Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 09:21 AM

It is certainly unforgivable to treat professional artists (indeed, anyone) other than courteously, and respectfully, and it saddens me to hear that any of the people performing at the Ham might have been greeted with outright rudeness.

The comment concerning not taking instructions from a woman is particularly worrying, as it suggests an attitude that is indefensible on any grounds. When the person concerned is the manager of a professional act, it should be understood that she is acting in what she sees as the best interests of her clients, and if what she wants is not possible, that should be explained politely.

I hope that this was an unfortunate one-off, due to pressure, and that it will never happen again.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Blowzabella
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 09:00 AM

Shambles said / asked:

"But we still don't know who you are - it is difficult to judge if you deserved better treatment or not."

Shouldn't anonymous fellow posters be treated the same as named fellow posters - does knowing the name of someone allow another someone to say whether or not the person deserved to be treated as they have been treated, or can one not accept that, because someone feels they have been treated badly then, in their eyes at least, they have been treated badly....

Is Shambles really suggesting here that people's behaviour might, in certain circumstances, make it ok for other people to treat them in a particular way, based on their individual reaction to that behaviour? Noo...surely not. For surely, backstage personnel have a similar role to play (as representatives of the management) as, say, the Joe Clones have here - and, therefore, should be completely impartial and whiter than white......   

(tongue only partly in cheek) apologies for off-threading

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 07:37 AM

I am delighted that Sidmouth has survived into 2005 and I very much hope Sidmouth survives and thrives in 2006 and beyond but if the Ham concerts are to be repeated then somebody needs to sort out the things backstage that the public out front don't normally get to hear about.

If you had not posted anonymously - the public would have been none the wiser about personal disputes that are perhaps best settled in private and not in public. I am not sure that the reasons for anononimity are really that obvious as it starts unhelpful speculation.

I am sorry that you feel you we not given the treatment you think deserved by some of the organisers and I hope that it will not put you off entertaining the audiences at future events who perhaps are prepared to give you better treatment. But we still don't know who you are - it is difficult to judge if you deserved better treatment or not.

This year - I got some nice lunchtime food and a little beer provided for me (and the rest of the session) at The Bedford. Perhaps our expectations are different - although there is never any need for rudeness but I have received a lot of that from previous Sidmouth organisers and stewards.

Under the circumstances - perhaps some of this years organisers - who may have been under a lot of stress for little personal reward - may have some excuse and they certainly all have my appreciation. Next year perhaps will be different?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Musician (Anon.)
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 06:57 AM

Hello All,

One thing missing from this thread is the view of professional musicians booked to appear in The Ham Marquee.

Many of us enjoyed successful and well-attended concerts.

We were pleased to support Sidmouth 2005 (often for substantially lower fees than we can normally command) and we were pleased that Sidmouth audiences supported us and the concert promoters.

BUT...

I have to say the organisation backstage at The Ham was very poor and the treatment of professional musicians was worse than at any other festival I have appeared at this year (and I've appeared at many).

When I see the manager of one of the best bands on the circuit being treated like a little child by the concerts promoter it saddens me and when I see the same promoter shout at her and yell that he "will not take instructions from a woman" I do wonder why I have agreed to play for the same promoter.

For obvious reasons I have to post this as Anon. but some other musicians will know who I am and others who were backstage can bear out the fact that things were not as good as they should have been.

I am delighted that Sidmouth has survived into 2005 and I very much hope Sidmouth survives and thrives in 2006 and beyond but if the Ham concerts are to be repeated then somebody needs to sort out the things backstage that the public out front don't normally get to hear about.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 06:40 AM

It's an affliction we find less in teh Middle Bar now since we have polite notices up requesting people not to smoke where the singers are. It's made the Middle Bar even pleasanter than it was before and makes singing much easier.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 04:51 AM

Sue,

You obviously contracted a case of Sidmouth Froat, a well known affliction among devotees of the smoky, and often noisy, session venues.

There is nothing more annoying than finding your voice has run away and hid. I managed to keep mine till mid Friday evening, and didn't catch up with it again till yesterday.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 04:25 AM

McGrath that's a brilliant idea. I'd definitely buy one too.

I did miss the Arena showground, but it was only a swmall miss...there was certainly plenty else to do to fill the gap....and our own "Not the Arena Concert" was brilliant.

Sue, I'm afraid I only managed to dance with Herbaceous once due to too many other things going on. I will try to do better next time!

