Pickering Folk Festival 2009

Subject: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: GUEST,EAEL
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 06:24 AM

The former Pickering Folk Festival that was re-scheduled for May Bank Holiday weekend has been moved again to September 4th, 5th & 6th 2009, This new date is FINAL! There were several reasons for moving the date again. Firstly, since the take over of the old company by Events And Exhibitions Ltd, there simply wasn't time to put together a new festival and guarantee that it would be a quality event. There is an awful lot of work to do and approximately 20 weeks is insufficient time in which to do so. The new date allows a realistic amount of time in which to ensure that our customers will benefit from an event that is of the highest calibre in performance, convenience and comfort. The second reason for moving the event date is so that it doesn't clash with other festivals in the area. Having read on Mudcat that others were going to Ryedale Festival which is just down the road, we didn't want to impact on that excellent festival. The new date for Pickering doesn't clash with any other festivals in the vacinity. The new festival will be called The Gateway To The Moors Festival and we at Events And Entertainments Ltd sincerely hope that you will support the new festival and experience all that we have to offer.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 06:42 AM

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Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: nutty
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 06:44 AM

I probably should keep out of this thread (given what happened last time) but my first response to this is .......

Good idea to change the date and put out some publicity

BUT

Who Events And Exhibitions Ltd ? .... couldn't find any info on the net other than that they have a full committment to model trains .... and the name seems uncomfortably similar to the last organisation.

Who is booked? ..... by this time contracts should have been exchanged?
Are they likely to attract any of the big names they had on the bill last time?

Who is the contact for , Artists, Stewards, Stallholders?

Given last years fiasco - with people still being owed money - is there enough goodwill to get this event off the ground??

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 06:49 AM

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Judging by the links, you'll be lucky to get any punters - unless of course those out of pocket from last year have been reimbursed by now

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: GUEST,EAEL
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 07:09 AM

Thank you for your early responses. We are fully aware of the situation regarding last year's event. The two companies are unconnected. The transaction between The Events Office and ourselves was that of a complete takeover. Regarding your issues concerning contracts, artists, stallholders and stewards, I can only say that this is naturally all in hand and is currently being dealt with by our team of experienced events managers and co-ordinators. We do have experts in every field. We will be releasing publicity and information to the media and to the public as we have it.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 09:34 AM

They've certainly got a big hill to climb, bridges to build and fences to repair - metaphorically speaking. I'm going to wait and see.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 10:09 AM

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/pickeringfolk/2009/

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: nutty
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 11:38 AM

See Mr Happy's link above

I really hope that they haven't been selling tickets

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: oggie
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 11:51 AM

As yet there are no details of the new company on the Companies House website.

Steve

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Mr Happy
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 11:53 AM

This is what it says on the website about tickets - so if true, those in need should get their monies back eventually

Tickets
Are not yet on sale, those who bought tickets for the 2008 are being offered the option to exchange them for VIP tickets for 2009. The refunds will commence on Wednesday 27th August in an alphabetical order.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 12:18 PM

so people who should be refunded, are entitled to interest as well,because of the long wait.
of course I doubt if they will receive any interest .

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 01:25 PM

IT does say August 27th. It doesn't say which year.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 01:30 PM

Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: LesB
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 02:29 PM

Go to Fylde instead .
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: oggie
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 02:31 PM

I think you'll find that the ticket refunds and offer on efestivals relates to the plans of The Events Office (and the May dates). If it is truly a new organiser then they have no obligation to honour/discharge the previous company's debts.

Steve

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: gnomad
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 04:08 PM

Events And Exhibitions Ltd incorporated 31 Oct 2008, address is in Grantham, see Companies House.

I suspect more info, directors etc, are probably available if you pay but I don't have an account with them.

Oggie is quite right that the new company will have no obligations in respect of last year's non-event (unless they have arranged differently, and why would they?) but I suspect they may have a barrier of mistrust to overcome all the same. This barrier will be all the higher if it should be the case that the old organisation and the new have directors, other officers, or addresses in common.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: oggie
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 04:28 PM

"Events And Exhibitions Ltd incorporated 31 Oct 2008, address is in Grantham, see Companies House."

