Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!

Subject: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bryony
Date: 08 May 07 - 07:08 PM

Hello all, I was trying to find the other thread but it's not coming up in any searches so I've started this one.

Having just had my penultimate rehearsal with the new folk choir 'Shepley Singers', I've realised that after months of anticipation, it's really very nearly here! (18th-20th May)

So who's coming?

Should be a good un!

www.shepleyspringfestival.com

Hope to see some of you there,

Bry

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bryony again
Date: 08 May 07 - 07:10 PM

Ohhh...why can't I do blue clickies? Try again...

http://www.shepleyspringfestival.com/

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bryony again again
Date: 08 May 07 - 07:11 PM

I give up!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: nutty
Date: 09 May 07 - 02:43 AM

Try this......

SHEPLEY

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST
Date: 09 May 07 - 03:20 AM

I'm going!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 09 May 07 - 04:13 AM

I shall be there with a book stall.

Possibly a few records vinyl too.

So if anyone is looking for anything special, PM me.

Bryony - would you be available for a hot chocolate and brandy later on one evening?

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 09 May 07 - 07:29 AM

Oooh - can anyone come along for hot chocolate and a brandy, Uncle Dave? Daisy says it's your turn to buy the cake...

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bryony
Date: 09 May 07 - 09:37 AM

Thanks Nutty!

Dave....I shall be a busy bee for most of the weekend, but should the chance arise I will definitely pop in for a browse at the books..not sure about the brandy though...although it is supposed to be good for the voice!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 09 May 07 - 10:13 AM

Ruth of course you can and Daisy can have a hot chocolate without the brandy.

We can discuss it this weekend!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 09 May 07 - 11:52 AM

Wait till you see her new black hair - she's cutting quite the figure these days.

Bryony, do you know who's doing the afternoon tuition with young people? My mini-goth is bringing her flute, and I'm hoping to offload her with the other similarly disaffected yoof...

I hope my hot chocoalate has brandy in.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bry
Date: 09 May 07 - 12:12 PM

Oh my goodness...I'm talking to you on two forums...You'd think I didn't have a load of new songs to learn or something!

I don't know who's doing the tunes/songs workshops with the 'yoof' but Blackadder are doing clogging. 422 have been doing some schools workshops in the area, but don't know if they're doing that too. Soz I can't be more helpful...but I'm sure there will be plenty of young goths to hang oot with!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Dorian
Date: 09 May 07 - 12:28 PM

Sheelanagig are playing on the Sunday night - hope to catch some of you down the front! I like the sound of the festival choir, when are you performing that Bry?

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bry
Date: 09 May 07 - 12:34 PM

Hello Dorian!

The choir are doin a spot in the saturday night church concert and the sunday morning church service...(why did I say yes to a sunday morning?!)

But then I'm done, apart from maybe a bit of impromtu dogrosing, so I shall be free to enjoy the rest of sunday and come for a bop to you guys! Hurrah! Looking forward to seeing you again, you were ace at Windy B!

xx

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Dorian
Date: 09 May 07 - 12:38 PM

Aw, thanks Bry. We probably won't be there in time to see the choir, we're playing at Wheaton Ashton the day before and its a bit of a way...

Hoping to catch 3 Daft Monkeys and the mighty Peatbog Faeries if I can though.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Alio
Date: 09 May 07 - 04:43 PM

I'm definitely going with my 2 grandsons who want to learn how to sword fight - is this a good thing?!!

And I produced a whole hour of Sounds of Folk for Radio BritFolk on the festival - there were so many artists to choose from, that filling the hour was no problem at all!

Ali

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 10 May 07 - 04:27 AM

That's great Ali, I am off to listen to it now!

Ruth, your hot chocolate will definitely have brandy in it, do people really drink it neat?

Dave

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Mike Rivvi
Date: 10 May 07 - 07:49 AM

Bry - if you want to put on the red skirt and grab your fiddle at any time you know you'd be very welcome.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bry
Date: 10 May 07 - 10:49 AM

Ooo, i'll go and have a listen to that Ali, looks great.

