Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs

Subject: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 03:22 PM

With limited finances and time, I am trying to decide which of these festivals to go to this year. I hear that Whitby could be 'brill' cos of Malcs last year, Sidmouth needs all the help it can get, and Broadstairs is oridinary!! Any views on this to help me decide would be welcomed.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Seaking
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 03:33 PM

I don't think Sidmouth needs 'all the help it can get' although I'm sure that any support would be welcomed as with any organised event. Last I read was that tickets sales were doing very nicely and to me looks like it has the making of a really good festival this year.

Chris

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 03:50 PM

Not Sidmouth,if i were you i would go to Whitby or Broadstairs.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Northerner
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 04:01 PM

I've never been to Sidmouth or Broadstairs. I go to Whitby. Looking forward to it!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Saro
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 04:05 PM

They are all lovely, but different, and I think it is just personal taste! They are all three great places to visit quite apart from the music, so if you can't decide, draw lots or something, and whatever comes up, you'll almost certainly have a good time. You can also guarantee that whichever you choose there will be plenty of people who will tell you that the other choices would have been better, but you can spend your whole life worrying about "what if I'd chosen the other thing". If you go determined to enjoy yourself you surely will.
Have a great time!
Saro

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 04:05 PM

Mmm it's very nice to know where you guys are heading for, but why that choice? I haven't been to any of them but I promised myself that I would attend one of them this year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 04:06 PM

Thanks Saro ..... where are you heading for??

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 04:22 PM

Well, with limited cash you get a better deal if you book early....too late now, but worth thinking about for next year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Saro
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 04:28 PM

Where am I heading? Well, CMR are booked at all three so we'll be at Sidmouth Friday to Wednesday, Broadstairs just on the weekend, and Whitby all the week. Actually if push came to shove and I could only go to one I'd probably choose Whitby, but that decition isn't to do with the music - it is because I see people there who I don't tend to see at other times in the year...and perhaps my family's Yorkshire connections (albeit a few generations back) still have a bit of influence!
Saro

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 04:43 PM

Ah Saro, I see that you are one of those 'harmony' people! There were 3 guys who used to sing alot all over the place from Cornwall I believe, do you know if they are still around cos I'd love to hear them again ... one of the names was Callaghan .. I think but not sure, he had just the best voice!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 04:58 PM

Ah, that was Jinx Stack consisting of Jinx Jenkin, Barry Callaghan and ummm somebody else. Barry Callaghan does quite a lot of solo work now since they disbanded. I think he usually shows up at Whitby.

Since no-one has mentioned Broadstairs yet, I'll put in a word. It's not ordinary, especially not the ice cream. It's easy for day visits from anywhere in the South East and everything is contained in a small area near the sea. It's setting is like Sidmouth but much more compact. The only disadvantage of Whitby I can think of is that it's very hilly. Oh, and that if you haven't got anywhere to stay at this stage you'll be very lucky to find anywhere actually in town.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Saro
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 05:23 PM

I am indeed "one of these harmony people". And the person you are thinking of is Graham O'Callaghan, who will certainly be at Sidmouth, and almost certainly at Whitby too. I believe the original group has re-formed, so keep your ears open for them, they might be better than ever.
And I agree with Countess Richard, Broadstairs is a charming place, and the town really seems to make the most of having a festival (at least it did last time I went!). Why not save up and try to get to more than one, even if it just for a weekend?
saro

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 05:33 PM

Great harmony group called Four Chords Sake should be at Sidmouth as usual.
G.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 05:44 PM

They are all great.
It's just a good atmosphere at all of them.
Byards Leap Ceilidh Band are only playing at Broadstairs this year - if that makes a difference.
Broadstairs also has a reputaion for good time Cajun - not a lot of that around in UK now its not the flavour of the month - catch Kay Anderson's Cajun Dance workshops, they are easy to follow and she has that knack of making you feel GOOD!!! A born imparter of knowledge and enthusiuasm.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Northerner
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 05:56 PM

Finances are an important consideration for me. Whitby is day-tripping distance (though I don't see all the evening events). However I am B & B ing it this year. Apart from that I have friends I see there. And there's lots of good performers to see, particularly storytellers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 06:21 PM

