Chester Folk Festival

Subject: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Noddy
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 06:20 AM

I had a great time at the Chester Folk Festival.
The highlights
Cloudstreet fantastic book them NOW! They are around for a few weeks yet, then return to OZ but will be back. They Promised.

Next best bit although only just was sitting in the Farmers Arms at a FREE session of English music.
It was hosted by Isambarde and supported by local act Taggart and Wright but the best bit was that Phil Beer , yes that one, sat in for the whole session playing fiddle and singing a few songs while Steve Knightley the other half of Show of Hands sat at the bar chatting to an old friend.

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: melodeonboy
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 08:17 AM

Yes, Cloudstreet's "wine" song was hilarious. But what about Dick Gaughan, not to mention the Toms (Napper and Bliss), 422, the Time Bandits and Ed Rennie?

A very enjoyable festival.

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: r.padgett
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 08:47 AM

Indeed all I saw of the guests was excellent!

I do have some small niggles about some of the material and arrangements but then much of the minuses was negated by shear enthusiasm

Largely down to the organisation of Roy and Mary Clinging and team

Could have done with a shower!

The 'Royal' Oak has been extensively refurbished and put to good use for arranged music sessions

Hope that the Olive Tree is still open for business next year as this is quite central to activities ~ particularly the water supply

Needs a singaround venue for those who prefer largely acoustic or unaccompanied singers sessions

Musicians sessions very well catered for and some fantastic young musicians in evidence

I am told 'Heyfeva' as such are no more, such talent which I saw last year at Chester, brilliant musicians

Ray

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 10:11 AM

Almost forgot Dick Gaughan How could I???? and Back of the Moon and 422. But as I said the BEST bit for me was Cloudstreet, complete with horns!!!!

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: r.padgett
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 10:18 AM

Yes noddy I saw cloudstreet 3 times and part workshop!
Ray

missed Dick (Sat) Back of the Moon and 422!

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: muppitz
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 11:14 AM

I really enjoyed myself at Chester, as did my friend, a first time folk festival-er.

However I agree with Ray on the Showers front, me and Mother even went to such lengths as an hour drive to various places to try to find one.
We failed.

The other thing was the local kids, I know it's their patch and we're the strangers but on Saturday night as I was full of cold I went to bed early and I felt slightly uneasy about the whole situation, it's not fair to generalise but I didn't leave anything of value in my tent.
I also lent my spare tent pegs to one of them, I didn't get them back.

But to focus on the plus side, it's a nice village, the pubs are good and the guest list was fantastic, I really really enjoyed Back of the Moon!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 11:24 AM

Yes, it was strange to see hoards of youngsters in nightclub attire wandering from the Olive Tree down to the kids playground as we chatted outside the marquee. They seemed reasonably well-behaved though, and the police were on hand, and very chummy. It would have been nice to see a few in the audience (the chavs, not the cops - though that would have been nice too)!

I wonder what they made of us in our various festival uniforms - and self-inflating cowboy suits (how exactly does he blow that up, does anyone know)?

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 11:35 AM

He may have a close friend that does it for him!
G ☺

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: Joules
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 03:09 PM

I feel that I have to reiterate my eldests concern for the lack of washing facilities and especially as it is a four day festival, three days with smelly armpits is bad enough. and Tom obviously missed the punch up in the early hours of Sunday morning, must have been the rival chav group.
Aside from that it was a really nice festival, brilliant setting,everything close,ace line up sepecially James Keelaghan who,to be fair,was my main reason for going. Well done to all concerned and next time I'll bring my swimming togs or my portable jacquzi

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: Trevor
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 05:23 AM

I enjoyed it too - especially Dick Gaughan, double-especially 422 (with one of Mudcat's own?) and, of course, extra-especially Isambarde, who should have had a longer spot on Saturday afternoon.

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 05:54 AM

I'm very sorry to hear about the punch-up. I'm afraid were in our billet in Chester - so please scratch my comment above!

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: muppitz
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 07:17 AM

Only if you'll let me use your shower next time, you meanie!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: Emma B
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 07:20 AM

Hey fellow catters - you should have said. I only live 5 !/2 miles away you were welcome to a quick dip - look out for me in the office next year!

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: r.padgett
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 10:08 AM

Have we heard from our US catter Seven yet? Emma

Subject: RE: Chester 'Nother Good Folk Festival
From: Severn
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 09:00 PM

Back home safe, thank you Ray, with my baggage ariving a day later.
I had posted on another thread about the fest and told of the Morris man's fall from high atop "The Sunshine Mountain"

I enjoyed the festival the Friday and Saturday I was there, meeting other catters like Ray and Cally Hanna and other fine folk like the Williamses and various members of the Chester Morris (not to be confused with the Chester Morris who played Boston Blackie on TV in the 50's, of course), and even a few of the concessionaires.