Hi Mike! I don't think I fit in mi Rivvi skirt at the mo...been eating all the pies now I don't have to fit in mi wedding dress! But I will definitely come and play if I can.

I had a nightmare this morning that none of my choir turned up and I ended up doing a vocal warm-up with the audience...eeek! Panic's setting in!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Mike Rivvi
Date: 10 May 07 - 03:52 PM

No need to worry about the skirt, Bry. Mind you, if you want to bring some pies........

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 11 May 07 - 04:37 AM

Bring some pies to go with the Brandy and Hot Chocolate. And cake that I am bringing for Ruth's daughter Daisy.

Pies, brandy, hot chocolate and cake. There's a combination.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 15 May 07 - 01:08 PM

Mind it looks as though thermals may be needed - I shall bring some internal heating.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: nutty
Date: 15 May 07 - 02:48 PM

Internal heating is always welcome Dave but please no more pessimistic comments.

The sun is going to shine and the festival enjoyed by all.

I certainly intend to enjoy myself anyway.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Alio
Date: 15 May 07 - 03:26 PM

Me too Hazel!!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Surreysinger
Date: 15 May 07 - 04:47 PM

I thought Shepley was supposed to be a folk festival - from the descriptions above it seems to be more of a gourmand's delight...I'm feeling hungry and thirsty in equal amounts at the moment. Maybe I'd better book for next year???

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 15 May 07 - 04:56 PM

well, I'm making cinnamon vodka to take, as it looks like getting a bit nippy...

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Alio
Date: 15 May 07 - 06:11 PM

Cinnamon vodka - I hope I bump into you Ruth!!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 15 May 07 - 06:58 PM

Ali, I will do my best to engineer an introduction. I may look for some other gourmet foods, drinks and cakes to bring.

A year ago at Warwick Folk Festival and thanks to careful conservation - there were still ice cubes for gin and tonics on Sunday afternoon. Mind bad planning meant we ran out of lemon.

And I see nothing wrong with a gourmand folk weekend.

In fact you have just given me an idea...........

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Surreysinger
Date: 15 May 07 - 08:02 PM

"And I see nothing wrong with a gourmand folk weekend."
Neither do I,Dave!! If that idea comes to fruition let me know, and I shall book a ticket immediately - plus the crash diet course immediately afterwards, of course!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 16 May 07 - 04:35 AM

There would be workshops on dieting of course.

Ruth could do workshops on American food and why it is necessary to put maple syrup on everything.

I could do stuff on Spanish food. Workshops on the different sorts of olives comes to mind too.

Yorkshire pudding making.

Haggises I have known by my scottish wife...........

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 16 May 07 - 04:55 AM

Actually, my cooking is ever so slightly more sophisticated than that, uncle Dave! And my yorkie puds take some beating.

Hey, you could do us a workshop on "Selective Vegetarianism: eating the animals of other lands."

Whaddya reckon?

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 16 May 07 - 05:25 AM

I shall not get into a moral slanging match re my dietary habits.

We selective vegetarians are a small but select group.

But it is a well known fact that all Americans always put maple syrup on everything.

Even yorkshire pudding when it has already got gravy on it.

However I prefer to discuss the quality of the acts at Shepley.

Anyone seen Sheelanagig? And I note Ruth Notman is a late addition. I first saw Ruth when she was 15 (a guess she is 18 now) and she is fantastic.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 16 May 07 - 06:41 AM

LOL!!!!!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bry
Date: 16 May 07 - 08:03 AM

Sheelanagig are stonkin to dance to...as are 3 daft monkeys and Peatbogs, so should be an ace final dance set on the sunday night, if people are stayin around that long. I think I might just camp on sunday night aswell (even though it's only about 3 miles to mi house!...We'll see how the weather fairs...)

Ruth's been coming to the Demon Barbers Clog School in Worksop, she's a very talented young musician too. Think she's off to do the Folk degree in Newcastle in September, so yes, I think she's 18.
I really want to go and see that concert but I think I'll be performing in the church with mi choir at that point.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Beatrice
Date: 16 May 07 - 11:16 AM

The weather doesn't look too promising - are there any welly shops in Shepley?