Hey Saro, yes that's his name ... He's a bloody good singer and ought to sing more. There aren't many unaccompanied singing outlets nowadays. The trend is very much 'young is good' and the clubs are tending to book Newcastle Uni 'variety acts' ..... all of them are 'Jacks of all trades' but master of none!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Grab
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 06:31 PM

Whitby has trad British folk and absolutely nothing else except trad British folk, both in performances and in pub sessions around the town. The folk festival is also a fairly small part of Whitby's tourist quota, so it doesn't seem to be a major event for the town. Whitby has a large "fringe" of unofficial pub events which don't feature in the programme. And if you get bored with the music, Whitby is a great base for going walking, plus there's a few museums around and stuff like that.

Broadstairs has trad British folk mixed with singer-songwriters, blues, Americana, European (and further afield) folk, folk-rock, etc, etc. The folk festival takes over the entire town, and the town centre is closed to cars every night for a drunken street party. Broadstairs has no "fringe", because pretty much every pub is doing something and all performances and sessions are listed in the programme. Broadstairs doesn't have much to offer except the music though (some pleasant strolls along the cliffs, but nothing like proper Yorkshire walking), and there's nothing much else to do in Broadstairs itself although there's plenty of stuff within driving distance.

So it depends what you want from your festival really. Of the two, I prefer Broadstairs. I've not tried Sidmouth yet - too busy to do *any* festivals this year, but might do it next year.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Cllr
Date: 23 Jul 06 - 07:31 PM

One of CMR stayed at my place in sidders for about 10 yrs worth of festivals ( the one who one singer of sidmouth one year 8-). Sidmouth will always be my favourite and i remeber when jinx's stack turned up inthe middle bar, however my mate goes to broadstairs he likes the pub sessions and says the bookshops are fantastic, whitby has been highly recommended to me and if ican ever face two weks of festivals that close whitby is one i would like to go to. I have just een sitting in dukes havin a quite drink looking forward to sidmouth festival not long now. cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 11:19 AM

Further to Grab's post - yes Whitby does support traditional folk from all parts of the british isles, but there are plenty of performers of different material (contemporary song, storytellers, dance etc)many of which come from the America, Australia etc. Over the years I have come to love Whitby for two reasons: because I know I will see many familiar faces that I might not otherwise see performing in my area, and because I am always guaranteed to see people who are new to me, and perhaps to the festival scene.

Over the years I have been to all three festivals (although not to the Southern ones recently. Whitby comes out top, but I guess, like everyone else I'd have to admit that was personal taste, rather than anthing specific I could identify. But I have enjoyed all three whenever I have been, and I don't think you could make a 'wrong' choice.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Leraud
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 12:12 PM

Pat Turner and I are going to all three. We're booked at Simouth and Broadstairs and going to Whitby for a holiday!

I love them all, but for me, because the whole thing is so friendly and, if you're camping, you can use the school facilities and socialise and sing/play/drink all night, Broadstairs just has the edge. The lunchtime sessions in The Neptune are like being in heaven!

Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: vectis
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 03:55 PM

I am also going to all three. Sidders has a decent fringe with plenty to do.
Whitby has oodles of fringe and loads of lovely people I don't see elsewhere.
Broadstairs is still the only one where guests and punters can party together every night once the pubs shut.
So Broadstairs has the edge with Whitby second (it's sooooo cold there) and Sidders a close third. I suppose it depends on what you want.
The main snag with Broadstairs is that you need to have a ticket to get the late night fun and I reckon it would be a rather flat experience without one.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 04:08 AM

Haven't been to Sidmouth for 20 years and have never been to Whitby, but we always get to Broadstairs, work permitting, mainly for Tom & Barbara Brown's evening singaround. We must have been going on and off (mainly on) for about 25 years, it's like a big family reunion each year, and of course the singing/music is exceptional. The final evening is really quite emotional.
It's a shame we can't have the Cultural Centre this year, it was a superb venue.   We'll have to see what the Sailing Club is like.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Grab
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 08:03 AM

Guest, there may be dance sides from further afield, and there may even be performers too, but music-wise you won't hardly find anyone performing anything other than trad British folk at Whitby. If you're lucky then you might find the odd singer-songwriter, but you'll not find anyone playing blues, folk-rock or any European/world music. That's fair enough since trad British folk is the focus of the festival, but if you think that you might want something different occasionally then Whitby is definitely not for you.

