Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,The Foolish Two
Date: 21 Jul 07 - 12:46 AM

Yep, it was the last Four Fools Folk Festival, but its new beginnings. Next year over the same weekend (27 to 29 June 2008), book your place at the First Lostock Hall Community Arts Festival. The wonderful music song and dance and all that makes Four Fools unique, plus the chance to participate in pottery, watercolouring, spinning, weaving, workshops, and lots more traditional crafts as well. People can sign up for a weekend watercolouring and then take part in the entertainment on offer, of just have the same wonderful weekend we always have, with the cream of traditional music song and dance.

The School are really keen to help us with the Festival, and between us we have come up with this idea. It is something I (Angie) have wanted to do for a while as I think we need to keep all these traditional crafts alive, and where better to have a go but at a traditional Festival.

Do put the dates in your diary. Also many thanks from the Four Fools for all your support. It may not be everybody's cup of tea for a Festival, but from reading the messages of support etc we feel we are obviously giving a lot of people a good weekend. Here's to next year.

Cheers
The Foolish Two

Put it in your diary now. And tell all your friends.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: nutty
Date: 07 Jul 07 - 08:53 AM

And where were these scurrilous comments supposed to have been made,   Dick?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Jul 07 - 08:26 AM

tO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,Any rumours about DickMiles,and what he is supposed to have said about the festival,are completely untrue.
DickMiles lives in Ireland,and has not seen the alleged scandal mongerer for many years,and would like to state categorically he has never said the things he is being accused of.
he is extremely pissed off,with these lies.
the festival is a great festival and Ken AND Angie do a good job of running it.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 04 Jul 07 - 08:13 AM

Well I'm happy if people enjoyed our slots (as they certainly seemed to). Of course the preparation (which can be quite complex for multi-instrumentalists) normally takes place off-camera, but this just not possible in some situations when compromises do have to be made. What audiences may not be aware of is that while a performance may be enjoyable, it's not necessarily the gig that the artists hoped to present, which might (you never know) have been even better (and might have helped shift more CDs too)!

But as I say, this is not a critisism. It would have been a friendly suggestion for making the festival even better in future, if it was continuing in its present format.

And yes, and excellent effort by two very committed, hardworking and very nice people :-)

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 04 Jul 07 - 07:41 AM

Had a great weekend - lots of singing. Roll on next year

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: andrewq
Date: 04 Jul 07 - 05:18 AM

Tom: "I was well aware that quite a few of us were not giving anything like our best at times"

I certainly didn't get that impression. I've seen most of the acts (including Tom & Tom) several times elsewhere and thought that the performances this last weekend were as good as they've given. "Seat of the pants" is often more effective than lots of dreary setting up time for the audience to get bored through. The suggestion about arranging the seating so that the door is at the back is a good one, though. In practice, the seating arrangements were left to the artists/session leader to sort out. We can't expect Angie and Ken to do that too; Four Fools is mainly Two Committed People with a bit of help from anyone else they can rope in. They do a fantastic job.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Jul 07 - 06:17 PM

yes ,I have been booked there twice,and enjoyed it,thanks Ken and Angie.DickMiles

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 03 Jul 07 - 12:36 PM

Many thanks to Ken and Angie for a wonderful 'final four fools'! I have to say Tom, that I saw no evidence of performers 'not giving of their best' and heard no other festival-goers complaining of lower standards either - did anyone else think people were under performing?
We were having a 'post festival chat' to a number of festival goers who thought the standard of performance was fantastic!

I think the space issue is a difficult one - perhaps there is a need for a 'green room' where instruments can be tuned etc, prior to the performance.

Do other festivals have all their concerts synchronised? I'm looking at Cleckheaton's programme at the moment and there seems to be overlap there but perhaps it isn't the same at other festivals.

Anyway, hope the majority of people agree with me that it was a lovely, well organised traditional festival. Good luck next year with the 'First Lostock Hall Community Arts Festival'!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: John Routledge
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 07:15 PM

A fond farewell to Four Fools. A memorable end to a wonderful festival.

News of proposals for a new format 2008 awaited with interest.

Many thanks to Angie and Ken for putting together so many years of fine singers!!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 09:04 AM

"eatermely" a cross between extremely, eternally, Easter and edible

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 09:02 AM

Yes, the format works very well from an artistic point of view. But I would have made one suggestion if the festival was continuing in the present guise - a more structured timetable with shows more in sync with eachother. The event times all overlapped almost at random, so there was a lot of traffic around the site, actually while shows were in progress, with people arriving late and leaving early to cherry pick events, which was very disruptive at times. It's also a nightmare for artists with more than one instrument to have to arrive in the middle of a show because their previous gig didn't finish till after this one started, specially as it upsets the other artists on the same bill. (Sorry Bryony)!!