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 16 May 07 - 11:25 AM

I understand the welly concession is still up for grabs.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Surreysinger
Date: 16 May 07 - 01:36 PM

Now if you could run a welly and food concession at the same time - a gourmet one (food that is, not the wellies) ... that could be lucrative!!

BTW Dave - definitely NO to dieting workshops!! Too much like hard work - but I'd happily try Ruth's Yorkshire pud workshop if it involved sampling the goods (minus maple syrup of course - and anyway, I thought it was CANADIANS that put it on everything rather than Americans - any comment on that Ruth??)

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 16 May 07 - 02:01 PM

I was in the States this Xmas, the family usually put three sorts of maple syrup out. Whatever we were eating.

Mind you this was Pennsylvania - I seem to remember Ruth background is New Jersey via Prudhoe.

I am looking forward to hearing Parallelogram.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 16 May 07 - 02:30 PM

We like our syrup in NJ - but only one the right foods. Waffles, pancakes, french toast...and sausages.

I'm looking forward to Parallelogram, too. And to seeing Mawkin again. And to the champagne ceilidh. And to Will Noble!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 16 May 07 - 02:52 PM

See what I mean? Maple Syrup on sausages, she forgot to mention bacon by the way.

Champagne ceilidh? What's that all about - not seen that one.....

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 16 May 07 - 03:07 PM

friday night, according to the website.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bry
Date: 16 May 07 - 03:40 PM

Yep, the opening ceilidh with Bedlam is a champagne one...though you may have to get there early to ensure some bubbly!

There used to be a Shelley Welly walk (village near Shepley) but don't know if they sell them...also welly wanging was a popular competition when I was little.

In fact I've just been on site in my spangly festival wellies and it's pretty dry really, good drainage it seems....However the boys putting the marquees up a little damp...I left em to it..too many chefs and all that!

I'm lookin forward to the singaround on sunday lunchtime amongst other things (plus I'll have finished conducting by then so I can ave a few afternoon pints)

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 16 May 07 - 03:52 PM

Sunday singing - definitely!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 16 May 07 - 04:25 PM

Well, what a nice surprise.

I might just get there early - I do love champagne.

Real pain to our sham friends and champagne to our real friends.
(old saying)

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Wheatman
Date: 16 May 07 - 05:00 PM

might not manage to provide some yourkshire puds but will be bringing some damson rum, hope it lasts till the week end. We are heading north to morrow. sunday sing sounds good.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Soldier boy
Date: 16 May 07 - 09:19 PM

Thought I'd found a thread about Shepley Spring Festival but a quick rummage through the postings looks like it's just a thread about food and drink!
Little substantial content to interest the likely and enquiring punter interested in a proper folk event apart from stomach contents! - and that's a shame.
Come on folks stick to the business in hand and promote this festival at every opportunity.
Although it's only a week since The Holmfirth Festival of Folk we are all in the business of promoting the folk scene in all it's glorious diversity and in attracting visitors to our local environs. So let's get together,let's get serious and let's make it good.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Wheatman
Date: 17 May 07 - 02:48 AM

Thoroughly agree, the objective of any event such as this must be to benefit the local infrastructure whilst spreading the good word about the music. A man has to eat and drink though and social interaction whilst indulging in the music has to make it better all round.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 17 May 07 - 04:42 AM

Some interesting posts and I do hope that the festival is succesfull

It is not easy to run a green field site and lots of help is needed in all areas

A great deal of work is always going on behind the scenes and there are a lot of excellent guests providing their 'folk' input

A young festival and no doubt attracting some excellent young folkies amongst the old timers

All the best

Ray

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Surreysinger
Date: 17 May 07 - 05:42 AM

Have to say soldier boy that I had never heard about Shepley Festival before, and the postings so far have made it sound like a rather sociable and friendly fun event, which I may very well be looking at going to next year if there is one.... there's always more to a good festival than just the music !! Good company ... and even good food... can make all the difference. There's been mention of various events and guests amongst the other postings - enough to whet the appetite (and I'm not talking about food there!).... too much earnestness can be a bit of a downer and offputting. And anyway, a link to the official festival website was given at the start of the thread !