You must be better at working the Companies House website than me, my search turned up a blank.

Can't find a list of Directors yet.

Steve

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Simon G
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 07:23 PM

Events And Exhibitions Ltd manage the showground and arena.

http://www.rydalearena.com/

Which fully qualifies them to not be aware that the large proportion of the potential audience will be in Fylde that weekend.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Simon G
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 07:27 PM

But notice the missing event on the calendar, with all their professional event organisers, you'd think they would have put it on their own calendar before telling mudcat.

Subject: RE: PICKERING FOLK FESTIVAL 2009
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 07:35 PM

Allegedly the old company was not actually a limited company and allegedly Simon Boak is personally liable for the debts incurred by the events office. I may be wrong and this is only my opinion and should not be quoted as fact. Allegedly Simon Boak is barred from setting up a limited company, this again is hearsay and should not be relied on as being the truth, if however this is true then it may be that he may not be allowed to be a director of the new company (or indeed any company) and the new company may, in fact, be totally separate from the original one.
Sorry if this seems to be a little vague, my brain can never be relied on when it comes to clarity.

On a positive note I hope that the new company, if independent of the original one, is successful in its venture to have a Folk Festival in Pickering. The new company should not suffer for the activities of the previous one (if there is no connection)
Simon's idea for a folk festival in Pickering was a good one and if nothing else he should be given credit for the idea if not for the resultant debacle.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Jan 09 - 09:03 PM

I'm not going to allow any anonymous posts in this thread. I sometimes let them slip by in the music section, but not in this thread. If you have something to say, post under the name you usually use at Mudcat. Please try to keep the discussion civil.

-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 03:47 AM

I agree with Dennis that a Folk Festival at Pickering would be great - I've always supported that idea. I think, though, that it's a very brave move in the current economic climate to set a new festival up from scratch, especially after what's happened. Certainly money's tight for us at the moment and we'll be supporting Ryedale, Osmotherley and Roots North again this year. As for Pickering - like I said before, we'll wait and see.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Betsy
Date: 28 Jan 09 - 05:46 PM

It's easy for a company to shed it's former skin and rise like pheonix but even if that is not the case ,the new regime should learn to walk before they run.
How come a well informed Traditional Site like this has never referred to " .....twice shy...."
If Simon G. is informing us that Fylde is on the same weekend as the New Pickering Management is proposing - it may not bring the outbursts which last years brought from some of us, because of the geographical nearness of a long established Fest. which Pickering organised on the same weekend.
Time will tell - but as Leveller has pointed out, it's a dodgy time financially for most of us, especially those of us who are not gamblers by nature.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,the green tara
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 08:55 AM

i am still waiting for my trade stand fees to be returned
when i arrived after a 5 hour drive on the thursday,there were no loos ,stage or anything else for that matter,which shows that when i paid the organisers were already going to cancel the event .

this is theft ,and since vat was included ,vat fraud
does anyone know how to get in touch with the organisers since the 01751 473780 number doesnt receive incoming calls ?

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Just trying to help
Date: 03 Feb 09 - 07:43 PM

Try:

Events & Exhibitions Ltd
1200 Century Way
Thorpe Park Business Park
Leeds LS15 8ZA

Tel: [phone]

http://www.eventsandexhibitions.net/

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 05:25 AM

thanks ...although i doubt i will ever see my money again.
the site on thursday morning had no marquee ,bogs,anything at all there ,these should have been in place days before .

i smell a scam ,and would like to know if any ticket holders ever got their money back

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 05:37 AM

Guest, I got my money back - a building society cheque from Simon Boakes. I don't know why I got lucky - perhaps because I was one of the first to reserve tickets. Seems I was one of the fortunate few.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 05:47 AM

Green Tara, it may have been that toilets, stage etc had not been put up due to the showground being sodden and they were waiting to see if it dried out in time for the festival to proceed, the fact they were not there does not necessarily indicate premeditated theft or fraud.
P.S I do not know Simon Boak or have any affiliation to him.

