What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 05 Jan 18 - 07:06 AM

I was Festival Coordinator at Linlithgow Folk Festival for a good few years, not as long as some here, 'tis true, but worked my backside off while in harness, along with the rest of a good team. Gave my views and stated my role in other posts above. Doesn't that count?

In answer to Ripov re Sidmouth, pretty well every event is now sponsored by a local business or two: everything changed after the 50th anniversary festival, when the previous management pulled out. The festival could have died if local businessmen and folk supporters had not stepped in, put hands in pockets, and made sure it continued. It is now over 10 years into the "new regime" and thriving, if different from the more international format before the 50th. However some of the fringe events have gone on unabated throughout.

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 05 Jan 18 - 08:58 AM

I am not sure how recent a phenomenon this is, or which way it's currently trending, but there are a number of festivals I'd like to go to - except that when you look at the fine print you find they're really campervan owners' meetups with a musical theme, and anybody who doesn't drive is treated like dirt.

The top considerations for me are whether it's accessible by public transport and whether there's anywhere to stay when I get there.

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: r.padgett
Date: 05 Jan 18 - 10:26 AM

ah right sorry Malcolm ~ WMCs ~ I meant Working Men's Clubs as a generalisation for "clubs" such as the Whitby Fishermen's Football club, The Conservative club, The Rifle club ~ not strictly WMCs but I hope you got the drift ~ many clubs able to negotiate lower bar prices (hopefully)

Ray

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 05 Jan 18 - 10:37 AM

I last camped under "canvas" at a festival about 10 years ago. Apart from being very wet, it was very noisy and a long walk to the loos! I do get the impressions that at Scottish festivals at least, there are fewer people in tents than there used to be and far more in camper vans or caravans, and as Jack says, a whole other village at some festivals, some of the occupants never actually coming into the festival centre. Ah, but who could blame them for getting a "van" with the Scottish weather, where tents have been known to end up in the Firth of Clyde, next seen in America!
While I have been tempted by the camper van idea, the actual hard economics of buying one, maintaining it, taxing it, fuelling it, paying campsite fees etc probably cost more than spending a few festivals in B & Bs or hotels.

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 05 Jan 18 - 06:58 PM

Ray

The clubs may be less expensive and usually comfortable.

They are however essentially members clubs and most have a two tier pricing system for drinks. One for members and one for earthlings.

Also when I was yer man I tried to make sure on Saturday and Friday that the Rifle Club had a bill that would not be intruded on by the noise from the other room.

John Kirkpatrick, Sam Pirt etc and of course PA.

Just a small point but important as there was a fair chance that anyone new to the festival and interested in song and music would probably make the Rifle Club their first port of call. At that time it was the nearest venue to the festival office.

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: r.padgett
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 03:30 AM

Yes Malcolm ~ the central point seems to be somewhere between the Spa/Leisure Centre and Rifle club ~ although a lot happening Quay side venues and Rugby and Football clubs ~ a fair walk for all ~ but needs must for venues and many well full (as they should be)

Ray

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 07:49 AM

One bit of bad planning some very small festivals are prone to (yes, Loanhead and Penicuik, this means you) - events in the middle of the day, something in the evening, nothing at all in between. Presumably designed so that locals can go home for their tea, but if you're a visitor from the First World what on earth are you supposed to do for three hours in the afternoon in Penicuik or Loanhead?

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: Mr Red
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 08:35 AM

session?

And we wonder how the fringe gets started!

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: r.padgett
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 10:57 AM

Quite ~ Holmfirth ff always has the Nook music session wall to wall and two or three tunes in different rooms Fri/Sat all day/Sunday

Whitby tends to have organised slow sessions from am to pm and usual pub sessions English sessions and evening sessions (well there is a week to fill) and well attended for participation and chance to lead tunes

Ray

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: Vic Smith
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 11:00 AM

Jack Campin wrote -
" ...if you're a visitor from the First World what on earth are you supposed to do for three hours in the afternoon in Penicuik or Loanhead?"

Oh dear! I have a cousin living in Penicuik? Should I be sending her food parcels and medical supplies?

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 12:42 PM

What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?

wouldn't it be great if something was happening - like if you got free faggot and peas when you went in......

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 05:32 PM

Popped into "Drouthy Neebors" in Edinburgh during the Scots Fiddle Festival - break between the afternoon workshops and evening concert. It was the day that the All Blacks were playing Scotland at Murrayfield with a very convenient(for me) late afternoon kick-off. (My 2 pals had no interest at all in rugby but were just happy to have a jar and a blether!) So we needed food, but this being Edinburgh (Ye'll have had yer tea!") - the advertised pizzas were "not on today". However, as I jumped out of my seat for the 3rd time, as we so nearly beat the ABs, round came the barman with FREE pies! FREE, EMBRA! Ochaye!

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: r.padgett
Date: 07 Jan 18 - 03:56 AM

I do think that it is worth mentioning the green field site upsurge ~ these are limited to only good weather (well hopefully) and the summer months ~ tents and marquees of course and deemed to be great for kids and families of course! Unless you have a camper van

Really great with warm sunny weather and long day times and plenty of beer for those who like a drink ~ I wont advertise! but you all know where to go I am sure

At my age I do prefer bricks and mortar

Ray

Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 07 Jan 18 - 12:02 PM

I have a cousin living in Penicuik? Should I be sending her food parcels and medical supplies?

Think about buying fair trade. Local handicrafts include beautiful earrings made from the bollocks of brass monkeys and colourful crocheted willy warmers without which the locals would never manage to breed.