Craig, Morgan & Robson were great and I wish I could have heard the whole weekend to find out what they've added to the repetoire since I saw them in the US. I finally got to see a bit of Gaughan and 422 and Isembarde. And "The Navvies" was well done. I missed Keelaghan right before I left the US and, alas, missed him again at Chester. Oh well....

A good time was had and will be fondly remembered back here in The States. Thanks to all who helped make it that way. Only two days without a shower was not enough to make anyone want to bail out of the plane home in mid-flight.

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: r.padgett
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 04:04 AM

Good to hear from you Severn and glad you have been reunited with your clothes

You saw more than I did at Chester

Cloudstreet were/are brilliant best live act in straight song I have ever seen

James Keelaghan and his two man band were great and well received

Maureen says you may get back for Whitby Festival, but if you cant make it all the best to you!

Ray

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 09:18 AM

With very few exceptions the music at Chester was terrific. Old favourites of mine such as Dick Gaughan, Napper & Bliss and James Keelaghan were on top form while the new names (to me if not you), Isambarde, Ed Rennie and the Time Bandits were super.

Negatives? The sound desk seemed to have a problem or two, this year, which is unusual and I wasn't as bowled over by 422 as I expected to be. Good rather than great.

Despite the fact I was camping I missed all the furore at night and as usual veggies were well catered for.

Great festival!

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 05:35 AM

I suppose I should say I enjoyed Napper and Bliss, Their singaround session in the Oak was great. Felt as though I was in my lounge at home only smaller!!

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 07:34 AM

Well thankyou Noddy - we had a great time too and thought the standard of singing and playing was really excellent. As for 422, we were so bowled over (specially by the way Ian's chord shapes and Sam's left hand melded and warped under the melodies) that we had to go and have a lie down!

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,chesterfolk
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 12:02 PM

Sorry about the lack of showers - the problems are shortage of space, water pressure and electric power on our main site. The chav
problem is also a tricky one as we are on what is essentailly public
land. After some problems last year, certain steps were taken which we hoped would improve things. Unfortunately, they didn't so we are going to have to get together with the Parish Council, Police etc and see what can be done.
Thanks for all the good comments - it makes it all worthwhile!
Chester Folk Festival organisers

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: Chris Green
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 12:28 PM

I seem to have come a bit late to this thread, but we had a cracking time at Chester! (only slightly marred by the antics of certain hard-of-thinking types at about 5am on Saturday) Thanks to everyone for all the nice comments about us, and thanks to the nice people who run festival for booking us!

Chris (Isambarde)

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: LesB
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 04:18 PM

I chose Cleethorpes this year instead of Chester. (mainly to avoid D.G.) But a few years ago we encountered problems with the local youths. The stewards being very reluctant to call the police
"it's not worth it, it will take them at least 1/2 hr to get here from Chester if they come at all"
Well they had to come later anyway because things had gotten serious. If they had been there at the start there would have been no trouble! It seems a perenial problem at Chester.
Les

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 01:19 PM

I certainly WONT be going, I thought it was a Dead Loss last year.

Jo-Jo

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 04:56 PM

Agree with comments above about interactions with local chavs.


All in all, most responses from management/committee seemed totally negative, dwelling on helplessness: 'what can we do?' 'nothing can be done"- an attitude of defeatism seems to pervade- nought changed since last year when probs were same.

Anyone any suggestions?

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 01:55 PM

Quite frankly, the problems with the locals are very minor. They gather at one small camping area and act like bored teenagers. Big deal! It would incredibly misleading to suggest that the festival is awash with hooligans, and a shame if people gave it a miss because of a few old farts failing to get a full night's sleep. Chester Festival is one of the best. Try it for yourself!

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: melodeonboy
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 06:32 PM

Well said, "Wayne".

Well, I was on the camp site and slept right through it. The first that I knew of any altercations was when I surfaced the next day and I heard people talking about it.

(Good old Weetwood Brewery!)

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: Severn
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 07:59 PM

The kids spread trash, we picked it up. No real harm done. Campsite jammers singing were just as likely to keep you up as the kids. A (non-rain) shower or two might help, but other than that, a fine festival.

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: Sue Wilcock
Date: 10 Jun 06 - 01:59 AM

Couldn't agree more, I slept right through and didn't hear anybody talking about any fighting day after. Had a great festival and will return next year hopefully.

Subject: RE: Chester Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Noddy
Date: 17 Jun 06 - 06:42 AM

Well thats one festival gone so on to the next one. Hope it is as good as Chester. I am off to Middlewich Folk and Boat.

Sorry you cannot get there, Tom Bliss. No doubt see you both again. Watch out for Taggart and Wright they are on the prowl again!