Raggy

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: gnomad
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 08:03 AM

To the guests asking whether anyone has received a refund, the answer is yes. If you go back up the thread to Jan27th a post by Mr Happy gives links to 3 other Mudcat threads on this subject, and you will find posts by people who have had refunds.

You will also find that you are not alone in your dissatisfaction at having had no refund. I don't know if that helps at all, but I hope so.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 03:11 PM

Hi Raggy, your assessment of the facts is in my opinion true. THe land had been wet for some days prior to the scheduled event. I do believe there may have been, in addition, some involvement regarding loos in particular by the Local Authority who I know are very keen on Health and Safety, Hygiene etc.

Dennis

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 04 Feb 09 - 06:04 PM

My olfactory senses detact a rodent - no way am I on this one. Too many 'Catters are owed money from the last one.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Pistachio
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 12:01 PM

Why not go to the 'Sea Fever' event at and around Hull Marina - same weekend - and you get to look at the boats too!

Hazel.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,rachel
Date: 05 Feb 09 - 04:55 PM

hi havent been on this link before but bought 4 tickets for the pickering folk festival and received no refund. in december received app form for free passes for yorkshire folk festival.. can anyone tell me whether these passes will be honoured ??? is it in may please help

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,local still owed money
Date: 06 Feb 09 - 10:10 AM

A think there is definitely a rabbit off somewhere in all this. Why, if the two festivals are entirely seperate entities is the same person (Rick Clarke) responsible for booking the acts for both events?

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 07 Feb 09 - 07:36 AM

Well, with no particular axe to grind, why would anybody want to risk this event?

If it was me, I would want to see them get at least one festival under their belt before risking it. Problem is, if everyone takes that stance, it'll never happen.

But then, as above, there is also Hull up the road if you are of a nautical persuasion, and 2 BIG established festivals further South - Wallingford Bunkfest and Moseley Folk Festival in Birmingham. Both with great line-ups and a proven track record.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: le cheffie
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 03:40 AM

Having just come into this thread, I wonder if the organisers have actually done any research before announcing the dates for this festival. Surely if there are already 3 established events on over this weekend its would be counter productive to try and hold one for the first time.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 05:14 AM

The organisers made a bigger mistake with the ill fated first folk event at Pickering, it was to be the same time as the Saltburn event, which was the theme of the original thread about Pickering.
At least these other events are further away, although Hull is not too far!
The major worry for most is that as many people including ticket buyers, artists, stall holders, exhibiters etc did not receive a refund, what confidence should similar persons have that all will run smooth with the new event with "new" organisers.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 07:03 AM

I agree with Graham.

I was asked if I would like a stall at the previous festival. Fortunately I was away so I never took up their offer, but whilst the event seemed to be well-organised it seemed to be well out of the cycle for festivals (it was later than others).

The line-up seemed to be announced late too.

So I would like to see a festival or two under the organisers belt before I committed myself.

The site (I went to something else there) is superb IMHO.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: oggie
Date: 08 Feb 09 - 10:57 AM

Great venue but maybe the question is "do we need another generic folk festival?"

I don't think there's a week from Easter until the end of the summer holidays where there isn't at least one festival, in many cases several. It's a week after Whitby, is there really room and will it offer anything that festival goers haven't caught at least once (if not several times) over the season.

Steve

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: le cheffie
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 06:18 AM

Is there a chance of over saturating this part of north yorkshire with festivals. I believe that there are already 3 in the Whitby area plus Saltburn

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 07:53 AM

"is there really room and will it offer anything that festival goers haven't caught at least once (if not several times) over the season."

It very much depends on the line-up. The previous one had a fantastic line-up with a much broader span than most in the area - plus it was all on one site, which, for many of us, is a bonus.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 07:55 AM

Its a bonus if it happens

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Connie
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 08:20 AM

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 08:21 AM

Well, I don't think I'll be going anyway, this year. Already committed to Ryedale, Osmotherley and Roots North - three brilliant festivals across the summer that deserve to be better-attended. We're also trying to get to the new Queensbury Festival in March.