McGrath, I think the metaphore of Sidmouth having been pruned is a really good one. Everyone knows that pruning makes something grow stronger and healthier afterwards.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 08:12 PM

Don, I second that.

I had a wonderful time this year (as I did the previous 3 years, which is all I've been to). I look forward to seeing how it develops.I hope we can keep some of the new good things (eg Woodlands Hotel and the inclusive feeling) and have back some of what was missing (I personally missed the season tickets but not the Arena) I also missed my voice which I lost somewhere in the Anchor on Tuesday night.

We had a wonderful time as 'Herbaceous Border' too, especially with our 'Have A Go Sessions'. We had 50 people in the torchlight procession, many of whom had never morrissed before FolkWeek and had scoured the charity shops in order to make their tatter jackets.

I remember saying on one of the pre-Sidmouth threads that I was positive I'd have a good time and I most definitely did. And I'm sure I will next year.

Sue

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 07:42 PM

I'd go for that Mcgrath, and I'd buy one.

I think the success of 2005 will ensure the future, no matter what that future may be. Heres to Sidmouth, the best of festivals, and long may it continue.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 07:15 PM

Good then, good still, good in the future...

Maybe they should get a Sidmouth symbol combining the qualities of a seagull and a phoenix... Get Hedingham Fair to do it, and incorporate the fabulous design into a poster and a T-shirt.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: steve_harris
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 06:56 PM

``But do people who like the new format just because they didn't much care for Steve Heap (for whatever reason) realise just what Sidmouth has lost?''

Ah, found out! Yes, we hated Sidmouth 2005 but we hate Steve Heap more so we'll make out that it was wonderful and force ourselves to go every year until we are 93 in the shade out of spite :-)))

What have we lost, let's see:

- We've lost the fun of tripping over recumbant bodies between the LNE and the bogs
- We've lost the thrill of trying to find space on the camp site
- We've lost the joy of mega-queuing in the rain
- We've lost the joy of sardine ceilidh at the LNE
- We've lost the joy of traders too busy and alientated to offer polite service
- The lumbering Arena-saurus is no longer threatening to drag the festival under

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: steve_harris
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 06:38 PM

``The ceilidhs were the least sucessful part of the whole venture and they'll have to do something about the floors''

They covered their costs and people enjoyed them. It's not the only festival to have floor trouble and th eorganisers have taken this on board.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 06:30 PM

And here's a picture of the ceilidh in the ford not happening...
..........................
Personally I loved this year's festival, and I loved last year's and all the other Sidmouths I've been to over the years. And I'm grateful to Steve Heap for many happy summer weeks, while he was running things.

I'm looking forward to see how it grows back after the pruning, and that it will be able to bring together different types of festivalgoers, enjoying different types of festivals in an inclusive way. And I hope that the international aspect,which has always been at the heart of Sidmouth will on the way and another still be at teh heart of the new Sidmouth.
.......................
"not everyone who would be buying tickets would be die-hard fans">/I> - anyone who endured the tortuous ticket buying process with the TIC who wasn't a die-hard fan probably was at least on the edge of deciding to stay way in future.

"I liked the way it was all integrated into the town, and if you didn't go to an organised concert, you could just wander around and see what was going on." That's how I've always experienced Sidmouth - this years was no different really, except that not having a Season Ticket reduced my ability to drop in on things on the spur of the moment.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 10:16 AM

No, he was, of course, not there, because there was, of course, no ceilidh in the ford at 3.00 on Friday afternoon, as there always isn't. He appeared to have his usual good time, despite not being there. I wasn't there either and didn't actually dance for the first time. It was as good as it usually isn't. I'm already looking forward to not being there again next year. :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 08:51 AM

Thanks to everyone who helped me out at the Volunteer and/or came to the Arts Centre talks. Excellent atmosphere all week. I now have a few ideas for improvements for next year. The Radway was as well-supported as usual - pity I couldn't get there more often. You know when Sidmouth is good coz you try to be in two places at once, and end up at a third! Missed the ceilidh in the f**d this year. Was the drum-playing Scotsman there with his special malt for the band (or should that be NOT there)?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Blowzabella
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 04:49 AM

Geoff P said / asked

"We did miss season tickets though and the buying of tickets from the TIC was a bit of a mission, (sorry I don't know why someone needs an address when people buy tickets, particularly when there's a queue!)."