In a crowded room you can't find space to put your gear, and you certainly can't unpack or tune or prepare, so everything can become very hyper and 'seat of the pants', which is not really ideal from an audience point of view either. I was well aware that quite a few of us were not giving anything like our best at times (though hopefully it was good enough)! I'd also have suggested that rooms be habitually set out with the 'stage' at the opposite end to the door, again to minimise disruption. The drama and music rooms both had the door in the worst place.

But as I say, there isn't going to be a next time, and this was only an issue at certain pinch points. Most of the time things worked eatermely well, and the music was excellent, which is all that matters really.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 08:44 AM

I certainly had a good time. The ballad session was the equal of any such session I've been involved in anywhere, including the National. And although Martin E. was sorely missed at the "Squeezer Geezers" event, we managed to have a good session without him. Hope you're feeling better, Martin.

Events in small rooms, with several singers or musicians playing round-robin at the front, often seems to bring out the best in performers, particularly traditionally-oriented ones.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: andrewq
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 08:05 AM

Wonderful festival, as always. The ballad session in particular was excellent. Let's hope that next year's "different" event will still incorporate many of the things we know and love from Four Fools. The emphasis on trad. song has always been its strongest draw for me.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 07:12 AM

Despite the festival being only 2 miles down the road and despite the fact that I was actually booked - I missed it.
A rather evil stomach bug laid me low from Friday - you really don't want details.
I hope the "Squeezer Geezer" concert went with a swing, sorry I missed it
Martin

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: nutty
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 06:24 AM

I've just arrived home after a most interesting and enjoyable festival.

Managed to get out before the roads gridlocked (chemical fire) and can testify to the fact that all the rain was in the west.

Highlights were Muldoons Picnic, such talented enthusiastic youngsters. I shall look forward to seeing more of them at Saddleworth.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 02 Jul 07 - 04:09 AM

Well, it was great fun, as ever, in spite of the rain. Well done Ken and Angie and team.

The king is dead long live the king - watch this space!

Tom

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Goldengob
Date: 01 Jul 07 - 06:59 PM

Last or not it's been a great weekend!!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Ruston Hornsby
Date: 29 Jun 07 - 07:40 AM

Buns on seats? This is Lancashire - it should be "barms".

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Soldier boy
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 09:39 PM

Better bring me water-proofs and wellies then!!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 06:43 PM

Whatever happens in the future lets make this one a festival to remember, and not just for the promised deluge on saturday and sunday.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 03:09 PM

Ken and Angie asked me to let everyone know that there would be no Four Fools Festival after this one. They do plan to do something else - different format, different structure etc and not a festival as such, which is probably what the M/C folks are referring to. I will leave her to make the announcement re exactly what it will be but it wont be called Four Fools! It may involve workshops of different types but is very much on the drawing board at the moment.
I don't think it's fair to preempt Angie and Ken but I will try and get them to give me some information to put on the site after this festival is finished.
b

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Mr Red
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 01:59 PM

I told Ken nad Angie I might be able to make it next year and they didn't give a hint. so what is the

Next year's dates are 27 - 29 June 2008 applicable to?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 01:48 PM

Me Johnny...

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 11:41 AM

Only one more day!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 11:21 AM

hi Soldier Boy
Everything takes place within the school. The Hall, classrooms and library are all used and there is loads of space. Parking is easy around the school and the campsite is on the playing field at the back.
Everything starts on Friday with a couple of 'rolling concerts' from about 7.30ish but I could be wrong, perhaps it's earlier, I'll check, and there is also a singaround and the tune session. Events go on until midnight on Saturday and the final event on Sunday goes on until 11.30pm, which is a singaround with Wally and Lorna and at the same time there is a concert. No slacking! (or voices left!)

Looking forward to it
Barb'ry

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Soldier boy
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 10:17 AM

Where are all sessions held Barb'ry?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 28 Jun 07 - 03:25 AM

For all musicians amongst you, whatever level, there is a 'slow and steady' tune session on Friday night starting at 8.30pm. I really like these sessions because all the tunes are played several times through at a slow pace, giving chance for the more instrumentally challenged (me) to grasp the tune! Things speed up a little bit but it never becomes a 'thrash 'em and bash 'em' session where you (I) can only join in every tenth note!
B

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: nutty
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 07:02 PM

What Barb'ry said is most likely Dick.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 05:08 PM

you mean Ken and Angie are determined.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 01:59 PM

There will be a wonderful cake stall too (with buns just for you, Martin!)
Still going to be the last Four Fools though - Angie seems determined!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 11:49 AM

Oakley confirmed to me at the Beverely FF that he woudl be going-well I think it was to me-he was having trouble focusing at the time due and a glazed look which I suspect was Guiness induced.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 10:46 AM

What a waste, sitting on all those buns.

