Otley Folk Festival

02 Sep 09 - 12:11 PM (#2714636)
Subject: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Tatterfoal

Where is the best singaround venue on a Saturday at Otley please?

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02 Sep 09 - 12:51 PM (#2714680)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

I would have said 'The Manor' public house. This is on Walkergate and is situated across from The Civic Centre. They seem to have singarounds all day and night in the pub itself (sometimes two going off in different rooms/corners) and also in the covered yard out the back. I have found it to be a really welcoming venue for folkies over the years and it serves some good real ale.

Bye the way, you ommited to say that the Otley Black Sheep Folk Festival is on from Fri 18 - Sun 20 September 2009.

Chris

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02 Sep 09 - 12:58 PM (#2714686)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST

Thanks for that I'll be there.

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02 Sep 09 - 02:51 PM (#2714790)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Acorn4

We're coming for the first time this year so that's very useful info for us.

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03 Sep 09 - 09:42 AM (#2715356)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Captain Farrell

Great lineup this year.Wander round the campsite there are usually people playing outside tents/caravan.say hello and start playing.

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03 Sep 09 - 04:41 PM (#2715699)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST

There's usually a late night singaround/session on the camp site! We'll be there again.

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04 Sep 09 - 07:53 AM (#2716048)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz

Don't go over the top about the beer at the Manor ... it's only Thwaites!

On a more serious note, the Cross Pipes is a pub worth seeking out. On the other side of Otley but excellent beer (Taylors and Black Sheep), plenty of space inside and a decent size outside and very folk friendly. Cross Pipes

Snozz

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04 Sep 09 - 08:31 AM (#2716063)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Michael

To borrow a phrase from Ken Johnson, "Wassail! Wassail! I've drunk wos ale than Thwaites"
When I were a lad in Derbyshire, one of our locals had Thwaites but it was known as Thwaties, was that just us or is it wider?
Mike

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04 Sep 09 - 08:44 AM (#2716066)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

Me & the Gloom Band hoping to be there, like Acorn, not bin before

http://otleyfolkfestival.com/

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05 Sep 09 - 01:36 AM (#2716590)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Greycap

It's not a singaround, but all 'Catters will be welcome at the Rose & Crown on Saturday afternoon, 19th. September, where the Trio are performing as usual.

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08 Sep 09 - 11:51 AM (#2718962)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

As we're not interested in going concerts, anyone know if its possible just pay for camping?

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08 Sep 09 - 03:13 PM (#2719140)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Aeola

Can't remember the name of the shop, but it's just up the side road going towards bondgate, they sell a fantastic range of bottled beers & they also have a local brew which you can taste and buy by the jugful at a very reasonable price.

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09 Sep 09 - 08:15 AM (#2719693)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otley#Otley.27s_pubs
The pub info's good news, looks like there's piles of 'em!

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09 Sep 09 - 08:58 AM (#2719709)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Dave Hanson

Last time I was in Otley [ a few weeks ago ] both the Woolpack and the Bowling Green were boarded up and the outdoor areas blocked off, this is where a lot of the dancing went on.

Dave H

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09 Sep 09 - 09:13 AM (#2719725)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: IanC

They sold The Bowling Green to Wetherspoons about 2 years ago. Surprised W's haven't re-opened it yet.
:-(

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09 Sep 09 - 09:37 AM (#2719743)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz

Unfortunately yes, the Woolpack and Bowling Green are both shut at the moment, but there are plenty of other pubs still thriving.
There will be loads of dancing taking place, we're using the White Swan, Maypole (outside the Manor pub), the Bay Horse, the Cross Pipes and outside the Courthouse, so plenty to see.
The beer shop mentioned has also shut, (now a motorbike shop) but there is a wine shop nearby (on Newmarket) that stocks beers, and there's Waitrose and Sainsburys in town for those wanting bottled beer.