I reckon a lot of people will be waiting to see if it actually happens.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Connie
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 08:22 AM

Sorry - hit the wrong button again!

One September festival with over 40 years of track record has announced the 2009 line-up. Have a look at the Bromyard FF website - Seth Lakeman, Battlefield Band, Crucible, Damon Barber Roadshow, Jez Lowe and lots, lots more already confirmed.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,rick chappell
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 01:10 PM

just found out from credit company cant claim for refund from them due to 100 day rule!!!!! anybody any ideas and how did you get your money back

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:09 PM

100 day rule?

£100.00 rule possibly? What have they said?

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Nick
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:21 PM

There is a good discussion about pprotection and credit cards and section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act on the Money Saving Expert site (which EVERYONE in the UK should read regularly as a matter of course) - here

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Qwertyco
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 09:38 AM

I've had enough, and intend to take legal action via: Moneyclaim.gov

Can anyone advise me as to who I am actually claiming against?
Is it the seemingly defunct Events Office, or the lovely Mr.Boake?

Can anyone who has actually been refunded supply me with the details of where exactly the refund came from?

Thanks,
Don't let this die away.
I worked hard for the £300 they took from me.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 10:27 AM

I see that one member of staff has been named in this thread. I know this bloke and can assure you that he too was a victim in all of this. Please remember that the staff are not responsible for this anymore than Woolies staff were for the fact that their closing down sale wasn't cheap enough yet they till took the shit.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 10:34 AM

"Can anyone advise me as to who I am actually claiming against?"

As the Events Office was not, I believe, a limited company, I would suggest you claim against Mr Boakes himself. My refund was by a Building Society cheque which, I suppose, was Simon Boakes' personal account.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,rick chappell
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 04:21 PM

the 100 day rule is that you cant claim when the original purchase was over 100 days old. (we didnt start worrying until autumn 08 so our credit caed co. argue we left it too late, in the sense of being over 100 days)

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 06:14 PM

I notice on the Evants and Exhibitions Ltd website that the date of the festival is now 14-16 August 2009.
Does anyone know anything more about this, the third date in as many months!
Thanks
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 11 Feb 09 - 07:04 PM

And renamed "Gateway to the Moors" Festival.

Now why would they want to change their name from Pickering Folk Festival to that?

Makes you wonder doesn't it!!

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Feb 09 - 10:44 AM

Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen on the evidence above.

News travels fast - bad news travels faster.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Banjiman
Date: 12 Feb 09 - 10:54 AM

If that date is correct, it's clashing with Saltburn FF.....again! (where we'll be)

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Banjiman
Date: 12 Feb 09 - 10:57 AM

I see the Bad Shepherds have it on their website for August 28th.....

confusion reigns!

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Adrianl
Date: 12 Feb 09 - 03:12 PM

A quick google shows one act who has a booking TBC for the 16th Auguast

Sarah Gillespie

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 12 Feb 09 - 04:16 PM

So, the original poster, having assured us that:

"I can only say that this is naturally all in hand and is currently being dealt with by our team of experienced events managers and co-ordinators. We do have experts in every field."

...has now disappeared leaving behind total confusion. Whatever fields their experts are currently stomping about in, it doesn't seem to be the one where the festival is going to be held. An event that has started as a total PR disaster looks like being as big a washout as last year's. The words "brewery", "pissup", "organise" and "couldn't" spring to mind.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 12 Feb 09 - 06:10 PM

Someone ought to have a word with her.....Ask for cash in advance my dear........a month in advance.....

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 09:25 AM

Is n't it time a line was drawn under this,just because someone tried to run a festival and because of appaling weather had the courage to cancel the event so that no one was harmed by the flooding on the site they are being haranged by what is probably a very few people who have not been repaid. Have none of you been swindled by a pension company? I know that I have and there is damn all I can do about it.
The new company is trying to run a festival that will I hope will be a success.
We as a company have done many well organised shows with these people and I can stand up and say that I have always repeat ALWAYS
(yes I am shouting) found them to be super people to deal with.
As for snide comments about "toy train shows" perhaps some of you should go to the Model Engineering and Steam Shows that they run.
Oh that we could have festivals as good
GIVE THEM A CHANCE you might be surpised, get on the same end of the rope and pull together to make it a success

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: nutty
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 09:48 AM

JUST ONE QUESTION GUEST

As Events and Exhibitions Ltd are supposed to be a brand NEW company with no connection to the previous festival and who (to our knowledge) have no experience of running a Folk Festival - WHY should we trust them anymore than the previous company?