I would imagine that the TIC had been asked by organisers to obtain people's addresses, so that they could be included on a mailing list for future festivals. Makes sense, really - not everyone who would be buying tickets would be die-hard fans, who will keep the festival in their diary come-what-may.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 04:28 AM

Don said:
I don't feel animosity toward anyone, whether they attended or not. I must say tho' that the atmosphere was quite different. Gone the "us and them" feeling between arena goers and what they labelled as the fringe, and in its place a community feeling of "we are all here for the same thing".

I watched the BBC4 programme again over the weekend, and I did gain the impression that the arena was a separate entity, with its own food stalls, etc, and that if one spent the day there, it would be like a mini-festival, and one would not get involved in the town at all, e.g. like Cambridge.

I liked the way it was all integrated into the town, and if you didn't go to an organised concert, you could just wander around and see what was going on. It was commented upon in the local paper, that the town people felt more involved, specially in the crafts marquee, and the childrens events (you didn't have to have a season ticket to join in).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 13 Aug 05 - 10:30 AM

Steve,

Of course we all realise what has been lost, but realising it is not enough. If we are ever to get it back, we need positive action, not carping criticism by wet blankets who don't intend to support it, whatever the cost, because it isn't exactly to their liking.

My response is, if you want it, fight for it, get up and do something to make it happen. That's what we all did this year, and we don't think it was perfect by any means, but it was the best it could be in the circumstances.

Next year WILL be better, so stop putting people off with negative comment, say what YOU want to see, and help make it happen.

I hope I'm not going to have another year of being called nasty names because I support my favourite festival, but support it I will regardless.

That is what is needed for success, so climb on board and grab an oar.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 13 Aug 05 - 09:35 AM

Local Press comment so far has been very positive about the new size and format of the week.

But do people who like the new format just because they didn't much care for Steve Heap (for whatever reason) realise just what Sidmouth has lost? It was not just the biggest festival of its kind in Europe (?) but personally I doubt if 2006 will be as big as 2005 - so many people said 'hang the expense' in 2005 just to support the organisers. I'll summarise all the local feedback shortly. It was the parade and torch ceremony on the last night that really brought home just how much had not been there during the week.

And will so many bands and callers come for nothing or for reduced fees next year, again just to support the organisers?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 13 Aug 05 - 07:40 AM

English Ceilidh, surely an oxymoron like Scottish Morris Dancing!
G.. ¦¬]

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 05 - 07:14 AM

The ceilidhs were the least sucessful part of the whole venture and they'll have to do something about the floors.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: steve_harris
Date: 13 Aug 05 - 06:40 AM

``Can a festival that loses three-quarters of its audience in just one year really survive for much longer?''

If the audience size was "right" in 2004, you would have a point. If it looses 75% every year, you would soon have a point. Personally, I expect 2006 to run very successfully on around 50% of 2004 figures.

``There is nothing to mark Sidmouth out from the crowd now. It can no longer boast of being Europe's biggest folk festival... or even Britain's... or even the South West's''

I really think you ought to have been there. If there is another festival anywhere in the world where you can dance English Ceilidh 3-4 times a day for a week, do tell me please.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 01:44 PM

Hi Spot the Dog,

I really don't think that we shall see too much insistence on pushing the festival in any particular direction. It may well happen that the arena will once again feature, but that will depend on the momentum developed by those who wish for particular aspects to return.

Sidmouth festival has a life of its own, constantly evolving and changing over the last 51 years, and that, I think, will continue.

I know that there are many people who want the arena and the international dance etc. I am rather keen on the idea myself.

What I would respectfully suggest is that this is unlikely to happen if those people simply go elsewhere.

Sidmouth 2005 was successful because large numbers of people chose to take the chance and go there. It only happened at all because some very determined people decided that they would not let it die.

If the arena shows are your desired objective, take a leaf from our book, get involved, as an organiser if you can (I'm sure your input would be welcome), or as someone who will definitely BE THERE next year to buy the tickets. If you ditch the festival, where's the incentive for the organisers to consider your wishes?