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09 Sep 09 - 10:25 AM (#2719777)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: ced2

There are usually a number of sing-a-rounds, musicians sessions, mixed song & tune sessions at any one time. It is possible to walk around most of the venues where these might have started up in about 30 min (unfortunately the cross keys is a bit of the central circle). Many of the pubs have courtyards as well as more than one inside room. Most of them want music and/or song and will welcome singers & musicians, occasionally with a complementary drink for those who actually start a session or sing-a-round. If you don't get what you want at one place you may well find it somewhere else. And don't be afraid of starting someting with a friend or two, in years gone by some of the most enjoyable sessions in which I have participated have been ones that Lady Nancy & myself have started and we have then been joined by a good number of other musicians/singers who were into the same sort of music. I also have to say that one or two were totally ruined by occasional drunks/uke bands/or players with amplified instruments deciding to take over and play lots of their type of music. One answer then has been to move on and find another venue... there are loads.
Otley is a large enough festival with plenty of venues to cater for all tastes!

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09 Sep 09 - 10:26 AM (#2719779)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

If we can't access the official campsite, are there others nearby?

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09 Sep 09 - 10:36 AM (#2719786)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Banjiman

Nothing on the website to say you can't just buy camping tickets. It's £5.50 ppn.

Ticket Info

Having said that, there are some great acts booked, I'm sure we'll be doing a mixture of watching & playing/singing (as well as the Mrs playing her 3 booked slots).

Paul

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09 Sep 09 - 10:36 AM (#2719787)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: HipflaskAndy

The camping can be ordered independantly, judging by the advance order form.... Go to Otley Fest 09
Click on the Tickets tab - and the option for the order form rather than PayPal and you'll see you can order camping seperately from all other tickets.
There's always room - but ordering in advance will make sure for you, Mr Happy.
Cheers - Duncan

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09 Sep 09 - 10:38 AM (#2719789)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Banjiman

Snap Dunc!

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09 Sep 09 - 10:43 AM (#2719795)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

Thanks chaps!

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09 Sep 09 - 10:47 AM (#2719801)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: HipflaskAndy

Yup, snap indeed, Paul!
Two simultaneous posts at 10:36 on the same lines,
even tho' it was 15:36-ish in 'real time'!

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09 Sep 09 - 05:17 PM (#2720111)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: oombanjo

there is an oldtime get together at the cross keys Saturday at 4. is it still open,"i hope".Doc Dave Dry informed me last weekend at sewerby

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09 Sep 09 - 07:58 PM (#2720215)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

In the past, I have been able to just turn up at Friday teatime and buy a camping ticket for the weekend at the festival office.

Does this still apply, do you know, or can you now just turn up at the campsite and pay for camping there?

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10 Sep 09 - 04:32 AM (#2720416)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

Ditto: 'can you now just turn up at the campsite and pay for camping there? '

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10 Sep 09 - 05:24 AM (#2720443)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz

Re: Oldtime session - yes - still on at the Cross Pipes. There is a nice sun trap beer garden and excellent beer (black sheep and Tim Taylors).
Session is led by musicians from the Kitchen Taps appalachian dancers (appearing Sunday) but all welcome. It'll be a good session pub throughout the weekend.
The Cross Pipes

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10 Sep 09 - 12:15 PM (#2720742)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: oombanjo

ill be there

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10 Sep 09 - 02:01 PM (#2720839)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Banjiman

Saturday 4pm at The Cross Pipes...... fits neatly between Wendy's gigs. I'll try ank make the session, be good to catch up with you again Oombanjo.

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11 Sep 09 - 05:10 AM (#2721352)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz

Hi all - I've checked the programme and the Old Time session is actually at 12.30pm Saturday NOT 4pm. Still at the Cross Pipes

There will still be members of the Kitchen Taps band there to start it off.

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11 Sep 09 - 05:46 AM (#2721367)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Banjiman

Bummer, I won't make it then!