They are still an unknown entity - If they were to come clean and give us names of their organisers - that we can recognise and trust - then you comments may have some justification.

Until then I would advise people to be cautious.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 10:42 AM

Guest, I, for one, have given the Events Office every chance; I championed them through thick and thin in their attempts to set up the first festival, I have spoken personally to Simon Boak but I now feel that he has let a lot of people down very badly.

The new organisers have, so far, not demonstrated the least skill in organisation, PR,or promotion. I would love there to be a successful annual folk festival at Pickering but, under the present circumstances, there is no way that I will be parting with my money this year. Sorry if you think that's being unfair, but this isn't a 'not for profit' festival, this is a business venture and the organisers should be demonstrating rather more busines acumen.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,chris
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 11:27 AM

hi
nutty do you know everyone who organises festivals personally? I guess that if we only go to festivals etc. run by people we Know and trust-how on earth would anything new start?
chris

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: nutty
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 11:31 AM

Yes Chris .... I do know the organisers of the festivals I go to.

I don't know a festival that is not prepared to name its organisers personally.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 11:54 AM

I think the new company should be given a chance, but first we all need a bit of reassurance.

There is no doubt that the new organisers are monitoring this thread.
If as I believe this to be true, will you please let us know who you are? where you are based? what you have organised in the past and any other information you believe will help to convince me and all others interested to trust you?

One additional answer I would like is Why did you take over from the Events Office and have any of the staffor management of that organisation got any interest or are they employed by the new organisers?

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: oggie
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 03:23 PM

"As for snide comments about "toy train shows" perhaps some of you should go to the Model Engineering and Steam Shows that they run.
Oh that we could have festivals as good"

This is where the confusion starts. As I understand it these very successful shows were run up until now by Events Office not by the new company. If this is the case then no comparisons can be made as we don't know what they'll be like at running them for the first time this year. If they have retained the staff from Events Office then that's a whole different ballgame and a certain amount of clarification is in order.

Steve

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 03:48 PM

Its simple - don't support them, until everybody has got their money back from last year.

Just don't entertain it.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Betsy
Date: 13 Feb 09 - 04:01 PM

Chris , Nutty knows everyone - she's a great lass.
Apart from all the sensible posts the Levellers post stands out for me.
He / she was the staunchest supporter last year and I feel his /her words of warning (above) should be followed in conjunction with Villan's advice.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Folkiedave
Date: 14 Feb 09 - 04:46 AM

do you know everyone who organises festivals personally? I guess that if we only go to festivals etc. run by people we Know and trust-how on earth would anything new start?

Hi Chris,

I go to loads of festivals and I know all the organisers - mostly personally - but if not then by reputation. (they already organise a succesful folk club etc.

In another capacity I usually spend some time at the AFO Conference (Association of Festival Organisers).

Are the Events Office or its succesors members of that organisation? Not compulsory of course - but virtually all the major festivals are there.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Mrs Banjiman
Date: 14 Feb 09 - 05:26 AM

When we noticed the date change to August 14 - 16, the other day, I emailed Events and Entertainments Ltd on th "info@" email for clarification.

Having been promised a slot at the rescheduled event originally when first cancellation took place, I was keen to find out what they planned to do about this, now that it clashed YET AGAIN with Saltburn putting me in a position of being double booked! I pointed out that the date change had put them right back to where they were last year when ill will was created from the outset due to clashing with such an established event in the same geographical area.

Despite having a contract signed by Simon Boake with a clear cancellation clause in it, I've received nothing and no clarity about rebooking. I realise this is not the same as people awaiting ticket refunds (which is just appalling!), but it still proves a lack of professionalism.