As a guide, we probably only spent 4 days out of 7 in Whitby because we were bored, whereas I never left Broadstairs all week except for one afternoon when we went for a walk.

Oh, another factor is that the venues weren't very well organised at Whitby - they didn't seem to match expected audience numbers to size of room. For an example, they put Martin Carthy in a social club with room for about 100 people max, and then acted surprised when they had to turn people away. Broadstairs seems to be generally better planned.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Les from Hull
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 10:40 AM

On the whole I agree with your assessment of Whitby as British Isles Folk (traditional and contemporary), but to say you won't find anything else is a bit of a sweeping statement. There's always been plenty of American folk, humour, storytelling etc. And I notice on the guest list there's that well-known English traditional band Shagpile!

I'm sorry that you find my favourite festival boring, but if you can find me in one of the pubs I'll promise to do you some blues and get Maggie to do you one of her forrin songs!

Yes the venues can be a bit weird, but I've really enjoyed seeing Martin Carthy in one of the more 'intimate' venues, and I'm sure that people of that standing have enjoyed playing 'unplugged' and sharing banter with the audience.

Yes, it's all about what you want from a festival. Whitby does it for me, but then I've not been to Broadstairs or Sidmouth, so I'm not one to judge between them and Whitby.

Les Ward

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: gnomad
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 07:15 PM

Grab: If "World Music" is your thing [no I won't define it, nor folk] then this event may suit, it's one of the other Whitby festivals, and may give some clue to the lack of the genre during folk week.

We also get weekends of 60s music, and two weekends of Goths per annum, I don't know what they call their music, sorry 8-]

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Bill t' bodger
Date: 25 Jul 06 - 07:59 PM

I will be at Whiby as usual, it does involve most of the town and is always greeted with open arms by the town. these isles of ours have a vast and varied taditionwhich needs a festival to itself, Whitby is it.

I have never made it to the other 2 because of money but i would think they are equally good. As far as being bored then you won't be in whitby, tired you will be i normally get about 4 hours sleep a night,if I'm lucky

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST,Mo
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 10:31 AM

Sidmouth has a more informative programme.
It has a workshop suppliment and tells you which workshops are progressive so that you can plan to go to all of them.
Whitby has an events called
"One At A Time Please"
"Some Of My Own"
"Do It From There"
So if you don't recognise the names involved you have to resesarch the programme or go to something else.
And if you want "recorder playing workshops" at Whitby you have to search all 511 events. I've found 1 there may be more I've missed.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 10:37 AM

Sidmouth has Coope Boyes & Simpson!

Why would anyone want to go anywhere else?

;0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Cllr
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 01:43 PM

personally lizzie if i had time I would do all three well actually if i had the time and energy well no if i had the time energy and money i would do all three as it is I iwll be at sidmouth as usual Cllr

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Grab
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 02:03 PM

Gnomad, that looks like a bloody good bash. Shame it's in October - might be just a touch on the inclement side weather-wise? :-/ Terrafolk for one are fantastic.

A slightly sweeping statement, I admit, Les. :-) But not really too far out - one folk-rock band on a bill of over 100 trad folk acts doesn't amount to huge variety. I know it's all down to what you like, but as much as I love a good session, after a while I fancy something different. Whitby for me is like eating nothing but health food for a week - it may be extremely good for me, but after a while I just start craving a snack of rock/world/blues...

Graham.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Les from Hull
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:22 PM

This is the last year of the Blessed Malcolm Storey at Whitby so who knows what we'll get in future years. But Malcolm's policy has proved very successful with the Whitby regulars so I for one wouldn't anticipate any great changes for future years. I'm a great fan of rock/world/blues but not a great concert attender. And 80 squids for a weekend would be a bit to much for me to consider so the World Music thing (which has been running for several years now) will have to manage without me.