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13 Sep 09 - 06:27 PM (#2722993)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

Can anyone respond please to my and Mr Happy's earlier question asking if you can now just turn up at the campsite and pay for camping there? Does anyone know?

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13 Sep 09 - 07:29 PM (#2723022)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: MoorleyMan

Interested to read ced2's post a way above..

>>There are usually a number of sing-a-rounds, musicians sessions, mixed song & tune sessions at any one time.<<
Not in my experience (over the past ten years).
>>Many of the pubs have courtyards as well as more than one inside room. Most of them want music and/or song and will welcome singers & musicians, occasionally with a complementary drink for those who actually start a session or sing-a-round. If you don't get what you want at one place you may well find it somewhere else.<<
Great in principle, but I lose count of the number of times I've wandered from pub to pub to pub trying to find a decent singing environment ie. something other than a desultory (or exclusive) musicians' session and/or a battle with rowdy drunks or canned music or amplified wannabees or whatever. Yes it would seem there are plenty of potential venues at Otley, but the reality is often very different. Maybe I've just been unlucky..

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13 Sep 09 - 10:00 PM (#2723087)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

Sounds like you must have been. Just head for 'The Manor', stay put and you won't go far wrong.

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14 Sep 09 - 03:25 AM (#2723154)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: HipflaskAndy

I telephoned the fest organiser (easily done, see their website)
- word is - it is 'preferred you call at the fest office (only a short hop along the road from the campsite anyway)
as they are geared up for taking cash (cask float and all)

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14 Sep 09 - 05:30 AM (#2723213)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz

for MoorleyMan:

Organised Singaround Sessions listed are 5.30 at the Red Lion, Friday,
5pm at the Red Lion Saturday and 2pm at the Red Lion Sunday. As others have said, there should be plenty of room for other impromptu sessions

Snozz

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14 Sep 09 - 01:13 PM (#2723481)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Sarah, Barnsley

String Theory are running a couple of open mixed sessions - come and join us if you can.

Sat - The Yeoman
Sun - The Cross Pipes

start time 12pm ish (its in the programme, which I don't have a copy of to hand)


and I expect we'll be joining / starting some unofficial sessions too.

S x

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15 Sep 09 - 02:06 PM (#2724265)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: oombanjo

Looks like a long old time session then. how many tunings

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16 Sep 09 - 05:56 AM (#2724665)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,BBP at work

I'll look out for you, Oombanjo.

Deirdre

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16 Sep 09 - 08:00 AM (#2724701)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mrs Banjiman

Anyone have an address for the festival office? and/or a postcode for the campsite?

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16 Sep 09 - 08:57 AM (#2724730)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,BBP at work

Wendy,

Campsite is on Pool Road (A659), Festival office is on Walkergate, opposite the turning to Charles Street. I think it's the Labour Club / Liberal Club?. Certainly not the Cons Club cos I know where that is - good venue!. Just googled it: Labour Club, Walkergate, LS21 1HB.

They will give you directions to the campsite.

See you there!

Deirdre

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16 Sep 09 - 09:06 AM (#2724737)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mrs Banjiman

Thanks Deirdre, I couldn't find anything on the website.

We'll see you there.

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16 Sep 09 - 09:56 AM (#2724762)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: MoorleyMan

Thanks Snozz and SoldierBoy, that's a help and a start. Looking forward to meeting you both.
M

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16 Sep 09 - 10:47 AM (#2724788)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz

Campsite is here, along A659, just past the Garden Centre. Regular bus into town or 10 minute walk

Otley Campsite

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16 Sep 09 - 12:00 PM (#2724825)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: theleveller

Sod! Doesn't look like we'll be able to make it.

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16 Sep 09 - 01:20 PM (#2724863)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: BusyBee Paul

Oh no, Leveller - that is not good news :-(.

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17 Sep 09 - 12:21 PM (#2725417)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

Nice one Snozz.

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17 Sep 09 - 01:35 PM (#2725488)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Sarah, Barnsley

The Session planned for the Yeoman Sat 12pm has no moved to the 3 horseshoes.