Needless to say, I've not had any response back! If I hear anything, I'll let you know!

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 02:45 PM

guest old nickilby,
because people have been swindled by a pension company,it does not become acceptable that pickering folk festival does not return all the money that it owes .
whatever the reason for the failure of the festival all the money needs to be returned .

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Feb 09 - 03:19 PM

Quite right Dick

And Guest Andrew Dunce can say what he likes but he is involved and probably knows what is going on.
So Andrew, tell all on here and maybe we might have some sympathy for you. Until then you are just like the rest, a bunch of crooks.

I have no sympathy for you.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Big Andy
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 05:55 AM

just having joined this thread why don't people who are owed money from last year start a ccj proceedings against the party,s involved. I've just had a payment after i started proceedings against a company i did work for in early january, and it defanetly gets results

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 10:15 AM

If it doesn't affect you personally, why don't you butt out?
because some of us still believe in trying to help others, and trying to help others get their money back .,some of us still have moral standards .
butting out ,is what all those people did, who turned a blind eye, while jews were being persecuted during the second world war [they said I am not jewish it doesnt affect me,its not my business,keep your head down etc etc ]

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 10:49 AM

I do believe that it was recriminations on Mudcat, and people getting together to put pressure on the Events Office, that was responsible for some of us getting refunds. I feel very sorry that we weren't able to secure money for everyone but I'm sure that some of the people responsible (including Mr Boake himself) do read what is written here. If the organisers of the new festival realise what a poor opinion people, whether they are owed money or not, have of them, as well as the Events Office, maybe they, too, will put pressure on Mr Boake to get his finger out and pay up.

I think it's called public lobbying - or maybe secondary picketing (or Pickering), both of which I'm in favour of.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 11:08 AM

I am comparing turnig a blind eye and not supporting others.
its your argument that is crap,if peopole didnt get involved unless they themselves were affected,there would be litlle money raised for those starving in Africa.
anonymous guest you are a troll,clear off back to hiding under your bridge.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 11:10 AM

injustices of anykind,however big or small,are best rectified , with public support.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: theleveller
Date: 18 Feb 09 - 11:28 AM

"If it doesn't affect you personally, why don't you butt out?"

I presume that includes you, Guest? Perhaps you should take your own advice.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Jaz Chapman
Date: 20 Feb 09 - 01:19 PM

Have only just found your thread, friends & I booked and were let down like rest of you. I paid myself so because under £100, never bothered to claim off credit card, but relied on refund as promised, still on Pickering website until very recently. With letter of no refund in dec finally contacted credit co. on advice of consumer direct, consumer part of trading standards. Got same reply, as others, had to be within 100 days of notification of cancellation. My friends paid by debit card and their very helpful bank have sent their claim to visa disputes, even though outside 100 days, and are quite hopeful they will get a refund. We both logged our situation with consumer direct and hope that many other people either have or will do the same, as then trading standards will investigate. As for Big Andy's comment about ccj, this is impossible as the company has ceased to trade, not simply owes money or gone into liquidation, therefore there is no recourse that way. Good luck to us all, I hope our faith in mankind is restored by the realisation of promised tickets and festival.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Qwertyco
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 09:46 AM

Oh dear Mr. Boak.
you are a naughty man!

Popular Celebrity TV Chef:
Folk Festival Website LINK

Using his image without permission,
when you owe his agent thousands of pounds in unpaid fees for
the food festival you organised.

Just how low can your reputation grow!

yet, such a "nice man", apparently.

Nice.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Betsy
Date: 24 Feb 09 - 10:07 AM

Maybe they should just stick to Vintage Tractors and Steam Engines - they appear know THAT market - their attempts at selling Folk music appears to come without any knowledge of the subject - simply marketing it like a lump of lard.
I woulddn't touch it ,as a performer or a punter.
Performers - go for a Bird in the hand .

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Qwertyco
Date: 25 Feb 09 - 08:11 AM

I have been in contact with the new owner of the Pickering Showground, Mr.H.
He phoned me personally, and has supplied me with the following, which seems to clarify a lot of the rumour and gossip surrounding this whole sorry affair.

