Sewerby Hall, The first of the FOAOTMAD old time music camps will happen this May Day weekend. This year, the Hall management loudly encouraged by Oombanjo, are allowing us to arrive after lunch on Thursday 27th April and staying till the morning of Wednesday 3rd May. The same format as last year applies:

Sewerby Hall is on the coast just North East of Bridlington, East Yorkshire. Here's a map

Camping is free if you're a musician or a dancer or a friend of same (or even married to one!).There are washing and toilet facilities, but no shower, unless Oombanjo can sort summat out by then.

We'll have use of a wooden dance floor being brought in from Cumbria by members of Legs Levens the dance team formally known, I believe, as Limestone Cowboys. At least two dance teams will be around for at least part of the time - the Bootleggers of Scunthorpe - for whom I have the honour of playing the banjo - and Wicked Soles from the Peak District.

There will be many musicians playing in Old Time sessions here and there around the gardens or in the Orangery with its superb acoustics, and people will be welcome to join in, sit and listen or get out a board and do some flat footing. Oombanjo's also bringing a marquee, which will be great if it rains or blows.

Other types of musicians aren't barred (with the possible exception of drummers and bodhran players!)- last year Flamenco Ted came - boy are we broad minded.

Evening sessions will take place in the Ship, an excellent pub just over the road from the Hall, run by Tony.

All music and noise in the field will cease at midnight - even Ted.

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=79951&messages=63 and this one'll be even better (it says here)

If you sing, dance, play fiddle, old time banjo, guitar, mandolin, autoharp, lap or hammer dulcimer, mouth harp or string bass don't miss this!

Ray (Chairman of Foaotmad)