S

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17 Sep 09 - 08:01 PM (#2725714)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

All packed up and ready to go. See you all there Mudcatter chums. It's one of the last, final fling, folk weekends of the year, so go along with the full intention of letting your hair down and having a damn good time. Make the most of it in these austere and difficult times and f*** the consequences!!!!!!! Enjoy!

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17 Sep 09 - 08:03 PM (#2725716)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

P.S: Wrap up warm, it's going to be cold at night!

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17 Sep 09 - 08:32 PM (#2725725)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

Does 51 make it go blue with an asterix? - let's see......

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17 Sep 09 - 08:34 PM (#2725728)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

Yeah! it worked. Majic!!

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18 Sep 09 - 09:28 AM (#2725978)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,BBP at work for 5 more mins...

then I'm off too!.

I hope Steve has the fine (dry) weather booked again this year.

BBP

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18 Sep 09 - 07:42 PM (#2726374)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe G

will get there on Sunday for a while - Saturdy we are off to Saltaire Festival - Sunday a.m. buying bathroom so will probably miss Hall Brothers alfresco gig :(

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19 Sep 09 - 03:06 PM (#2726759)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mrs.Duck

Had a nice day there. Bit cold but no rain and a very good old time session in the back yard of the Cross Pipes.

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20 Sep 09 - 06:14 PM (#2727626)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

Like many festivals in these austere times Otley was quieter than usual, but still a damn good festival and everyone I met seemed to really enjoy it.

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20 Sep 09 - 08:01 PM (#2727706)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Acorn4

We went for the first time and had a great time. Good to have a campsite where you didn't have to arrive at the crack of dawn to get a space.

Good the way so many of the pubs were involved. The Methodist Hall was a good venue in spite of the non alcohol.

Just one thing though - When in the Manor have two sessions/singarounds in neighbouring alcoves of the pub, so people can't hear what's going on in either?

Is this just "stubborn Yorkshire"?

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21 Sep 09 - 08:19 AM (#2727933)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,BBP, back at work :-( boo!

Fantastic weekend, weather was mainly warm and sunny. Sunday afternoons outdoor gig was a brilliant move :-).

SOH were a great ending to the proceedings and a word of recognition from the Patron himself sent me home with a stupid grin on my face!.

See you all again next year.

Dancing Queen

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21 Sep 09 - 12:09 PM (#2728089)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Peter Stockport

Hmm,
Thought it was poor meself.
Only a few 'Named' acts and it was very quiet. There were only 14 people in the Saturday night ceildh. What a waste of a 250 seater hall.
SOH were a beacon above a lot of average local club talent on Sunday.
The same opinions were expressed by the people we met on the bus and in the various venues.
We estimated it was at least a third down at the campsite and well over half at most of the concerts on three years ago.
Too many venues and not enough national acts.
What a shame as it's been a fantastic festival in years past.
what did you think?
Peter

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21 Sep 09 - 12:35 PM (#2728108)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: s&r

Worth a ticket just to see Ben and Joe Broughton. Spectacular as ever, superb musicians and full of fun.

That's how to finish a festival with a bang.

Stu

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21 Sep 09 - 01:23 PM (#2728143)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Captain Farrell

I will admit that the pub sessions did seem quieter but to have Show of Hands/B and J Broughton/Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley plus loads of other good acts was a TRIUMPH as good as it gets.
Rgds. Captain Farrell

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21 Sep 09 - 02:27 PM (#2728188)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: MG John

A big thankyou to everyone involved in this festival. The best Otley Folk Festival yet?

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21 Sep 09 - 03:00 PM (#2728219)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Banjiman

We had a great time. Enjoyed The Old Time session on Saturday afternoon.

Courthouse was full for most of Saturday night..... thoroughly enjoyed all the acts. Always good to catch the up & coming. Missed all the "National" Acts as we working (or childminding) when they were on. Thought Korks was a great little venue, and reasonably well attended while we were there, especially for a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Well done to Steve and the team for a great festival.