I think a great thing about Whitby is that we meet all our friends there. For many of us 'Oop North' is the first date in our diaries every year, so it's fairly self-perpetuating. And many of the people we see every year don't do the full week either.

Les

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Emma B
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:30 PM

I love Whitby and the festival although other commitments have prevented me going for the last few years
I DID go to Musicport last October (ok I got a free ticket) and really enjoyed that too.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 04:32 PM

I was hooked on Sidmouth when I was 17, and for many years decided I couldn't get to Whitby as well (even the year my dance team was booked).

But in 1999 I was offered a lift to Whitby and managed part of a week there as well. Ever since, I've been to both Sidmouth and Whitby for at least a week, so that hasn't really left time for Broadstairs (or even Grove if there are only 4 Mondays in the month). Compensation for not being able to get to Broadstairs last year was getting to Dartmoor after Sidmouth.

You'll enjoy yourself whichever one(s)you opt for.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 08:11 PM

I see Lizzie Cornish has her usual balanced unbiased opinion to ad to the thread

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Girl Friday
Date: 26 Jul 06 - 10:50 PM

I shall, as usual, be going to Broadstairs. It answers all my requirements, and is closer to home. I am delighted that the cultural centre is no more. It was too far out from the town. All the windows had to be shut because ONE resident complained about noise, and consequently was hot and stuffy. If they are going to use the yacht club this year - hooray. I can't understand why they dropped the cinema - damn health and safety jobsworths!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: vectis
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 07:06 AM

I find CB&S so well presented that they are boring but there are many 'turns' that I can, and do, listen to all night.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 12:56 PM

I DECLARE A NATIONAL THREE WEEK HOLIDAY SO ALL CAN GO TO ALL !!!


All have something for everyone, you pays your money and you makes your choices ...

I just wish I had the MONEY and the TIME for all three, cos I would be there ...

I'm "peeping" into Broadstairs this year, missing Sidders altogether, it just does not do much for me, although I have enjoyed some of it (middle Bar in particular) and I am WHOOPPPEEE

SPENDING THE WEEK AT WHITBY , THE BEST BEST BEST FESTIVAL !!!


sEE YOU ALL THERE

rEGARDS FROM
Jo-Jo

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 01:41 PM

Hmm. Remind you of anyone?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: BB
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 02:18 PM

I'm really surprised you feel that way about the Cultural Centre at Broadstairs, Girl Friday. I know it was a bit of a way from town, but there was air conditioning so for me it wasn't too hot, unlike most of the venues we've been in at Broadstairs over the years. It was quiet, and large enough for everyone to be comfortable. We don't know how the Sailing Club will work out, but we only have six of the eight nights in there anyway - one of the other nights is because of the fact that a Temporary Event Notice can only be for four days. Oh no, it's that b..... Licencing Act again!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 10:03 PM

The other festival to put in with these three is Fylde. A bit like Whitby with the hills ironed out, and with trams.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 10:00 AM

Aah hev te agree with BB - When her and 'The Doc' interviewed the Phatt-B'Stards in the culture centre it was very relaxed and cool in there.

Aah hope that aah'll get the chance te meet up wiv a few of you names at Broadstairs - Aah knaa BB and Girl Friday, The Barden and one or two others but it'd be canny te get te put names te faces ye knaa!

I'll be paticularly gannin' alang te see El Greko and will probably meet a few 'catters there - But if you're at any of the Phatt-B'Stards gigs come up and say 'Hello' - Ye cannit miss uz - Aah'm abbot 20 stone and look like Father Christmas or The Barden of England (or both) and aah'd be happy te stand yez a beer

G-P

Just come up tiv uz and say "You are Geordie-Peorgie, The Phatt-B'Stard and I claim my free drink" to which I shall reply "Sod Off"

Gan on - mek uz smile!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Malc R
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 10:38 AM

Nice to see Lizzy is still rooting for her local festival, keep it up girl.

I went to Sidmouth last year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, (although I did fail to meet up with Liz personally - perhaps that's why I enjoyed it so much >:o) sorry Liz only joking) This years line-up appears even better.