Looking forward to next year
Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 01:19 PM

Next year I shall try to be nearer the centre, my poor old legs can't cope with all the walking!
Giok

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 01:10 PM

Well whatever they want, they won't get the 2004 festival back. Personally I'm quite happy with the way this year has been and if it goes along these lines, with the lessons that have been learned from this year, I think it will be an improvement on recent years. Some people will obviously not want the 'new' festival, but you can't please all the people can you? It certainly did seem to be a more relaxed atmosphere this year, and local businesses seemed to be much more closely involved, which can only be a good thing. I did miss the arena showground, but that was the only thing I missed. Whatever next year is like, it will be interesting!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Geoff P
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 12:42 PM

We went to the festival this year and throughly enjoyed it!!

The atmosphere was the one that I remember from the eighties very relaxed. All the sings we went to were well attended and the individual concerts well supported.

We did miss season tickets though and the buying of tickets from the TIC was a bit of a mission, (sorry I don't know why someone needs an address when people buy tickets, particularly when there's a queue!).

Congrats to all who put the festival together, and particularly Alan White and his team at the Bulverton site.

Geoff

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 12 Aug 05 - 12:10 PM

Read it all and I am confused as to what kind of festival do people want next year. The old (eg 2004) Sidmouth or the newer 2005 style. This is not a trawl for argument just genuine interest.

Sidmouth 2005 sounds better (From the reviews in this thread) than the Sidmouth I went to in the late 1990's. So how will this format be maintained without restricting growth. Also the atmosphere seemed to be reported as better this year and that is something that cannot be organised.

Spot

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,me
Date: 11 Aug 05 - 09:06 PM

i wish i'd been at sidmouth or some festival this season. although i've been bought up by folkies i've never actually experienced the delights of a festival but long to!! can you fill me in on costs and when to buy tickets/book camping etc because i am determined to go next year,

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 11 Aug 05 - 09:00 PM

The point is, Bedazzled, that Steve Heap said publicly that Mrs. Casey Music took eighteen months to arrange each festival, so there was a continuous overlap.

It is also true that, by the time the organisation had been put together, Sidmouth 2005 was organised in about seven months, not one year as you stated.

I have been told that 2005 covered all costs with some cash left over for 2006, but you would have to ask the organisers if you wanted confirmation.

As for Sidmouth traders, it seems that they did benefit from the festival being centred in the town rather than pulling people away to the arena. They certainly seemed very happy with it, and , as a group, they put considerable financial backing into the kitty.

Lastly, less professional is IMHO a harsh judgement given the time constraints, and the fact that one of the leading figures is the man who has organised Rochester Sweeps these many years. You could hardly call him an amateur.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Bedazzled
Date: 11 Aug 05 - 06:54 PM

Who knows or cares whether it was a success or not and how do you measure success anyway?

If those who went enjoyed it then in their eyes it was a success.

If others felt there was less of interest to them this year then it was not a success.

Does anyone know whether the various concert promoters covered costs or made money?

Does anyone know whether businesses in the town made as much money as in previous years?

El punkoid nouveau says things had to be planned hastily. In fact everyone knew a year ago that Steve Heap was withdrawing so everyone had a year to plan this year's event.

A year is exactly what we have to plan next year as well.

Will it be bigger or better? Will it be smaller or worse? Will this year's absentees return or will some who gave this year a try go elsewhere next year?

Who knows? Who cares? So long as true devotees return year-upon-year there will always be some form of Folk Week in Sidmouth. Smaller maybe, less professional maybe but still a Folk Week to be savoured alongside the (now bigger) Festivals at Towersey, Warwick, Chippenham, Broadstairs & elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 07:47 PM

Not too surprising if one is not open to new evidence (i.e. like actually visiting Sidmouth Folk Week 2005 or listening and giving some credit to those who did visit) that one's verdict may remain unchanged.

The verdict of those who did attend is a lot better informed and consequently of far more interest.....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Blowzabella
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 04:50 PM

Well, I didn't go but I was vicariously very impressed - had an immensely good time reading Lizzie's journal on the R2 F&A site - and a nice natter with Mr Laycock on his mobile with street sound effects...

Hopefully next year - have never fancied it before.....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 04:33 PM

So far the only people who have been unimpressed by this year's Sidmouth have been those who didn't actually go...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 04:11 PM

The CD actually helped me thro' the huge pile of paperwork that awaited my return, John - very relaxing, I grant you, but I didn't fall asleep! By the way, I had washed my Mudcat T-shirt specially to bring it to the festival then left it on the airer at home!
Roger, how can you make a valid comment if you weren't there? All the hotels/guest houses/B&Bs/friends and family houses were full, so don't judge everything by the campsite!
Kitty, I play a B/C button accordion so can even play the B flats and other accidentals.
HipFlask Andy, even non-newcomers to the Middle bar sometimes have a long wait for a song; just as the twig gets near you, off it goes on a perambulate around the back row for no apparent reason other than the wishes of those on the bench (said with tongue firmly in cheek!)
TB

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 02:56 PM

Mere numbers are not what made Sidmouth unique, even through the Mrs. Casey days.

