you can honestly see no difference, then good luck to you - enjoy and continue to enjoy. I have done this for the four that I have been to, and there is a decline. The week to me, doesn't feel like a "Folk Festival" - it feels like a "Music Festival" and that various elements are trying to exist but are not meshing holistically. Morris on sea front Singing, Playing and a bit of Morris at The Nelson. Singing and some bands at The Neptune. Singing, Playing, Bands at The Wrotham Arms. Singing, Playing on The Pier or Yatch Club. Bands at The Dolphin, The Barnaby Rudge, The Charles Dickens, The Rose, The Old Crown, The Prince Albert. Honestly look at what is listed above. Some of the bands were fantastic (and certainly ticked the "Folk or Folk related" box - Many, however, although good and competant muscians, could certainly not tick the "Folk or Folk related" box.) Looking at the above, looking at the list of bands in the various pubs, it feels like a "branded package" that is moved from pub to pub throughout the week. The casual, "come and go" atmosphere of Sidmouth and Whitby are not here. Pubs are not packed to overflow in Sidmouth with people listening to a traditional folk singaround (eception being The Bedford, as it stays open 'til past two in the morning when all of the others have shut). Pubs in Broadstairs are packed to an uncomfortable and yes, dangerous level, in addition to us with a lot of non-folkies, especially of Friday, Saturday and Wednesday nights with local sub-twenty fives using the pubs that they use every week, suddenly filled with a strange mixture of folk and rock. I'm sure that's ruffled a few more feathers - sorry, but it's how I feel. Kev |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,norcsalordie Date: 19 Aug 08 - 08:47 AM thanks Girl Friday but the link is meant to go to the Norcsalordie Broadstairs Folk Week page rather than just the gallery second attempt www.norcsalordie.com/broadstairsfolkweek
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Norcsalordie Date: 19 Aug 08 - 08:49 AM sorry - still not working - please cut and paste into the browser www.norcsalordie.com/broadstairsfolkweek thanks |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Zen Date: 19 Aug 08 - 09:06 AM Hi norcsalordie and thanks for the link: Clickit here (Norcsalordie's Broadstairs Folk Week pages and photos) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Zen Date: 19 Aug 08 - 09:11 AM Hmmmm! Try this |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 19 Aug 08 - 09:21 AM Hi Kev trying to get my head round what you are saying about meshing holistically - isn't what you describe part of offering something for everyone ? and if we as folkies were a little more open wouldn't we be trying to embrace the younger population and provide the broad range of material that they can relate to and will hopefully draw them into folk music - including the despised wild rover and irish ? as for freak week - it sounds a fair description of what I saw all over town - if we make ourselves look ridiculous we cannot be surprised that perceptive young people pick up on it how do you want to reduce the number of people in the pubs - provide entertainment that nobody likes - build extensions on the pubs - involve even more pubs or put the whole thing into soulless marquees ? as for intimidating - if these under 25s walked through the streets in groups with blackened faces wielding large wooden clubs then I think they would soon be down the local nick unless we go to a greenfield site we cannot expect the festival to take place in a vacuum away from social changes that cover the entire country and given time the smaller festivals will have to address the same issues that they have been fortunate enough to avoid so far |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: pasher Date: 19 Aug 08 - 09:43 AM Well put raffles. There are always going to be the minority of bigots/troublemakers/moaners whatever the event. The majority of Broadstairs businesses and residents are grateful for FW and the cash it brings to the town. There are also Regatta weeks and Dickens weeks there - I wonder if there is the same antaganism? For the past couple of years there has been mention of moving BFW to a greenfield site. Last week, the artistic director (Kim) told me that if that happened, she would retire from the event. I like the analogy of 'groups with blackened faces wielding large wooden clubs'. When I'm dressed that way and driving alone to a danceout, friends and family wonder why I'm not arrested ;-) Keep the variety of music and events. Folk is a broad church. In my book, anything that 'folk' sing or play is, by definition, 'folk music'. (PS - I've previously posted as Guest Crampton - Finally joined this esteemed site) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 19 Aug 08 - 10:07 AM Roll on the day that it moves to a greenfield site - Ely works fine! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 19 Aug 08 - 10:49 AM I was not there for very long this year but I have frequently over the years felt that there was a lack of a welcome, even from traders. However, I think it has become generally more welcoming. I neither saw nor felt any hostility from the town while I was there, (apart from the exchange that Dave(Bass) and I discuss above), and last year teh opening night (Friday) having failed to find any folk I had an amusing time in a karaoke bar. Last year there was teh well publicised "great unwashed" comment from the garage/shop at the to of the hill. Was it last year, or the year before, when several of us Gundulfs were told by security not to TALK too loudly in the furthest field? Security has to walk a tightrope. But I do like the town/pub setting. I'd just like that regular circulating bus service and more folk music, more good beer, even more participation opportunities, and less of that damned wind and rain... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: pasher Date: 19 Aug 08 - 10:50 AM "Roll on the day that it moves to a greenfield site - Ely works fine! " I'm off to Shrewsbury for the first time this weekend. That's greenfield, I believe. I'll see if that works for me. Off on a different tack - still little mention on this thread of the 'pay to get in' gigs. Highlights for me were - The Larkrise Band to Candleford Show Brett Marvin & the Thunderbolts Elvis Fontenot and the Sugar Bees * Eliza Carthy & 4Square N'Faly Kouyate & Dunyakan * OK - I play with EFSB, but it was a hightlight of the week for me ;-) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Watt Tyler Date: 19 Aug 08 - 12:33 PM May I ask if anybody went to any of the splensid concerts that were laid on for the festival. The line-up as usual was excellent. Much of the talk is of sessions, singarounds and morris. It's not a crime to be a professional musician and have people watching you. It's actually a thing of beauty. Watt |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,synbyn Date: 19 Aug 08 - 01:50 PM as you know kev, i support all kinds of festivals in kent, including aylesford, and personally i prefer those which take place in towns and involve the wider community- because otherwise we're just pleasuring ourselves... greenfield sites are ok but they tend to be about franchise burger bars and cd/shirt sales as much as music imho.. we can't really expect to remove locals from their pubs, but we can involve them if we choose appropriate material and don't alienate them by wiffling about obscure shipwrecks in the key of ambiguous... and we owe it to the publicans to drink their beer in return for using their venue... personally i'd rather pay them knowing that it helps to keep the bar open for Early Doors Sid in November than cough up for a fly-by-night franchise...off soapbox... just to reaffirm= there were great concerts too at Broadie, and the crowds of youths are nothing to do with the festival- they apparently show up at weekends- but they are easily avoided if you wish along the prom & round the allotments... I had s great time and a real mixture of musics- and so many workshops too, if you were awake for them... roll on next year! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Chris Petz Date: 19 Aug 08 - 02:40 PM Shrewsbury isn't totally "greenfield" - they work hard to involve the town and a number of pubs have sessions and set performances. I guess large crowds of drinking youths on the Dolphin corner can make you feel intimidated but none of them ever hurt each other or any folk visitors. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: stormalong Date: 19 Aug 08 - 03:09 PM I like the way that BFW is integrated with and supported by the town. I don't want to be hived off on a reservation for folkies. I suppose this is partly why I go to Rochester, Hastings, Broadstairs, Deal and Tenterden but not elsewhere. My understanding is that many young locals look forward to Folk Week as the hight point of the year even if they get little further than 'Dolphin corner'. My experience of the crowd there was that they were good-humoured. My wife and I and our 13-year-old grand-daughter walked through them every night at about 23:15 just take in the atmosphere! We didn't personally see any trouble, and nor where we abused. However, I got the impression from certain public order notices about dispersing groups that Broadstairs has suffered from the same 'ferile youth' problems experienced all over the UK today, but I suspect that many of those types come in from neighbouring towns. Perhaps a local could enlighten us more about the background? I did hear about gangs of youths invading and running rampant on the campsite and I would have been very concerned about that if I'd been camped there. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 19 Aug 08 - 04:07 PM I think you have it there synbyn. we move in for one week out of each year and take over someone else's town and try to dictate how everything should be run without a thought for the locals - only that we would rather that they weren't there unless they are serving us our beer or fish and chips We have the temerity to breeze in for our seven days and dictate how this pub should be run or what should happen at that pub and when too many of us gather in the same place at the same time then somehow it is poor organisation. Maybe we should have the singalong sessions in an empty industrial unit - bags of room .. Kim you are wonderful - you spend your entire year negotiating with people - with pubs - with authorities - with police - gathering together the widest range of musicians so that Eliza Carthy appears in the same festival as Old Uncle Tom Cobbley who has not moved from his corner seat in the Wrotham Arms since last year's festival You set this against the backdrop of a wonderful town with superb views out to sea in a picture postcard bay of glorious sand and white cliffs. All the facilities of a reasonable size town are to hand and so much of this is free - free so that if you don't like something you can walk on to the next - free so that if the pub you choose is too crowded for you you can find