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21 Sep 09 - 04:49 PM (#2728329)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: jimL

I had a great festival - although I was working most of it either MCing or singing or whatever. I was really impressed with the quality of young acts like Kat Gilmore & Jamie Roberts, and Rosie Doonan was a revalation.
I see someone complaining about the lack of "National" acts. For a smallish festival to have Steve Tilston, Show of Hands, Ben & Joe, just as they spring to mind, is pretty good. As to why the ceilidh wasn't well attended, if it wasn't, then I guess we could have forced people in at gunpoint :0).
The reason you get multiple sessions in one pub is because Otley, unlike many festivals spawns spontaneous sessions. What can you do? I've been to festivals with empty pubs or hopeless little gaggles of singers in fusty corners and hardly any sessions at all - I know which I'd choose.

I understand that SOH were brilliant. Ben and Joe certainly were - they were booked for a 1hour set, and did an hour and a quarter - magic.

The other thing I would point out, is that Otley, which has never been very expensive, held its prices this year.

Anyway, I know that the majority of people had a great time, and said so. The weather was brilliant - Duncan MacFarlane Band electric did an awesome outdoor gig in front of the Cricket Pavilion on Sunday afternoon.

And one last thing. The caterers who came in at three day's notice, and who had no idea what to expect did a brilliant job at the Civic, against all the odds.

See you all next year, I hope
Jim

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21 Sep 09 - 05:34 PM (#2728366)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Aeola

rEALLY ENJOYED THE FEST. DID SEEM TO BE ABOUT 2/3RDS ON LAST YEAR BUT WEATHER WAS GREAT AND THE ACTS WERE EXTREMELY GOOD WHEN THE COST OF A W/E TICKET IS CONSIDERED.THE THURSDAY NIGHT IN KORKS WAS BRILL!!A GREAT START TO THE FEST.. WELL DONE TO THE ORGS & SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!

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22 Sep 09 - 04:03 AM (#2728615)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: jimL

Thanks Aeola, that's how most folks felt. Just wanted to correct a typing slp in my previous post - Ben & Joe did an extra 3 quarters of an hour - they were down for a one hour set, and gave us an hour and three quarters - plus they had two brilliant backing people - fiddler Paloma Trigas, who believe it or not was fiddling as fast (or faster?) than Joe (check her out on Google) and a female vocalist whose name I don't know. (Anyone help? Think she might be Ben's sig other.)

One of my "picks" of the weekend was Ember, but there were so many outstanding acts besides the ones I mentioned earlier - Grace Notes, Mawkin Causley, The Durbervilles, Duncan McF in multiple manifestations, Bayou Gumbo. Well, check the website if you weren't there, and judge for yourself. And for anyone who ignores the names they don't know, I'll guarantee you missed something brilliant :0)

Thanks to everyone who helped, by the way, stewards, MCs, camp site people - the poor folk in the office ...

cheers
Jim

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22 Sep 09 - 05:11 AM (#2728638)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Dave Hanson

I went with two friends on Friday night, we played in two sessions, the second one in the back room of the Red Lion was excellent, some good bluegrass musicians there.

Dave H

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22 Sep 09 - 06:29 AM (#2728669)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz

I don't know who Peter saw on Sunday but I couldn't classify anyone I saw as 'average local club talent'.
And as for the Nationals, that's one thing I like about Otley, there is the mix between big acts and upcoming unknowns ready to hit the bigtime. I remember Karine Polwart playing several years ago just as she was becoming famous, what a gig that was. And for one concert to have Chris Sherburn & Denny Bartley, Anna Shannon, and Rosie Doonan & The Snapdragons you couldn't ask for much more.

The Ceilidh was odd, but the same thing happened at Beverley festival this year - must only have been 20ish people there too and as Jim pointed out, they stopped forcing people to go some years back ;-)

Looking forward to next year already.