Look before you seat.

LTS

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 10:36 AM

Roll on Friday

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 09:54 AM

Surreysinger - you have a valid point. I retract my comment and discard my soiled trousers.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Surreysinger
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 09:38 AM

Glad to hear that this festival is likely to continue -I've been thinking of going for years, and just when I think it might be a good idea next year an announcement is made that 2007 is the last!:-(

Mr Ellison..... "Maybe that's the problem - buns make such a mess of your trousers when you sit on them. I prefer the up-market festivals where you get to sit on fresh cream cakes and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts removed."

Surely sitting on cream cakes would make FAR more of a mess of the trousers than buns - just think of the grease stains from all that cream !! Mind you the cucumber sandwiches might be a bit safer?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: nutty
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 09:32 AM

Do you have a programme John. I need to know what time things finish on Sunday. Any idea?

Looking forward to what has to be a great festival.

Wonderful line-up of wonderful people.

It would be a shame if it was to fold but then Ken and Angie have worked hard for so many years they deserve a rest.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: John Routledge
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 09:14 AM

Sparkles - Looks like both festivals :0) In the current climate even great festivals do not have a 100% certain future

I love this Festival which combines a considerable amount of singing with a considerable amount of dancing and with many opportunities for musicians to get together and play.

Roll on Friday

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Sparkles
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 08:52 AM

I'm a little confused, which one is happening next year 4 Fools or Saddleworth? And why is it a secret? I've been to Four Fools, it was great.

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 27 Jun 07 - 02:58 AM

Ah! so the secret's out. I wasn't sure whether it was common knowledge so I kept shtum (if that's how you spell it).

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Soldier boy
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:37 PM

Sounds like there will be a festival next year then GUEST,M&C !
Please tell.
Glad that Moor & Coast food tent will be there.
I've not been to this festival before and it's the first time our side has been invited so I'm interested to find out how it works.
Is it all based around the Lostock Hall Community High School with all concerts,musician sessions, sing-arounds, dance outs and workshops etc etc all on site?
In other words is it pretty much self contained or are there any happenings going off in nearby pubs as well and is there a late night sing-around in an acoustic-enhanced shower block?
Sorry to be a sad B but the late night sing-around in the showers at the Moor and Coast Festival has always been a fovourite with me.
I'm probably going to get some disparaging comments and sad innuendos by saying this but who cares!!
What are your best bits about this festival?

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,M&C
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 07:22 PM

Moor & Coast Food Tent will be there...

and... a little secret...

Next year's dates are 27 - 29 June 2008

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,martin ellison
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:30 PM

Mr Happy said: "Such a shame - can't you forget 'buns on seats'"

Maybe that's the problem - buns make such a mess of your trousers when you sit on them. I prefer the up-market festivals where you get to sit on fresh cream cakes and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts removed.

I'll be there playing in the "Squeezer Geezer" concert on Sunday with Bill Whaley & Dave Fletcher, Brian Peters and Roy Clinging & Neil Brookes. And probably around at other times.

See you there
Martin

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 05:46 PM

They are very good are Cara

Ali, so sorry to heer that you are still in and out of hospital. Best wishes.

Les

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 05:04 PM

Look forward to seeing lots of you there - Sorry Noreen - 'and Cara are going to be there, too'!
B

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 26 Jun 07 - 12:22 PM

So who's going then?

Barb- you didn't mention that Cara are also on the bill, featuring the lovely Oaklet on fiddle with whelk accompaniment.

See you there!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Alio
Date: 08 Jun 07 - 01:46 PM

Only just returned to Mudcat again - another spell in hospital! I've been in that often that I recognised the ward cleaner had a new hairstyle! How sad is that?

This year's Saddleworth will be quite special hopefully as it's our 10th birthday, and the Festival CD looks - and sounds - brilliant! All the tracks have been donated by artists - local, national and international (all of whom have appeared at least once at the festival).

I'll be finishing this year - I've promised my children that I'll try to do a bit less - but the festival will go on I'm sure. The committee is now quite large, so there are plenty to take on the jobs.

But back to Four Fools - I know how hard it is to keep the energy going, but really hope that it won't be the last.

Ali

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Jun 07 - 12:27 PM

Such a shame - can't you forget 'buns on seats' & make it a DIY fest instead?

What's the score with Saddleworth??

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Barb'ry
Date: 08 Jun 07 - 12:23 PM

refresh - tickets going fast and you can come to the 'sing for Terry Whelan' singaround and concert too!

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 19 May 07 - 03:28 AM

Subject: RE: Last Four Fools Folk Festival (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 19 May 07 - 03:27 AM

Just sending off for my tickets now - bo ho if it's the last one 'cos it's a great atmosphere with plenty of singarounds to keep me happy!