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 17 May 07 - 07:01 AM

As well as what looks like being some fantastic food and drink supplied by those attending and a champagne ceilidh I think Soldier Boy is right, we need to look at events that are taking place.

Some great workshops including song collecting by Steve Gardham; guitar tuning by Damien O'Kane; a fiddle masterclass with Robin Garside if I remember to pick him up Sunday morning; (Robin is another master vegetarian trencherman and will be sad to miss some of the goodies likely to be on offer); and there are rapper and cotswold workshops with Sallyport and Hexham Morris. There's even highland dancing, a long time since I have seen that at a festival.

Details: http://www.shepleyspringfestival.com/default.aspx?view=5

There are two folk trains Friday night - four on Saturday - and four more Sunday. I have done these in the past and they are great fun with mad dancing as the train sways from side to side. And people using their mobiles saying interesting things like "Hello, it's me, I am on the train".

Details: http://www.shepleyspringfestival.com/default.aspx?view=65

A number of the artists due to appear have been working with local schools during the week leading up to the festival their results will be seen in the Schools Showcase Concert Saturday lunchtime. Well done organisers to involve local children like that.

Loads of children's activities including my personal favourite Jan's Blackboard Van.

I have only just realised the sword fighting by the Royal Armouries Leeds is for kids - dammit.

There is even a cricket match - how traditional can you get? Aside, years ago we had a Yorkshire v. Lancashire cricket match at Whitby Festival and Yorkshire craftily put Lancashire in with an incoming tide. By the time Yorkshire came to bat the boundary was lapping around their ankles. There is an old Yorkshire saying - "If a game is worth playing, it is worth cheating at".

Bit I digress.

The Farmer's Boy and Black Bull in Shepley Village are playing hosts to the Morris teams and are welcoming musicians of all kinds - even drummers.

All of this and much much more. Some cracking artists, including many young up and coming artists so if you have not seen Ruth Notman before now is your chance; some exciting experiments like Parallelogram, some old favourites such as Waterson;Carthy (anyone who saw ELiza'a outstanding performance at the Albert Hall last weekend will want to see her again); Devil's Interval - looking forward to them; the list goes on and on and on.

And if you wish to examine it in greater detail click here

But then you always could do that.........

Now let's get back to the matters in hand - have you noticed there is a specialist nuts and olives stall!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 17 May 07 - 07:10 AM

Who wrote on a thread about another local festival:

Hello the Ducks. Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

or:

What time of day on the Sunday will the gates be locked to the Bridge Mills car park Cath?
If you remember last year you will realise I have a very good reason for asking this!

or even:

Only 9 days to go

Now that's what I call serious postings designed to attract people to the local area and to folk music........

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 17 May 07 - 08:03 AM

I will of course be there with Steve Gardham for the Yorkshire Garland ~ Yorkshire song input on Saturday as I have been invited ~ and being part of this project

Steve will be doing a musicians' session with all you musos and if Easter at Barnsley is anything to go by you will have a great time!!

Ray

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Cath
Date: 17 May 07 - 09:01 AM

Folkie Dave your previous comment is not wholly justified.

There were some important questions being asked relating to the running of the campsite and things associated with that which were important to people who were coming to that 'other local festival' - let's call it Holmfirth. We were able to supply the answers that were needed.

Personally I would like to see these threads being informative rather than people filling them with triviallities just to keep them above the line but that's just my opinion - I'm sure others will disagree with that.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 17 May 07 - 09:36 AM

Cath, there were a number of important questions asked about the running of the campsite etc. and I am delighted that you were able to supply answers.

There were also a number of trivialities posted day after day to bump the thread above the line.

Personally I find the website of the Shepley Spring Festival very informative and there are a number of links to it on this thread.

I enjoy chatting on this forum about details of the weekend in the form of food and drink, as indeed people did on the other thread. I simply object to hypocrisy.