Mr.H. Bought the showground, and it's associated websites last year.
He employs two of the former events office staff, to man his new company.
Simon Boak has no connection with the new company.
He has no responsibility for Mr.Boak's debts, past, present or future!
He is offering complimentary tickets (for 2008 ticketholders) for the 2009 festival purely as an act of goodwill.

Looks like the trail ends firmly at Mr. Boak's door!

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 25 Feb 09 - 10:42 AM

Give them a chance.

I think that those that don't want to give them a chance are not going anyway.

I would be cautious based on what I heard last year. Maybe try a day or cruise the town and recce. But as the festival is more than 2 hours drive for me I would not be a potential punter anyway.

Isn't there a steam train service in those parts? Folk Rattle and Roll needs a new home.

Let them get on with it. Whoever "they" are. But frankly a firm date is a pretty good start. Or should be.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST,Jacobsgoldmine
Date: 27 Feb 09 - 12:07 PM

We too are still awaiting refund of £150 and have been offered tickets for the new festival in September, but the fact it now says it's indie and acoustic rather than folk is a slight concern.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 11:51 AM

.............allthe way to the bank???

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 11:54 AM

>>I organised that event and I've forgotten more than you could ever hope to know<<

Including the money that is owed to all the folkies and performers and stall holders etc.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 11:55 AM

Damn, my previous post was in response to Guest's post which has been removed.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:19 PM

Seems like a pretty biased forum to me when some of us don't get the chance to put our case without it being deleted. So much for democracy. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MONEY OWED!!! Are you all too stupid to understand that? Quite clearly you are. I'm a folkie like the rest of you who was asked to do a job in organising an event. Did I do such a shit job that you're now holding ME responsible!

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:25 PM

So put your case Guest and if you dislike what has happened provide names and addresses and telephone numbers of the people who took the money.Are you too ashamed to tell us your name?

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:27 PM

WHY do I have to tell you my name? What has that got to do with it. You already have the NAME of the person (Not NAMES) responsible. Those of you who know me will know that me and my colleagues were NOT involved in any wrong-doing!

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:28 PM

Incidentally, I have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to be ashamed of!

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:28 PM

Just thought you might like to help all the people who are owed a lot of money

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:30 PM

How? What can I do?

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:31 PM

I tell you what, I couldn't go to sleep at night, knowing that soembody has fiddled many people out of their hard earned money.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:33 PM

Try and help these people their money back.

Or would you be putting yourself into problems by doing that.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:34 PM

* Try and help these people get their money back.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:35 PM

You clearly aren't listening. So if your boss owes a lot of money to whoever, are you gonna feel responsible? Are you gonna pay it back? Are you not gonna sleep at night? Are you gonna pack your job in because of it? No, of course not! Now stop talking shite man!

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:37 PM

No need to get aggressive Guest. That will get your posts deleted.

If you are an organiser and don't like to see folkies get done, then let us know who you are.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 12:40 PM

If you weren't a guest but a member, then we could communicate by private message

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 01:36 PM

I would like to join Villan but I feel that all and sundry would be on my case. I wasn't getting aggresive. Merely defensive as anyone would. To be accused of involvement in a scam knowing that you're innocent isn't a nice thing.

Subject: RE: Pickering Folk Festival 2009
From: Rasener
Date: 02 Mar 09 - 01:55 PM

OK I can see that it may not be good for you. I won't press you anymore.

The problem I have is I cannot stand cheats and crooks and thats what Boak is. He needs to have his assets taken away from him and stopped from trading again.

I feel very sorry for the peopel who have lost their money, whilst he walks free.

---

Thread Closed.
I said I was not going to allow anonymous posts, and I meant it. If a member wishes to start another thread on the Pickering Festival, that's fine - but I will not allow anonymous posts or one-time pseudonyms or people with multiple posting names on that thread, either. There's too much chance for fraud, slander, and manipulation if we allow anonymous posts on a topic as controversial as this one. If it's so damn important for you to protect your identity, don't post here.
Grrr.
-Joe Offer, back from vacation-