one that is less crowded Kim if you are reading this column please forgive us - we cannot be serious - this is just our hobby writing in to an internet chat site - it has nothing to do with reality - it's what we do when we don't have a magnificent festival to occupy our minds - we are unworthy Kim - same again next year please (but please sort out the loos :-) ! ) |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Leadfingers Date: 19 Aug 08 - 04:31 PM 100 |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,rafflesbear Date: 19 Aug 08 - 04:47 PM there you are Kim - instant proof - internet geeks |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Fidjit Date: 19 Aug 08 - 04:50 PM I had a great Broadstairs. Dodged the rain drops. Nelson, Pavilion. Bandstand, Neptune, Sailing Club. I was there. Even old Daisy's (Sinatra's) Got to the Woodshed too. Great. Highlight was breakfast with, "His Worship and the Pig" at the, Old Curiosity Shop. Great set. And Two cd's for £10. Still laughing. Parking was a bit of a problem though. Not many buskers on the front. Chas |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 19 Aug 08 - 04:53 PM There are real buses as well, frequent enough to be useful, get you within an easy walk of the camp site and the venues. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: BB Date: 19 Aug 08 - 05:45 PM I can't believe that the moaners were at the same festival as I was! We were working every morning and evening, but there was so much on that we would like to have gone to/participated in/listened to if we hadn't been otherwise engaged. Yes, Broadstairs does have a wide booking policy, but the quality is, on the whole, extremely good - and there really was plenty of whatever was your bag from traditional to almost jazz. And loads to join in with as well - the Neptune, the Woodshed sessions, the Lord Nelson, the folk club and the singaround at the Sailing Club, and probably others, as well as at least two venues who made it clear that they were keen to welcome unofficial sessions (something that has been missing in previous years). The locals on the whole are very welcoming, there are some great restaurants and cafes, many of which have in recent years started opening much earlier in the evening so that people can get to the evening events on time. The festival reaches out to locals and holiday-makers alike (and not just to get money out of them!), which is more than many festivals do. And it seems that most locals thoroughly enjoy it (and the fact that the businesses can make enough profits to enable them to survive for the rest of the year). The hordes around the Dolphin, I'm told, are there at weekends throughout the summer, and come in from all around, and on Wednesdays for the firework display (which for some reason the local Council have stopped doing during Folk Week, but they still come in thinking it's on). It's not easy getting through the crowds, but there doesn't seem to be any trouble or harassment, or really unpleasant drunkenness. I have to say that, after 26 years of going to BFW, this one was the best yet. A superb week. But still some people are never satisfied... Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Shadrak Boswell Date: 19 Aug 08 - 06:18 PM My boys (The Knifegrinders)came home saying that Broadstairs is a fine place where everyone is very friendly. I don't know anything about the internet so Preacher Dom has read all of your comments to me and I've told him what to write. All I can say is that it must have been a pretty good gathering if all they say is true. They told me about the security problems on the camp site which isn't really a problem at all - if people come on to the site illicitly, then you apply their rules and dispose of them illicitly! Anyway, I understand Ms Headley is responsible for making the Broadstairs festival happen and sincerely hope she continues to work in this way. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 19 Aug 08 - 06:41 PM All festivals have a few drawbacks, but then so does everything. True enough much of the music in tey oubs at night was overamplified rubbish, but there was always plewbty of stuff that wasn't. It doesn't worry me if there are people enjoying stuff I woudln't like, so long as I can find what I enjoy. And it's a younger crowd of rowdies than some festivals, and a dense crowd in teh streets,. But there are always quieter alternatuve ways of getting where you want to, and even the drunks were friendly enough, I found. I prefer town based festivals rather than being stuck out in a green folk ghetto. Horses for courses. One thing no one has mentioned (I think) was the East of Broadstairs element - music from eastern Europe, both visiting musicians, immigrants, and second generation. I hope this is going to grow in festivals, especially the latter two varieties. I went to a great workshop playing Latvian tunes, run by a couple of musicians from the Latvian communiuty in Corby. We've potentially got folk music from allover the world living in this country, and they all shoudl be welcome in festivals, alongside more locally originated music. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Fidjit Date: 20 Aug 08 - 07:41 AM Geordie Porgie From the door I could just see your head over the dense crowd in one of the pubs (Tartar Frigate, I think). Thats as close as I got to you. I shouted HALLO, but to no avail. You and the crowd were making more noise than I could. I gave up doing those type of gigs back in the late 70's The pubs that are crowded are the real noisy ones. Not my cup of tea at all. There were no seats empty at the Woodshed sessions, but certainly not what I'd call a noisy place. Thanks Jen. Neptune is standing room only. Full of singers, rousing chorus' and you can hear the words. Thank Peter. I always got a seat at the session in the Nelson. A song at the sailing club And a dance at the lunch time barn dance in the Pavilion. Decent ale all over the place too. Chas |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 20 Aug 08 - 08:19 PM Concerts enjoyed by us were: Lark Rise To Candleford, Jez Lowe, Steve Tilston,Toomey/Swarbrick, New To You, Brett Marvin and The Thunderbolts,Keith Kendricks Anniversary Do. We also were at Liza Carthy, and Blues at the Methodist Church, but left before the end. The church is a nice venue, but one toilet between everyone is inadequate. The rule of leaving the room in between songs is ok when there is a decent gap, but one performer played for far too long with no gaps. We think it's great to have BFW in the town, a greenfield site would not have the desired effect of bringing more people into Folk. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 20 Aug 08 - 08:57 PM Aye, Fidjit! Aah knaah what ye mean! BFW is the main reason aah'm Mutt 'n' Jeff but if it wasn't for the festival aah'd never have met 'The Higginbottom'! Aah dee like the 'buzz' of playin' wi' The Phatts AND the audience does come back year after year te see us - even though you can practically set your watch by the set-list. We did dee an acoustic set at the Sailin' Club on the Wednesday which went doon really well and we got to sing some lovely melodic FOLK songs. Aah'm thinkin' aboot askin' Kim H if aah can dee some acoustic spots on me ain next year - Geoff does his bits wi' Three Sheets & the kiddies shows and John has his comedy stuff so it wad be nice to slot summat in on me Jack Jones and come back to the mayhem of The Phatts later in the day! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Fidjit Date: 21 Aug 08 - 08:45 AM Yeah Geordie I'd like to do that too. Put in a word. Chas |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Rafflesbear Date: 23 Aug 08 - 04:23 AM If anyone's interested Norcsalordie are back at the Barnaby Rudge on Monday evening 1st September It'll be interesting to see the town minus the folkies - this is when they'll be grateful for the local under 25s - let's hope we haven't alienated them too much ! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 23 Aug 08 - 08:25 PM Under 25? Tat's a REALLY low IQ. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Rafflesbear Date: 24 Aug 08 - 06:09 AM and with comments like that are we surprised that some of the local youngsters don't welcome us ? you wrote "I have frequently over the years felt that there was a lack of a welcome, even from traders" let's just hope they don't read Mudcat and that they don't hold grudges for a year |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: 1/3 of Triality Date: 24 Aug 08 - 11:35 AM To Girl Friday, I may just know of the two persons you require contact triality.music@virgin.net |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 24 Aug 08 - 01:13 PM Dear Raffles - you may have noted that I did not add "even for Brosdtairs". Maybe see you at Chaversham, but look forward to Knockers. Are you by any chance from Singapore with a handle like that? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Rafflesbear Date: 25 Aug 08 - 12:26 PM Sorry Richard - far more mundane than that - Rafflesbear is a teddybear won in a raffle - groan .. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 25 Aug 08 - 12:44 PM Thankyou 1/3rd. I'll be in touch. Is there a Triality gig at Orpingon Thursday sometime? We can give it a go then maybe. We want to record it with banjos, bass, trumpet and squeezebox. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Kim Headley Date: 26 Aug 08 - 06:40 AM Thanks for all your comments - positive, not so positive and somewhat quirky. We'll never get it right for everyone, but I'm afraid I have to keep on trying for a few more years cos my pension provider from a previous proper job has a massive deficit and I can't yet retire to a life with grandchildren and veggie gardening. However if someone who fancies the job makes me a massive cash offer I could probably be bribed... Meanwhile, hope to see most of you next year 7 - 14 August |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Rafflesbear Date: 26 Aug 08 - 08:42 AM Congratulations on a job well done Kim - take a bow |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 26 Aug 08 - 11:14 AM Despite my preferences for traddie and participatory, if you want to try Bluehorses again I'd be queuing for the concert... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 26 Aug 08 - 05:58 PM Aye, Kim! A crackin' job again, by aall! Aah'll be in touch in due course followin' my note above - Aah hev your e-mail address and WILL use it! Ye knaah! When aah finally hang up me guitar aah'm ganna see what the rest of the festival looks like! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Fidjit Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:27 AM Yes Kim Great job. Well done. I really liked the "Breakfast With . . . ." sets. Fancy doing one of them myself. Book me before it's too late. His Worship & The Pig Did a great one at the, Old Curiosity Shop on Tuesday morning. Chas |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: rock chick Date: 27 Aug 08 - 08:15 AM Well my partner and I went just for the last few couple of day, I have been going for some years now, and well we were both very disappointed. Before anyone jumps on that comment I will say this. I lived in Broadstairs for quite some years and all my children were born and brought up there, it used to be a lovely town and still is to a point – unspoilt by horrid modern buildings, but there is a rowdy element that has crept in, as with most of the country. I am not against youngsters, I had four under five, but binge drinking and foul language is not my cup of tea, nor the friend who still lives there. Folk Week has really changed over the last few years, the pubs seem to be cashing in on loud rock music for the youngsters who spend loads of money on binge drinking, and this is pushing the folk element / sessions out. It was similar to Cambletown in Scotland which we visited last weekend, totally disappointing. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 27 Aug 08 - 08:22 AM Rock Chick - I will love you forever!!! At last, someone is agreeing with me!!! There have been lots of valid comments here, but 99% of contributors haven't/can't stand back and be objective. You are obviously able to make a better judgment than most. Well done for being honest. I guess it'll be your turn now to be called a moaner! See you at Knockholt. Kev |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 27 Aug 08 - 12:27 PM Folkies disapproving of binge drinking? Whatever next? I quite do like some aspects of Broadstairs. But it wasn't all that long ago that you could walk in and play/sing in some town centre pubs. It wasn't all that long ago that the (or at least some) booked bands in pubs were playing folk music - maybe loudly, maybe with the devil in their soul, but still folk music. It wasn't all that long ago that ALL the booked artists were in different rooms of the school until 4 am |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: synbyn Date: 27 Aug 08 - 03:45 PM ahh the school- yes, it was great- but i believe the school itself has gone hitech which means no access to classrooms any more, cos of the insurance- cd be wrong but i think that's the reason... same in most schools since chalk ceased to be the medium... nobody nicked that.. you know me well enough, Kev , to know that whatever i say is objective, in the sense that i like to assist to make a festival what i would like to go to in the future, not only for myself but for others to enjoy- a platform for all sorts- and like most contributors i'll say what i think works, in order that more of the same is done... solutions, not problems, i think the americans define it... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:33 PM Bob, you are right, and I always value your opinion. It was just that I was starting to feel as popular as a rattle snake in a lucky dip!!! Kev |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: BB Date: 27 Aug 08 - 06:06 PM Rock Chick, surely the festival is more than just what goes on in the pubs, isn't it? I think the actual festival events are still as good, if not better than they have always been. From talking to locals, yes, there is something of a problem with the young rowdy elements, but that's true of most, if not all town centres these days - and in Broadstairs it's not confined to Folk Week. As far as I can tell, there are no more pub gigs in the programme than there have always been - I can't comment on the style of those as I'm working elsewhere. But, as I pointed out in an earlier post, there were at least two venues who were crying out for musicians to have their own sessions there, but I don't think it happened, Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:29 AM What were those two venues? I saw one sign going down the hill on the right (going up the hill on the left) saying "acoustic bands come in and have a go" but that is not an invitation to a session but to an acoustic band (ie no solo singers please) to give an impromptu concert. That was the only one I saw. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:36 AM PS. I think the sign I saw was above the Old Crown and the Prince Albert, on the Crown side. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: pasher Date: 28 Aug 08 - 04:02 AM There was the pub near the campsite (forget its name) begging for session musicians, but it was down a side road and off the beaten track!! How does the festival pub/band thing work? I assume that a pub that wants festival bands lunchtimes and evenings pays the festival appropriately and then makes a profit on the extra beer sales? If that is the case, these other pubs advertising for musos are maybe trying to cash in on the festival without the outlay? Pa |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,charlotte the oast ouse opper Date: 28 Aug 08 - 04:44 AM I think the venues you mention were the Albion pub, and the cafe joules at the bottom of the high street - both has signs out to welcome musicians... Dillie x |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: banjoman Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:26 AM The Albion at St Peters is the pub mentioned. Its within easy walking distance (or mobility scooter)of the campsite and used to be a regular festival venue. OTB played loads of sessions there in our early days. I think there was some problem with changing landlords a few years ago. Would like to see it back on the Festival venue list Pete |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:56 AM Last time I played in that Albion "Travelling Charles" Fyson was booked to play there and he asked Jacqui and me to assist, so we did, but there were two problems - no folking audience (just a few bemused locals) and Charles' Takamine had a problem with the neck so every time he put the capo on it went a quarter tone sharp which screwed any chance of our joining in with him. Yes, now I am reminded the other was the Cafe place. I think it might have been Cafe Jules, not Cafe Joules, a Joule being a unit of electrical energy. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Rafflesbear Date: 28 Aug 08 - 08:41 AM actually a unit of electrical energy AND a cafe in Broadstairs http://www.lajoules.org.uk/ |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 28 Aug 08 - 11:37 AM Sparky! Bring some of those cocktails to Knockers... |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Paddywack Date: 28 Aug 08 - 03:55 PM Trouble with the Albion is its too far off the beaten track for Joe Public and unless there is a group or performer on who is well known (in the locals eyes)they tend to give it a miss. I think it would still be a good session pub but problem is the vast majority of St Peters residents think folkies are an endengered species or a contagious disease or as in an earlier note "Freak Week". Keep up good work Kim |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Guest: Proud to be workforce Date: 28 Aug 08 - 09:02 PM A big thankyou to all involved with running the festival which in my opion was the best yet,the result of a lot of hard work by the organisers. Yes there are a lot of people around the dolphin corner area but this is true for any Friday, Saturday,and Wednesday(when fireworks are on). most people are friendly or just take the micky in a joking way of the folkies,I attend a session in broadstairs every week and we find that 99% of people appreciate the music that is played. The odd one percent make one or two comments and then leave and find somewhere that is more to their taste. Getting back to the festival there were a lot of very good concerts and workshops which were there for anyone who either had a season ticket or even that you could pay to see on the door. I am yet to hear a complaint on here from anyone who paid for a ticket for the week, I realise that like myself you have worked hard for the festival but you do very well for free. The main thing that was said to me during the week was how wonderful it was to come to broadstairs during folk week and find the town had come alive,and there was so much entertainment especially at the bandstand which went on for most of the day and was free, with only a voluntary donation being asked, not something you get at Whitby or at Towersey or any of the greenfield sites. A fried of mine summed up what it meant to her children when she said "we hang the bells on the back of the pantry door when we go home at the end of the week and every time we open the door we hear the bells that the children wear and remember what a good time we had at broadstairs and look forward to next year,with Clarence and the Osses" A very big well done to Joe, Kim, and Tess for yet another great festival roll on 2009 when the bells will come out again and our town will reawaken. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,charlotte the oast ouse opper Date: 29 Aug 08 - 09:08 AM I agree with the 'guest proud to be workforce" - think I know you?!!! he he x Dillie x |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: BB Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:55 PM Yes, I was thinking of the Albion and La Joules. People have been complaining about the fact that there was nowhere to play that wasn't an organised session, because all the pubs were full of 'booked' acts. Now they're complaining that these two want to get in on the act without paying! There really is no pleasing some people! I don't know what the circumstances were with The Albion, although I do know that the landlord went to the expense of having two 'yellow signs' made so that musicians knew where to go, and my immediate thought was, 'That's great - there's somewhere for informal sessions to happen, which is what some people wanted.' La Joules asked too late to have festival acts in there, so sensibly had a board outside saying, 'Musicians welcome.' I doubt that either would have objected to singers as well. To be honest, I've lost patience. If you don't like it, stay away - there are more and more people who do enjoy it! Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 29 Aug 08 - 06:07 PM I didn't see the Albion signs (but owing to work and weather I wasn't there or about long) but where is that "Albion "want to get in on the act without paying" complaint? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 30 Aug 08 - 12:20 PM I've no idea whether the Albion was unofficial or missed out this year. The pubs that pay to have guests have usually always been in the town. The large sign was situated immediately as you left the campsite. We saw it, and thought about going, but there was plenty of other stuff to do this year. I'm sure that it would have been ideal for all session people to drop into, which is what we asked for. Past landlords have booked performers from the folk scene, so why not have them aboard next year? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: BB Date: 30 Aug 08 - 02:44 PM Richard, from Pasher on 28th. "If that is the case, these other pubs advertising for musos are maybe trying to cash in on the festival without the outlay?" Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: pasher Date: 30 Aug 08 - 07:42 PM Just to be clear, I was asking how the pub/band/festival thing worked and if pubs do pay the festival. Then, if that is the case, only speculating about these other 'venues'. I'm not stating any facts or laying any accusations ;-) Pa |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: BB Date: 31 Aug 08 - 01:38 PM Yes, the pubs do pay the festival for acts that are put into the pubs - quite rightly IMO. That helps enable the festival to up its profile by putting things on at the bandstand for free - or at least only for collections. I don't know what the situation was with The Albion, but I doubt for the reason I said that it was 'trying to cash in without outley', and La Joules was as stated above. Sorry if I sounded p....d off, but that's how I'm feeling about the moaners - not you specifically. :-) Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 31 Aug 08 - 06:43 PM BB - forgive me for saying this, but we live in the United Kingdom, which I believe has a thing called Freedom of Speech! At NO POINT have I, or any other person on this thread, criticised any of the workforce for their hard work - thank you all for your hard work. What I and a few others have said is that there are things wrong and that they need addressing. Your comment that we should stay away is not exactly helpful or friendly is. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 31 Aug 08 - 06:43 PM Barbara. I think that these moaners don't realise how much hard work goes into organising a folk club, let alone a week long festival. Some people will never be happy. Sue |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 31 Aug 08 - 06:54 PM as someone who organises a weekend festival, I DO appreciate the time and effort, blood sweat and hard toil that goes into organising an event! How many ways do I have to say it - I am NOT criticising your hard work! ONLY ASPECTS of the festival which is my RIGHT as a customer of the festival! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 31 Aug 08 - 07:20 PM sue. i've just read your post on the Faversham thread - you say you have been disillusioned for years. What about the hard work that THOSE organisers put in?! You are obviously exercising your right to freedom of speech just like I and others have on this thread! Not a dig at you, just an observation. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,charlotte the oast ouse opper Date: 01 Sep 08 - 07:33 AM Stop being off topic! and 'digging' at others. Lets keep it on topic.... who would you like to see at broady next year? My hot picks would be : Faustus (benji, Saul, and Paul are amazing) Demon Barbers - keeping it traditional, but making it appealing to the masses of young people - and incorporating dance - HOORAH! Ruth Notman - please please please put her on, I love her album threads! oh and a VERY big request for the red hot chilli pipers as a late night - that would sell out in seconds.... Really looking forward to Folk Week 09 - and to giving my time to support a festival that means so much to so many, and mostly to Thanet - which is in the top 20% of deprived districts in the country - (i work with these sort of stats all day - sad isn't it!) A lovely festival comparable with NO OTHER in a gorgeous town :0) WHOOP. Dillie xxx |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Rafflesbear Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:27 AM OK - I know that no-one likes a smart a-- but isn't Broadstairs 2009 going off topic! :-) seriously though, I love it - and I agree with you Dillie let's make 2009 the year that we reached out to the under 25s local and national and gave them a reason to associate with the festival without losing the folk theme And I'm not just talking about the organisers and the acts - let's all try to open our minds and bring as many as we can of the next generation into this wonderful world of ours |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Paddywack Date: 01 Sep 08 - 09:26 AM As a regular in the Albion previous landlords ,not the present one as he is quiet new, felt that the return did not warrant the outlay. The pub is a bit off beaten track and people were unwilling to go that far out of town when there was a wider choice in the centre of town. The present landlord does have "live music" occasionally. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 01 Sep 08 - 09:31 AM I think there could be a great deal of mileage in the Abion being the "home session" for the campsite in the evenings, particularly as the school fades. As for aconcert band that I'd love to see, I'll say "Bluehorses" again. Very potentially unifying, with a strong metal flavour and still I think a few folk songs in the repertoire. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Girl Friday Date: 01 Sep 08 - 12:42 PM It'd be great if someone put Tone Deaf Leopard here. You saw less of us busking on the front this year because of the weather. The landlady (if it's she, who cooks the barbies)from the Nep invited us back to sing in the beer garden again. We took a collection tin, but were thwarted because the session inside was still going strong at 4 pm. For a consideration such as maybe one season ticket, we will run singarounds . The school late sessions for example, when they were hosted, they were much better. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Chair82 Date: 01 Sep 08 - 02:04 PM Even though I enjoyed Broadstairs this year, I was not impressed by the security. I was camping on Zone C. Even though, our tent was not broken into, I felt uneasy that somebody could break into our tent at any point in the week. The security guards did not bother to check our wristbands between zones and it seemed like there was never anyone patrolling the campsite. My husband was not impressed with the price of the beer. He thought £3 a pint was too high a price. Everywhere charged the same price as well so there were no cheaper beers. I thought that the pubs were too crowded. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Paddywack Date: 01 Sep 08 - 02:39 PM Barnaby Rudge was the only pub charging £3. Wrotham £2.50, it was on average £2.70 Most of the pubs in Whitby were charging £3. One point in favour of Albion Ruddles, which I Know is not everyones idea of a top quality beer, is £2.15 a pint. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: BB Date: 01 Sep 08 - 03:28 PM Sailing Club was £2.80 a pint of, I believe, a good local real ale (not sure about the good, as I don't drink beer). And Kev, yes, of course everyone's got a perfect right to say what they like, and I wasn't suggesting anything about your or anyone else's attitude to the workforce. And things can always be tweaked to improve a little each year, which I believe has happened. It does seem though as though some people are almost totally negative. And this applies to a previous thread on the subject which was running at one point at the same time as this one, and which was still in my mind. But, as Kim has said before, you can't please everyone, so I would still say that the best thing is for those who don't like it more or less as it is to go elsewhere for their festival fixes. Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: melodeonboy Date: 01 Sep 08 - 03:44 PM I seem to remember that when we (Jumbo Gumbo) played at the Bradstow Mill, the beer was only £2 a pint, rising to £2.50 after 4 o'clock. Not bad! I couldn't really take advantage of it as I was performing. I lie! (tee-hee) hic! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Geordie-Peorgie Date: 01 Sep 08 - 05:41 PM Aah think you're dead right aboot The Little Albion! Although it's closest to the campsite, it IS off the beaten track and subsequently suffers from a lack of festival custom. In past BFW's they have had some canny bands in there but with no festival punters as people think it's aall happenin' doon the toon! It's not just the festival though - They have their own clientel (?) on certain days and DO have live bands on weekly at weekends. They also tend to get a lot of young foreign language students who start their evening out in there and then move on - However, as we found out tonight (to our cost) the Sunday afternoon music sessions are NOT doin' so well and have been cancelled. Aaron and Charley ARE a delightful young couple and are the latest in a LONG line of managers over the past five years - They're deein' a wonderful job and aah think that if they were approached aboot havin' a series of sessions rather than planned bands then they'd be up for it. Bear in mind though that it IS in the middle of a residential area. Ye DO need te make people aware that the place is there - Ten minutes from the campsite and a lovely atmosphere - but people cannit make their minds up whether it's in Brpoadstairs or St Peter's, and it's not St Peter's Folk Week, is it?. Aah divven' knaah what BFW charges the pubs to have bands in (and it's nairn o' my business anyway!) so aah've nee idea if Aaron & Charley have been approached and declined, but if yez turned up at The Little Albion and wanted te sing, aah'm sure ye'd be welcome with open arms - Just tell them The Phatt-B'Stards sent yez!!! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 01 Sep 08 - 06:00 PM There is of course the advantage that if TDL are there they are not elsewhere (grin)! THe short lived co-operation between Travelling Charles Fyson, my late trouble and strife Jacqui, and me, was called the Egg White Band after that Albion. Albion - Albumen - Egg White - Geddit??? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Paddywack Date: 01 Sep 08 - 06:25 PM Got to disagree with you there George, previous landlords were not there long but Sharon and Shaun were there at least 4 years and it is in St Peters. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Rafflesbear Date: 08 Sep 08 - 09:00 AM Best band in Broadstairs 2008 ? this is just one man's opinion but I'm not arguing - I think these boys are going to be big bell bottomed trousers as an aside - does anybody recognise the pub ? |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: wrotham-arms-jen Date: 08 Sep 08 - 03:39 PM not sure but looks to me like the crown jen p.s. yes the boys are terrific - a great find in folk week for sure, sorry to have missed them in broadstairs last week. |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: GUEST,Rafflesbear Date: 09 Sep 08 - 01:30 PM Hi Jen I'm told it was the Prince Albert BTW the post on youtube was another fan - nothing to do with me or the band |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 15 Sep 08 - 05:36 PM Indeed, it was the Prince Albert. It was on the Thursday evening, as we were on a crawl of the town that night, and The Prince Of Wales was our first stop of the night!! Aren't these guys good!!!! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Richard Bridge Date: 15 Sep 08 - 05:39 PM Careful Kev, you'll say something nice soon! |
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Subject: RE: Broadstairs 2008 From: Kev The Clogs Date: 15 Sep 08 - 05:53 PM I don't think so Hoff :-) |
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