Looking forward to hearing about collecting from Ray and Steve. I know what excellent work they and the other member of the Yorkshire Garland group have been doing so if there is nothing else you fancy in the workshops, go to this one!!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Cath
Date: 17 May 07 - 10:00 AM

It seems we agree!!
Surely not?

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Beatrice
Date: 17 May 07 - 10:36 AM

And of course all the references to maple syrup, yorkshire puddings etc aren't trivialities designed to keep the thread above the line?

Isn't it time to call a truce?

Holmfirth had a brilliant festival last weekend. Let's hope Shepley does the same - a very different but equally good one.

And let's stop this silly business about there not being a Holmfirth - Folk - Festival and certain people, who should know better, advising people not to come. There was, there is and there will be a festival in Holmfirth in the future, whatever it is called.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 May 07 - 11:11 AM

Trivialities designed to keep the thread above the line? I was simply chatting with people who are also going to the festival, talking about weekend plans - which aren't just about the music, funnily enough. But I talked about festival events, too.

Remember, you lot: you're not here to enjoy yourselves.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 May 07 - 11:17 AM

More importantly: is it dry, Bry? I need to know which shoes to pack!

(sparkly pink ones may have to stay at home)

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bry
Date: 17 May 07 - 12:26 PM

Erm....it's kind of dryish! It's not rained much today so it's had chance to dry out a bit, but I'd pack your festival wellies just in case!

Mine are a rather impressive pair of multicoploured stripey ones!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 May 07 - 02:23 PM

Ah, for multicolours and stripes. Mine are farmer's green.

But I bought a very pretty spotted brolly today...

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 17 May 07 - 03:25 PM

Just got back from the site after putting up the tent. Nikki was wearing a most "interesting" pair of wellies, multi-coloured, and I suspect they probably shine in the dark. I managed to get by in plain ordinary trainers - it was not at all muddy.

People were starting to arrive, Jan's Blackboard Van (she has a new van since I last saw her) was there in all its splendid glory and the "Sausage People" who seem to do a variety of excellent sausages also arrived at the same time as we did.

The campsite seemed excellent to me - flat, grassy and well drained. Where we camped it was easy to drive pegs in. Loads of space - as much as is likely to be needed as far as I could see. Showers and toilets were in place and the generators were arriving as we put the tent up. There is a late night geodesic dome in one corner for chilling out late on.

The area around Shepley had directional signs for people to follow and
it all looked good to me.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 May 07 - 04:08 PM

what is a geodesic dome, and how does one chill out on it?

I'm not as down with the kids as you, Uncle Dave - but the cinnamon vodka is brewing. I feel like a witch.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 17 May 07 - 04:14 PM

A geodesic dome is an almost spherical structure based on a network of struts arranged on great circles (geodesics) lying approximately on the surface of a sphere. The geodesics intersect to form triangular elements that have local triangular rigidity and yet also distribute the stress across the entire structure.

It is the only man-made structure that gets proportionally stronger as it increases in size.

Taken from Wikipedia. Think Eden Project only smaller.

To chill out - take one or more glasses of cinnamon vodka, some hot chocolate with brandy in an insulated mug, other drinks of choice. Add some music preferably without a bodhran but that is just my prejudice, some nice people and chatter away.

I think that's it anyway. No doubt Daisy will have her own ideas.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 May 07 - 04:18 PM

Sounds ideal!

Is it heated?

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bry
Date: 17 May 07 - 06:00 PM

Nothing wrong with feeling like a witch!
The domes's the one we had for our wedding, it's a right pain in the a**e to put up!....And I'm sure the cinnamon vodka'll keep you warm.

On the subject of food and drink again there's going to be tent-to-tent bacon butties & a cuppa in the mornings. Think you have to put your order in the night before and give them your address - yes the campsite has street names! - and Andrew and Simon will bring you breakfast in bed...Bloomin fantastic! (I presume they'll have egg banjo's too for the non-meat eaters).

Just doin some last minute washin and I'll be up with mi tent in the morning!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 17 May 07 - 06:13 PM

Breakfast in bed...........you see I knew this was going to be a civilised festival for foodies.

Let this set an example to the rest of the world of festivals.