Snozz

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22 Sep 09 - 06:36 AM (#2728673)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Duncan McFarlane

Peter Stockport's opinion (above) is, obviously, as valid as anyone else's.
But I suspect he isn't aware of the struggle to put on the festival this year.
Must stress, I am not one of the organizers, but I do have first hand info (as an Otley Folk Club regular) on the sequence of events…..

Advance notice was (as far back as last year's fest) that the Fest couldn't have the Main venue – the Civic.
Without that venue, big name acts were 'off' and the organizers set up the fest for 09 as a very much pared-down affair relying on local acts – as without big names, numbers would (of course) be down – and for a few months, facing such loss of advance revenue, there was even the likelihood it would run just Sat & Sun and no camping!
Suddenly, months after things are usually set in place – and much already agreed and in place (eg the hiring of the Methodist Hall and contracts with many local artists) the local Council gave word that the proposed refurb of the Civic was postponed and it was now available (for all EXCEPT the Sunday eve).
The organizers were faced with the choice – leave it as a low-key affair – or attempt to widen the choice.
Snag now, of course – most 'named' or 'national' acts have their bookings sorted a good year of more in advance – there was little chance of having a pick from the whole field by that stage.
The publicity 'machine' re all the national mags was also, now, way behind – as was publicity through all the usual channels (leaflet distribution at events all year)
Phone calls to old faves & friends of the fest, favours called-in – and main-man Steve magically conjured up….
Show of Hands, Steve Tilston, Chris Sherburn with Denny Bartley (ie Last Night's Fun), Mawkin/Causley, Harvey Andrews, Ben & Joe Broughton – that's six INTERNATIONALLY renowned acts.
That's about the usual number of 'headliners' for Otley in any year!
- The sort of acts in the bold letters at the top of the usual posters.

Then came all the acts in the next font-size down (listed before all the local acts – though also including some local acts that are known 'nationally'!) For example….
Stanley Accrington, Hekety (for the ceilidh), Ember, Grace Notes, The Hall Brothers, D'Urbervilles and my own McF band!
All these names have featured 'nationally' at festivals all over the UK for some years (and, indeed, currently!)
….From main stage Sidmouth to Shrewsbury to Scotland!

Next font-size down on the poster came all the local acts – so many of quality there, too!
And such acts provide much needed backbone to any festival.

I am sorry Peter didn't enjoy his festival. There are always some that don't – fair enough.
But this festival was unreservedly a GREAT success, in extremely difficult circumstances – hugely enjoyed by the greater proportion of those attending – I know – I've had that much feedback - personally, from the public, other artists – and from the stewards/organizers et al.

My hat's off to Steve, all his team, the stewards, stallholders, Moor & Coast at the campsite and particularly to the Food Hall saviours 'Rejoice' who stepped in to do the (wonderful!) catering at the Civic Hall with about a day and a half's notice!

Well done Steve and all – you even did a good job on the weather again!
(Once again – for example)
There were 250+ folk on the Cricket Club outfield, in blazing sunshine, watching us McF's play outdoors in front of the pavilion at Sunday teatime!
From the atmosphere generated, the dancing that went on, the smiles and the rousing applause – something good was happening!
All the best – Duncan

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22 Sep 09 - 07:34 AM (#2728694)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Acorn4

The Methodist Hall worked very well for acts like Steve Tilston, Denny and Chris and SOH. The fact that there was no "BOLD PRINT" meant you didn't have to queue for hours to see people from three miles away in a huge marquee.

The format of a few big names plus local artists works very well and keeps the cost down.

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22 Sep 09 - 07:42 AM (#2728701)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: johncharles

We had a great time doing a session in the three horseshoes on saturday and the Cross Pipes on sunday. The line up looked really good to me and if we hadn't been playing I would certainly having tried to catch some of the performances.
People go to festivals for different reasons some to participate some to see concerts etc. etc. The line up was known beforehand so there can be no real complaint after the event about who was on.