I suspect that next year will see a huge increase in attendance, as many of the people who did not go this year went elsewhere because they wanted to ensure that their main holiday was not a disappointment, rather than that they didn't like the new format.

Those who believed took the risk because they believed, and thank God for them.

I don't feel animosity toward anyone, whether they attended or not. I must say tho' that the atmosphere was quite different. Gone the "us and them" feeling between arena goers and what they labelled as the fringe, and in its place a community feeling of "we are all here for the same thing".

I sincerely hope that, with the financial success of 2005, the arena shows will return, but I hope also that the sense of oneness will remain, and that every part of the festival will be regarded as vital to the character of the whole.

No rose tinted specs here, lessons will be learned and the best possible start has IMHO been made.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 02:47 PM

And I haven't seen anyone mention the Reindhart experience; those giys were just phenomenal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 02:46 PM

The hurdy Gurdy/ bagpipe duet at the Swan was a bit specialtoo.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 02:44 PM

I was in the Bedford at least once a night and quite apart from the amazing variety of music and humanity on view I was v impressed by the standard of the bar service.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 02:15 PM

Actually, there seem to have been loads of new people this year....so it was far from being 'hardcore' Sidmouth devotees. I also saw several people who used to go and haven't been for years until now.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 10:54 AM

Well it was my first visit too, and I enjoyed it tremendously, so will be back next year. Nice to see so many fellow Catters.
Giok

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 10:06 AM

Don't go Roger Hayes - there were enough people this year without you who makes judgements without having been there. The moon's made of cheese you kow, I can assure you as that's what I've been told.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 08:18 AM

The point Roger Hayes seems to be trying to make that Sidmouth was a lot smaller this year than in previous years does not necessarily mean that it will remain a small festival. Apart from anything else, Mrs Casey (in the guise of Steve Heap) was quite open that it took eighteen months to two years to organise something of the order that the company ran. This year's organisation had less than twelve months - and very limited budgets.

The other point Roger misses is that the festival this year was built very much around the fringe events - largely the pub sessions and so on. Again, this was due to the constraints of time in organising things, and the limited budgets available.

So stop being negative Roger - come back next year, and see what can be done. Yes, the festival will change direction (but it has done so before, and no doubt will do again in the future). No it won't be the massive International Festival that Mrs Casey built up, but will probably return to being a Folk Festival. What is certain is that it will continue to celebrate the "Folk" arts.

And when you do come back, I might even let you buy me a pint in the Dove, or the Anchor, or...

epn

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,SidmouthVirgin
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 07:07 AM

I hope Roger Hayes is right when he predicts that Sidmouth will survive even if not in the same form as previously.

I attended for the first time this year so cannot comment on how it compared to previous years.

I enjoyed myself but found the programme of events for those of us who don't sing or dance somewhat limited and disappointing.

The LNE was a fiasco and a friend who is in Bellowhead told me the band were shabbily treated backstage and won't return even though their concert was (for me) a Festival highlight.

I don't know yet whether I'll return myself but I'm glad I attended this year. It was enjoyable and those who worked hard to make it happen deserve thanks for doing so.   Tara

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Roger Hayes
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 06:53 AM

After looking at the campsite (see above) Steve Harris estimated that attendances were 75% down on normal.

Can a festival that loses three-quarters of its audience in just one year really survive for much longer?

After looking at this thread it would seem that those who did still attend Sidmouth 2005 enjoyed the experience but they were far fewer in numbers than in previous years.

I suspect it's the 'hardcore' Sidmouth veterans who post on here and so it's no surprise when they praise this year's event.

Those of us 'guests' who only post occasionally and therefore can't be bothered to register as full-blown 'mudcatters' may have a less 'rose-tinted-spectacles' view of things.