Any chance of a glass of bucks fizz with the egg sandwiches?

All this and fantastic ceilidh music with Bedlam - Random - and the amazing 422. A must for dancers I would have thought.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Cath
Date: 17 May 07 - 06:29 PM

Thanks Bryony - it's much appreciated.
Have a good weekend.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 17 May 07 - 07:25 PM

Oh. My. God.

Breakfast in bed is a FANTASTIC idea.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 18 May 07 - 04:10 AM

Weather Report

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 18 May 07 - 04:14 AM

Weather Report.

As I write from Sheffield at 9.00 am the sun is shining.

Camp site to dance, concert and beer tents is a mere ant's stride. So even if it the weather is remotely inclement it should not be a problem.

The all important craft tent lies in between. I shall (Collectorsfolk) keep a list of mudcat visitors so come and say hello.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Soldier boy
Date: 20 May 07 - 11:49 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 20 May 07 - 03:44 PM

Home. Shattered. Lovely festival. Well run, relaxed, nice size, loads of dance, good concerts.

Off to shower now.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: nutty
Date: 20 May 07 - 06:43 PM

I went to Shepley to support friends but, not being a lover of festivals totally under canvas and having studied the weather forecast, I was sceptical about how much I might enjoy myself.

As it happened I enjoyed the festival immensely despite the inclement weather on Saturday.
The whole atmosphere was of people (folkies and locals) enjoying themselves. It was like a carnival - all colourful and musical.
Obviously there were a few blips but to the untrained eye they would be difficult to spot and will certainly corrected by next year but the positives were there for all to see..........

...   An impressive campsite ...great loos and showers. Good drainage that prevented it turning into a bog as so many do in inclement weather.

...   Substantial marquees - enough to get everyone under cover when the 'showers' descended and to accommodate all bums on seats for the impressive concert line-ups.

...   All ages were well catered for, making it a real family event and as I previously mentioned, really lovely locals who were so supportive.

All credit must go to the Committee for their hard work - lets hope that this was a financial success and that this is the first of many. For I would certainly like to go back again next year.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Goldengob
Date: 21 May 07 - 03:39 AM

Congratulations to all concerned - despite the weather, always a UK hazard, a great weekend. Bill W and I enjoyed it immensley and everyone else appeared to be having a good time. Good job everybody.
Dave F

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 21 May 07 - 05:46 AM

I'd like to echo what those others have written.

Here's a tip - get your tickets for next year's festival as early as you can. I can promise you it will be a sell-out, limited only by the size of the really big and comfortable campsite.

This was by any measure you care to name a terrific festival and a triumph of organisation. Had the weather been kinder people would have been in seventh heaven. The moment the sun shone and the wind dropped on Sunday, the fiddles came out and people sat around on the grass.

Despite the rain and showers especially Saturday - the ground stood up to the weather extremely well, and that in itself augurs well for the future.

I heard someone say at the bar - "nice to come to a festival and not feel you are being ripped off by the price of beer". (It was less expensive than normal pub prices south of Birmingham and city centre prices elsewhere.)

There lots of young people on the various concerts and ceilidhs - many with a background from the Newcastle course - but there seemed to be young people everywhere. For those who have lamented the loss of folk clubs elsewhere on Mudcat - here was at least part of the answer. They go to festivals.

It was evident that the local people were really impressed. Many of them paid a small entrance fee to have a look around and at the dancing and sword fighting etc and call in at a concert or dance that was taking place.

The cricket club - whose ground the festival was mainly held on - were really impressed, I know I talked at length to four or five, some of whom were kindly accommodating artists over the weekend, and they were (I think) pleasantly surprised by the lack of problems and especially by the way that people do drop their litter in bins provided.

Some other comments. I have already mentioned the campsite but let me stress this was comfortable - the right size and well laid out. Showers (albeit portable) were tremendous. The usual portable toilets were, well, the usual portable toilets but it was obvious that someone had been delegated to make sure they were kept in good condition.

So what about the turns then.......

