Arran Folk festival

Subject: Arran Folk festival
From: Tam the bam fraeSaltcoatsScotland
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 01:21 PM

Hello my name is Tom Hamilton, and I was over in Arran for the folk festival, and to perfectly honest I was a bit disappointed, I mean It was my first time, and I thought it would advertised however it wasn't.
Yes there were leaflets, however I had to find out were there were sessions, the Saturday concert was sold out, and instead of the whole island taking part it was the Ormadle hotel in Brodick, £2.50 a pint.
And during the sessions there, at the begining it was quiet, but after a small while you just couldn't play.
And to make matters worse they decied to make and serve meals, I konw it's a hotel, and they're not a folk club and they have to run a business, but surely they could of had a sepertrate room for meals, and that way no one is disturbed.
Because during the Sunday session, all you heard was someone saying 'the next song/tune will be...' and then eejit heid would come in a shout 'Scampi and chips'. I mean come on Arran Folk festival commitee put a little more effort into the thing or else it will just die.
Tom
PS
A part from that I thought the sessions that I was at were great.

Subject: RE: Arran Folk festival
From: John J
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 09:01 AM

It sounds like the venue wasn't too good. a shame, I always imagined it would be a really good festival.

Ho hum

John

Subject: RE: Arran Folk festival
From: Tam the bam fraeSaltcoatsScotland
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 11:43 AM

Maybe next year they might try that wee bit better, I not complaing or anything, it was a bit of a mishmash, apprantily they decieded to change the Festival, however instead of the Festival for the whole of Arran, Brodick and Oramadale hotel took over, leaving the rest of the island struggling for tourists.
So maybe next year get the whole island involved, instead of just one town.

Tom

Subject: RE: Arran Folk festival
From: Alba
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 08:32 AM

Hi Tom.
That's a shame that the Festival wasn't as much fun as it could have been. 2.50 a pint and shouts of Scampi and chips never make for a pleasant time:>)
I think that the Festival would be much better if it was held outside of Brodick. Blackwater Foot maybe. It would mean that Folk would see a bit of the Island on their way round to there and I really like the other side of Arran as it is a wee bit more rugged.
I heard that Michael Mc Golderick was playing this year, he is a really good Performer. Hope that wasn't spoiled by the "noise"
If you feel inclined maybe you should share your insight with Organisers. It may help if they know how Folk felt about things and might have a bearing on the plans for next Year!
I think that Ian Frame is one of the Festival planners ( that may have changed as it is a while since I have been over) but they may have a website where feedback can be sent!
Just a suggestion:>) I love Arran and went there a lot in my Youth. It is a lovely wee Island and lends itself to Music if allowed!
Glad you had a couple of good sessions though to compensate for the pricy beverages!!:>)
All the Best
A (thinking of Arran now and feeling a wee bit homesick!)

Subject: RE: Arran Folk festival
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 08:19 PM

Aye, its still the Frames that organise it or so Im told by their daughter! (Gillian, fab singer and fiddler). Kate Rusby was there too so i hear. Was speakin to her brother and he said it was good like. Also, good friend of mine Anna Massie was playin with her new band. Anyone know how that went? I would have really like to have made it down this year. Think it would have been crackin music anyway! sho x

Subject: RE: Arran Folk festival
From: Tam the bam fraeSaltcoatsScotland
Date: 12 Jun 03 - 03:05 AM

I just hope that, next year the whole of the Island will get invovled instead of holding it in just the one place.
Because after a while it will proberly just die a death, because people will get fed up with it.
The only way that I heard about it was, I was a session in a town called Irvine, on a Tuesday and on the Wednesday my dad booked a bed and breakfast in Lamlash, The last bus from Brodick was a 9.25pm, so My father and I couldn't get to the dance, and on Saturday the concert was sold out.
As I said the Venue for the Sunday session was the Back room of the Oramdale hotel, which as far as I was concerend too small.
However I thought after all it was a great weekend, however my father and I might just go over for the day, I think three days( well for me and my dad) is a bit too much.
Some of my friends loved it, so they couldn't please everyone.
Better organising next .
Tom

Subject: RE: Arran Folk festival
From: Tam the bam fraeSaltcoatsScotland
Date: 12 Jun 03 - 11:55 AM

Better luck next time.

Maybe I went with full intentions, and got disappointed i don't Know, However I'll go back next year.

Tom