Unfortunately I have reserved all this yaers annual leave for a visit to NZ in February, so won't be able to make Sidmouth this year. Might make Whitby though as it is in driving distance for a day trip.

Which ever you decide on you will enjoy the experience, and the festival, and you can always do a different one next year for comparison.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: BB
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 02:31 PM

McGrath, I think the comparison was because they are all week-long festivals.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 04:59 AM

Oh Malc! I am mortally wounded!

Actually I'd love to go to Whitby one year...

Dartmoor is lovely too....and then....there's Otley! (Swoon!)

And as for this!

>>>vectis - PM
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 07:06 AM

I find CB&S so well presented that they are boring....... <<<


Right....that is IT!!!!!!

No-one, but NO-ONE gets to say that about Coope Boyes & Simpson without cutlasses being drawn!

Vectis! You are challenged to a duel in Blackmore Gardens.

The winner gets free tickets for every Coope Boyes & Simpson gig for the rest of the year....the loser gets a Camping Van Holida Fortnight For Two.....with MacKenzie!

Ohhh!...Was there EVER such an incentive to WIN!! ;0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 05:00 AM

A Holida..???? Hmmmm....a whole new experience methinks!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 05:24 PM

Alan Bell has been sneakily extending Fylde over the years so that it now is virtually a week long, taking in concerts and suchlike scheduled during the week leading up to it, and informal sessions.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Fidjit
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 11:19 AM

Broadstairs for me - First time.
Hmm. Lynne, see you in the Neptune.
I'm staying in the south.

Towersey for me - Also first time.
(I think Towersey is the same weeekend as Whitby).

Whitby next year then - Also first time.
They have a nice golf course at Whitby.

Chas

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Saro
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:05 PM

Towersey starts as Whitby finishes (well they overlap on the Friday evening) and some odd people like me will be leaving whitby early Saturday and driving like the wind (Bank holiday traffic jams permitting) to get to Towersey by teatime - wish me luck!
saro

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 05:21 PM

Micca and I...and Liz the Squeak and Lady Penelope will be at Towersey this year...as usual. We get there on the Thursday lunch time.

Good luck with the drive down Saro!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: GUEST,Tone Deaf Leopard
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 06:10 PM

We have to say BROADSTAIRS IS OUR FAVOURITE FESTIVAL .Look out for us- you won't miss Trevor. He'll be the one in the spikey wig and the tiger print dress! He insists it's a caveman outfit, but it's an off-the-shoulder number a la Fred Flintstone.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Fidjit
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 03:20 AM

Thursday at Towersey is the "Mawkin" Ceilidh. See ya.

Chas

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 03:58 AM

Barring disasters I will be at Broadstairs this year, but I am only lukewarm about it.

The campsite is a pretty fair walk which can be a nuisance as I have to decide which instruments to carry into town. It costs a fortune to camp unless you can gain access by being a performer (including a musician accompanying a morris side) because you have to have a week's season ticket too.   

Last year I failed to make it to the cultural centre as I had a sprained ankle and getting to the town itself was absolutely as far as I could walk, but if the yacht club is closer that will be good.

Beer was largely unimpressive. The acts in the pubs over the first weekend (all I could stay for last year) comprised no folk music or song as far as I could see and by the end of the first evening I was ready to kill the next Englishman I heard trying to pretend to be a delta sharecropper with an expensive electric guitar and a PA rig. The sings and plays were scarce and seemed to be segregated into diddly or unaccompanied: not so useful for someone who prefers to accompany himself singing (if that is the word for my voice). I was most underwhelmed to find the first Sunday sing to be exclusively for unaccompanied American religious song!

The best session of that first weekend was a fringe sit-in (the only one I've ever seen at Broadstairs) where John Barden simply invaded a pub (with the landlord's consent) and sang and played and quite a few of us joined in.

I did go for the week once before, and found it over-organised, not enough folk song in the concerts, not enough d-i-y venues and the singarounds and sessions stopped at closing time (that was in the days of closing time) both lunchtime and evening and that was that. Charles Fyson dragged us out of town one day to help him at a pub called the Albion and I think the locals would really rather have had the juke box or television on (and they were the only people there). Junk and Disorderly smuggled us into the late do on the campsite one evening and the standard was so excellent that my late wife was intimidated (not something that often happened to her) and refused to take a turn, which rather took the gilt off the gingerbread.