Take a look back at he list of artists on the website. It goes without saying that the well-known names, will put on a splendid show.
Some of the newer acts showed maturity beyond there years and I was once again impressed by Damien O'Kane and Shona Kipling, lovely relaxed and accomplished performance; Ruth Notman who has an outstanding voice, as does Lisa Knapp; - I could go on. As someone who never managed to learn to play the recorder - some young people's dexterity on a variety of instruments always amazes me.

Local events - my wife went to the concert with Shepley Band, Bolsterstone and the local community choir. She told me the community choir was great and shows what can be done with talented leadership (fantastic Bryony!!) and the whole thing was packed. Clearly the locals loved it.

Clearly as a bookstall owner I spent a lot of time in the traders' tent (or if the truth be known - travelling the short distance between there and the bar)so I didn't see everything. However it is a great place to hear the gossip - and it did seem that the whole reactions were massively positive.

So well done to Mac and Nikki and the rest of the team.

See you again next year.

Dave Eyre

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: selby
Date: 21 May 07 - 07:13 AM

I will echo folkiedaves sentiments above although I only paid a dai visit. But I will take exception to the Newcastle bit there are loads of young folkies who are dancers and muscians and for whatever reasons are NOT on the Newcastle course who are as good as those that are so remember them. I dont think there was any need to mention it. Jusy my thoughts and I was a customer who bought a book of you Dave

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 21 May 07 - 07:33 AM

Can I add that the school ceilidh band who played during the Sunday afternoon ceilidh band was brilliant. Some great work had been done with them prior to the festival (by the 422 Band?) and they sounded fantastic - funky, polished, and infectious. Well done to the kids and the tutors.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Shilpa Shepley
Date: 21 May 07 - 07:36 AM

Yes - a good do. That Shepley Spring Festival Ale was terrific. The artists were great and the dance teams well chosen and colourful. Well done to all concerned.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,James H
Date: 21 May 07 - 08:12 AM

sounds like good fun was had by all which was great.

There was an unfortunate spate of bags being stolen from tents while people slept on the Friday (?) night - would seem more likely to be by locals rather than folkies but just goes to show your stuff isn't safe even when you are lying right next to it. From what I hear a pile of 20 or so bags was recovered and mainly cash & valuables were missing but other possessions were recovered. Security was stepped up somewhat after that by all accounts and hopefully this will have been a one off. Could happen anywhere I guess but a shame it happened here. Moral of story - take your valuables into your sleeping bag with you...??? Easy to get lulled into false sense of security at a friendly festival I guess.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: nutty
Date: 21 May 07 - 09:00 AM

Unfortunately, this is tending to happen at folk events (folkies could be seen as an easy target). A number of campervans were broken into at the Barnsley event at Easter and there was possibly a trial run at Holmfirth last week or it could just have been a drunken folkie trying to get into the wrong caravan.

The message must be however, that no site is totally safe even with the best of security. Care must be taken at all times.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 21 May 07 - 09:17 AM

I agree with Selby regarding the young folkies.I think that 'Midnight Special' also deserve a mention and a wider audience -they were excellent.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 21 May 07 - 10:39 AM

Oooopppsssss,

Sorry if my remarks about Newcastle upset anyone - it just goes to show - think very carefully before you post.

At least one of the artists I saw is not even old enough to go on the Newcastle course so I was aware that they were not all a product of that august institution!!

I was really trying to say that the course was at least in part achieving at least of one of its objectives by getting people onto stages - it is after all a "performance" degree.

And of course people come from elsewhere - indeed one of the best duos I have seen in the past year were the Askew sisters who as far as I know have not been to the degree course. (Catch them at a festival near you soon!!) And I was busy so didn't see everything I wanted to see - including the kid's showcase concert.

And whilst I cannot thank everyone individually who was kind enough to buy a book from me - one of the great pleasures of running a stall like that is meeting people with various passions. (Professor Panic from the circus is mad about books on fairs!!)

