Thanks to all you folkies brave enough to give the 1st Gate To Southwell Folk Festival a try, we had a great weekend, the entertainment was first class and a terrific atmosphere abounded all weekend. That was part of it's public face, but let me tell you about something less obvious. On the friday over 250 kids from 3 local schools came in to work on a special heritage education project. They had been working since tuesday with Pete & Sue Coe and Damian Barber (great job guys) learning Morris, Sword and Clog and folk dance folklore. Demon Barber roadshow gave an eclectic special concert in the afternoon featuring the kids themselves - the audience were touched - we knew then that all the hard work of organising had been worthwhile. It was a great way to start the whole thing off and so important bringing young people in to folk music and dance. Throughout the wekkend, many other artists gave their time in workshops with the kids incl: James Fagan, Nancy Kerr & members of Malinky. We hope to continue this theme.
It was a truly massive (and at times frightening undertaking) for such a relatively small band of organisers but overall a great success. We know we didnt get everthing spot on but we'll listen to all to make it better - fancy helping?
Oh!, we agree it was sad that we clashed with Fetival In The Peak but we wanted to align ourselves with the already established "Gate To Southwell" dance procession - part of Southwell's rich heritage - (take a look at Dolphin Morris website) to make the whole thing much richer (and better value) with something for everyone.
Many many Thanks to all those who supported us.
MG