Maybe this year will be better.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 04:19 AM

I'll be there Richard - no delta sharecropper, accompany myself on guitar, only the odd unaccompanied song. Come and say hi.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: The Barden of England
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 07:27 AM

I keep telling you that you should try Sidmouth one year Richard - you can now camp for £50 for the week with your caravan at the official campsite - and seeing as you have a shower on board no need to brave the vagaries of the supplied showers - plus of course you have the 'gennie'. There is a bus from the site to Sidmouth Esplanade as follows:-
"There will be a 'round-robin' service running as follows:
Bulverton Campsite to Seafront:
08.20 09.00 09.20 09.40 10.00 then every 20 minutes until
the last bus at 02.00am
Sidmouth Seafront to Bulverton Campsite:
09.10 09.30 09.50 10.10 10.30 then every 20 minutes until
the last bus at 02.30am"

And as for sessions - there are so many you can take your pick. I really do try to like Broadstairs, but Sidmouth beats it easily for me as I can see who I want to see, and still have all the sessions I can manage.

See you at Sidmouth George, and maybe I'll spend an afternoon or two at Broadstairs.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 07:37 AM

I'll take you up on that George. Where and when are you gigging? Did you ever finish "Because she did" to meet your own exacting standards? If so I'd love to hear it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 09:37 AM

Richard, John, here's my Broadstairs schedule:
12 Aug, 10:00 (ROSE U/S) Songwriting Workshop
12 Aug, 19:30 (SAILING CLUB) Guest @ Tom & Barbara Brown's Singaround
13 Aug, 10:00 (OLD CURIOSITY SHOP) Breakfast Concert
13 Aug, 12:30 (NEPTUNE) Guest @ Mike & Pete's Singaround
13 Aug, 16:30 (SAILING CLUB) Guest @ Folk Club with Pete Grassby

I finished "Because she did", but it never made it to the last album... Still, it is one of the songs close to my heart. One day...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: The Barden of England
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 12:37 PM

Blimey - 10am!!! Not good for muso's is it ;-)

John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: BB
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 03:06 PM

Richard, I'm sorry your experience of Broadstairs was so negative - I hope you make the singarounds at the Sailing Club this year (still at the bottom of the town, but on the level once you get to the promenade) - you'll find that anything goes there musically, or even non-musically, speaking; stories, poems, dance, mumming, even jokes are all acceptable, and instruments certainly are! You, and your instrument, will be very welcome! And it's not nearly as far for you as Sidmouth.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Carol
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 03:57 PM

We haven't been to any of the 3 week long festivals for a few years now but my favourite would be Broadstairs, really laid back and not too big although you're right about the camp site, we used to camp at Manston and drive in - he must have stayed sober 'cos I could drink then!!
All 3 have their good and bad points I just wish I could afford to stay in a hotels for the 3 weeks and spend my time in the singarounds!
Oh and pay for an individual ticket to hear CMR!!!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: The Barden of England
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 04:06 PM

I'll probably be down on Sunday and matbe the odd afternoon during the week - so maybe another impromptu session is called for?
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 04:11 PM

I personally dislike threads which attempt to draw comparisons or 'grades' for performers or festivals or clubs or whatever. We all have our preferences and we all make our choices....elicit information by all sensible means to enable your personal tastes and choices but not by comparison.
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: Grab
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 07:28 PM

Forgot about the walking in Broadstairs - yes, you get good arm muscles if you're lugging a guitar case around! Whitby has the same kind of thing too, so best to get a backpack-style guitar case for both of them. Or use it as an opportunity for exercise...

Broadstairs has relaxed the "week ticket only" rule for camping now - day tickets can also camp.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth vs Whitby vs Broadstairs
From: vectis
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 07:32 AM

Right nLizzie you are on.
Duel at Blackmoor it is.
Choice of weapons??
How about custard pies at 30 paces?????????