I've just received this from fiddler Joanne Cooper, one of the organisers of a new Old Time festival on the coast of sunny Pembrokeshire:

Hello Everybody

Welcome to the first mail-out for Going to the West Fest, Pembrokeshire's first Old-Time Festival which will be held June 13-15th 2008 in Angle.

The festival organisation process is now well under way, after a late start. The festival is being organised by Pembrokeshire Eclectic Music Society (PEMS), a new voluntary organisation which aims to inform people about different kinds of music and dance and expand their experience through organising events in Pembrokeshire and West Wales.

We are currently in the process of sourcing sponsorship and funding for the festival. The line up is nearly confirmed, although a few last details are still to be organised.

Moonshine A Galway based old-time trio made up of Frank Hall, originally from Indiana and formerly of The Monks, Lena Ullman, originally from Sweden and formerly of the Higglers Jug Band, and Johnny Moynihan – yes, that is the Johnny Moynihan and yes, he does play old-time (he's seen the light!).



Sara Grey and Ben Paley need no introduction to the UK old-time scene. Sara is famous for her interpretations of ballads, an expert on the migration of songs across the Atlantic and a sensitive clawhammer banjo player. Ben is the son of Tom Paley, founder member of the hugely influential New Lost City Ramblers, and plays fantastic fiddle in a wide variety of styles.



Jock Tyldesley and Vera van Heeringen again need no introduction. Jock is well known for his Cajun and Old-Time fiddle playing with The Flatville Aces and Balfa Toujours. Vera plays anything with strings, and together they are part of Sugar Moon and the New Rope String Band, and have performed with musicians such as Sheryl Cormier, Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus.



The Kittyhawks are a new(ish) band based in Southern England formed around the vocal duets of Lucy Ray (from North Carolina) and Mo Jackson.



The Grumpy Bush String Band are a trio of old-time enthusiast from south west Wales. They are organising the festival, so they're going to play at it!



These artists will perform and lead workshops on a variety of instruments and dance, giving an opportunity for learning at all levels. There will be a concert on Friday night, followed by a square dance, workshops in the day time on Saturday, a concert on Saturday night followed by a square dance, and a workshop or singing group and an open stage on Sunday, as well of lots and lots of tunes!



Angle is a spectacular location right on the end of the southern Pembrokeshire peninsula in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Both West Angle Bay (which holds a Green Coast Award) and the nearby Freshwater West beach and sand dunes have been designated SSSIs. The estuary of the river Cleddau is known for its interesting and abundant bird life. The village has two pubs and a shop.



Please do check Our Website where you will find lots of photos of Angle and its surrounding area, as well as links to other sites which may be of interest.



Now for the important logistical information:



Castle Farm, Angle is just around the corner from the village hall and provides camping at just £3 per person per night. The farm also has a few caravans and a five bedroom bungalow – contact 01646 641220 for more details.



Weekend ticket £27.50 (£21)

One night concert and dance ticket £8.50 (£6) family £20



I apologise for the length of this email - there was a lot of information to go in it! Any questions please get in touch, also please forward this to your friends and family who may be interested in the festival so they can sign up to the mailing list.



Keep playing and dancing!



Jo