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22 Sep 09 - 09:58 AM (#2728785)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Albion-al

What a great weekend!!

Otley festival always seems to suffer from some kind of disaster, over the last few years the event has been threatened by to name a few things :- Foot and mouth , pub closures,flooded camp sites, no licence in main venue, caterers pulling out at last minute,

however,I always seem to have a good weekend, this year being no exception, I'm a great lover of Folk Rock and in the Duncan McFarlane band we have the finest example of this genre in the country today, I also saw Something Nasty in the Woodshed and the Sunday afternoon marathon with Hall Brothers was a real treat.

I also attended lovely singarounds in the Red Lion , watched dancing in the streets and sampled the beer in a few pubs. also attending a few "small font" concerts which Otley excells in,people like Dave vermond and Gerry Mcneice although otley regulars should be national names.

And to finish Steve Tilson, Show of Hands, Ben and Joe ,what more do I need to say !!!

Cheers Steve and everyone , I'll be back next year

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22 Sep 09 - 04:20 PM (#2729104)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe G

Sorry I didn't get there as planned on Sunday. After 10 years needing a new bathroom we had to spend Sunday buying all the bits so we can have it done while we are away and hopefully say goodbye to damp ceilings. Looks like we missed a good day!

Congratulations to all involved - hopefully we should be there next year as usual.

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23 Sep 09 - 04:48 AM (#2729417)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: HipflaskAndy

I hope you can produce a legit excuse note from yer ma, Joe.
If not.... ;0)

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23 Sep 09 - 05:03 PM (#2729932)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Aeola

Duncan Mac summed it up perfectly, the closure & threatened closure/room might not be ready(Red Lion) etc does not make for easy organising. Well Done every one!! As a steward I found over the years that I was on duty when people I had never heard of were performing. How fortunate was I?? One of those was Isambarde, several years ago. Everyone has to start somewhere whatever their job!!

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23 Sep 09 - 06:15 PM (#2729982)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe G

I've got the bill from the cash & carry Dunc if that'll do - even better if you'll pay it for me :)

Having escaped the torment of the bathroom stores for so long the return of Fiona's prodigal son with his careless way with a shower head necessitated urgent action!

I know where I would have much rather been!!

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24 Sep 09 - 01:38 PM (#2730550)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Lady Nancy

I was there Friday night and Saturday lunchtime with friends for the "fringe" and we had a great time. Mainly music on the Friday night and a grand mixture of music, song (accompanied and unaccompanied) and poetry on the Saturday lunchtime. It is great to meet up again with people many of whom we only ever see at Otley and here's to the next one!
LN

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25 Sep 09 - 09:50 AM (#2731078)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Leila....

I had a lovely time at Otley!

Well done Steve and Crew.. you did a great job!

I purchased a 'Weekend Ticket' and certainly got my moneys worth out of it.. and more.

Just wish I could go back a week and do it all again!

SOH were spot on.. great gig! I loved every gig I went to..

But I will say... Anna Shannon was Fantastic!

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25 Sep 09 - 09:52 AM (#2731079)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Angi

Had a fantastic weekend, didn't see any of the concerts, just went around the pubs and listened to the singers and musicians, particularly like a couple outside the White swan on friday night, they said they ran a festival in Wales, they did blue grass music, also loved a guy in shorts !!!! who I saw at various pubs over the weekend singing a whole range of parodies, one about ghost chickens in the sky and sea shanities.

Does anyone know who they were.

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26 Sep 09 - 07:14 AM (#2731710)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Dunc at work

Post above - 'sea shanities'

I schumtimes shushpect my own shanity, Mish Moneypenny! ;0)

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26 Sep 09 - 08:35 AM (#2731728)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy

I bet the guy in shorts, Angi, was Muppett.

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23 Aug 10 - 06:18 PM (#2971364)
Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble

And this year?

Anyone have the energy to initiate a 2010 thread who knows what is going on?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

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