So if you did share your passion with me by purchasing something - thanks, it is appreciated.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Bry
Date: 21 May 07 - 10:43 AM

HURRAH! IT WAS ACE!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 21 May 07 - 11:45 AM

You said it, baby.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Gene Hunt.
Date: 21 May 07 - 12:00 PM

A cautionary note about the thefts: The Police thought there MAY be someone actually turning up with a ticket(probably just for Fri-Sat) who goes to the campsite, hangs around watching who turns up and where and, basically, picking their targets for later. He/she then goes off for an evening at the festival before going 'round their pre-selected victim's tents after they've gone to sleep tired and with a few beers in them later on. As they haven't actually pitched a tent themselves it's easy to sneak away in their vehicle before anyone notices. Distateful that this may seem to consider that there is someone on the folk scene who would actually do this, I would urge everyone to be vigalent, particularly on the Friday evening and during the night. Keep yur eyes open for anyone who may be acting as described above - and keep you money somewhere really safe. One of our crowd was actually awakened by someone rummaging around in their tent...

But it was still a great event.

'evenin' all.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 21 May 07 - 12:28 PM

Yep, and it was a bit easy with the wind - which would have covered a lot of the noise they made.

Damned cold for the thieves though and I hope some part of their anatomy was frozen to other parts......

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 21 May 07 - 01:08 PM

My grandfather, a North Yorkshire pre-WWI Morris accordian player, put golden syrup on Yorkshire pudding, eating it cold for breakfast, though I'm told my grandmother considered this a bit uncivilised.

My other grandfather, an upright Durham citizen, put condensed milk on it. This is/was a very common practice among miners, not that he was one.

It is imperative to use plain flour and to break the eggs whole into a well in the flour.

And to eat it first before the roast meat course.

If you add chopped onion to the mixture, it is Wilfred Pickles pudding.

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Dorian
Date: 21 May 07 - 01:49 PM

All the boys from Sheelanagig had a fantastic time at the festival - thanks for having us Bry! We all agreed it was one of the best organised festivals we've played at.

The drive back to Bristol this afternoon wasn't much fun, but that's another story...

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Michael
Date: 21 May 07 - 05:26 PM

Brilliant Festival, my son Aaron was a steward and took some photos of the event. Shepley Photos

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Mike from Rivington.
Date: 22 May 07 - 07:46 AM

Just seen the photos (above link). I'm the dazed looking melodeon player with Horwich MM's grinning Diana Bradley with Saul Rose behind us. This was a "scratch band" to play for Horwich at the dance concert on Saturday as Horwich were low on musicians. There were something like three melodeons, one accordion and four brass instruments. The problem was that only Diana on the accordion knew the set. Maybe that's why she's grinning......

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Emily
Date: 22 May 07 - 08:46 AM

Shepley Festival was amazing. Great atmosphere and the campsite location was awesome - what a view! it really catered for all and there was just so much going on. Really friendly people up there as well. Saw loads of bands but was really struck by the young welsh band one string loose. What utter talent and their only about 15?!? Really lively and fun.
I also enjoyed the ceiledh tent as well, had a good spin! Also the beer tent was a good crack. Awesome festival!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: GUEST,Rosie
Date: 23 May 07 - 06:03 PM

I agree with guest and selby... I saw young trio Midnight Special at this great festival and they definately do deserve more recognition! Midnight Special are one of the few bands who haven't come from the Newcastle course, yet they had a great repetoire and were entertaining!! I hope to see more of them!

Apart from the cold winds and the bag pinchin that was goin on Shepley festival was a success!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Folkiedave
Date: 24 May 07 - 08:27 AM

I doubt if the group "One String Loose" were off the Newcastle course - according to their website two of them are still at school!!

Ruth Notman also is not old enough for the Newcastle course though I believe she goes there starting in September.

Rachel Unthank and none of the Winterset, didn't go there either as far as I know.

There seemed to be a lot of young people there. Or maybe it is just me getting older!!

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: selby
Date: 24 May 07 - 09:50 AM

It's just us getting old:-)

Subject: RE: Shepley Spring Festival...not long now!!
From: Michael
Date: 24 May 07 - 03:13 PM

Speak for yourself, Keith!!!

A nearly sextugenarian Mike

Ps I'm sorry I missed you in Shepley