Overall I guess that:

i) Sidmouth WILL survive but as a much smaller event than in the past, just one of many small-scale folk festivals in an already overcrowded calendar

ii) Those who attended this year may well return in 2006

iii) Many of those who attended are actually quite happy to have a smaller, less commercialised Sidmouth Folk Week, but...

iv) There is nothing to mark Sidmouth out from the crowd now. It can no longer boast of being Europe's biggest folk festival... or even Britain's... or even the South West's. It is just a small-scale Folk Week now and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that if those who still go enjoy it.

Personally though I miss the international element, the arena shows and the variety that was Sidmouth in the past. That is why I didn't attend this year and, with a heavy heart, will not be returning in the future.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: GUEST,Striper
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 06:07 AM

I have only just got back from a five day stint in Sidmouth via a five day stint in Watchet. This was my first Sidmouth and a very nice experience it was too. For a festival that was going to die on its feet, according to some, it was pretty damn good as well as being vibrant and lively, with a little of something for everyone. I enjoyed it immensely both from a performers point of view and as a punter so to speak.

Thanks for all the hard work put in by the organisers "Ya dun Gud".

Nice to meet you at last Lizzie,Pete and family, thanks for everything.

See you at next years Sidmouth Festival.

Take Care.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 04:22 AM

Thanks for the pointers Mark, I'll remember for next time. Always a bit on the shy side (honest!) when unsure of the house protocol.
I stood in there for about two hours on both Wed and Thurs and must have missed the "have we missed anyone wave around" - probably due to numerous trips to the bar and, subsequently, even more numerous trips to the loo!!! Then there were other venues to check out as it was our first Sidmouth.
Enjoyed the atmosphere down there though!
Cheers - HFA

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: MarkAustin
Date: 10 Aug 05 - 03:17 AM

Replying to a couple of points.

Big Mal mentioned the music from the Anchor Gardens. According to Dick Stanger, who ran the Anchor, the landlord/brewery put up enough to cover 10 folk events. This meant 7 lunchtime and 3 evening dances. On the other 4 evenings, the landlord booked "standard" rockish bands. I suspect this is what you heard.

For HipFlaskAndy, and any other first-timer in the Middle Bar next year, if you in early enough the seats at the front are for singers, so the twig will automatically be passed (exceptions are made for thos such as the elderly who cannot stand all evening). The Bench is for those running the session. At the back, there are fewer singers so there is a tendency to pass it on to *known* singers. The trick is, when the twig has been passed but before that person has started singing tap them on the shoulder and ask. As long as you're not obviously twig-chasing that will work. After the first few times, you'll be recognised. Alternatively, ask the Bench to include you - they often do a "have we missed anyone wave around" before leaving an area (in particular the back bar)

Mark Austin

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 05:36 PM

Thank you, Tattie Bogle, for your contribution to Dave Taylor's rendition of "The melodeons are coming" in the last Theatre Bar sinaround (well,we were billed in the newsletter as a sinaround).

I've heard this evening that the person who inspired my DG&D entry was hospitalised as a result of the injuries sustained when she fell at work the Thursday before last. But will be going home tomorrow, whereas I will be going back to work.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 04:55 PM

Ah - so now I know who Tattie Bogle is!! Hi Trish.

Have you made it past the first 5 tracks of the CD without falling asleep? A good friend of mine says that his insomnia has completely gone since buying it! I even fell asleep whilst recording it - I had to every night didn't I.
I thought Sidders was up to standard in all cases this year, and there were many people who managed to get in the Bedford who just hadn't been able to in previous years. Sure there were less people, but not that many less.

Until next year - and maybe a new CD -I'm working on it
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth 2005 - the verdict?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Aug 05 - 04:38 PM

It was indeed a great week and tributes all round to those who made it happen.
Agnes, I didn't see a single Aran sweater(one n please!) about, even if the occasional Clancy bros song slipped in. (Arran is a Scottish island, Aran (of the sweaters)off the coast of Ireland.)
Dan, Elenor and the manuscript paper: Dan's promised to come back with "Niel Gow's Lament for the Death of his Second Wife" by next year - a lovely tune - must be the only one he doesn't know!
John B - thanks for the Bedford songs, and really enjoying your CD.
Gems of the week: the Demon Barbers and Bellowhead concert, and "This Farming Life" with Tom and Barbara Brown: the latter was the only event I could persuade my non-folkie husband to come to, and he loved it!
Personal goal achieved: playing in the Festival band with the great JK conducting/playing/arranging.
MBS were brill as usual - "the Power of Song"
Trish