Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008

Subject: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Jo
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 04:56 PM

We're pretty close to officially announcing our line-up, and those on our emailing list will be the first to find out AND have a chance to buy tickets two weeks before general sale.

Our official annoucement will come on Jan 1st 2008, but those who receive our festival email will receive the line-up information and the opportunity to buy tickets on December 17th.

If you haven't signed up yet, details are on our website www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk

If this year's festival was anything to go by - get your tickets soon!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 01 Dec 07 - 07:24 AM

Great news. Im on the mailing list. I stewarded the Morris sides in THe Square at this years festival. The West Mid Showground has certainly taken off as a great venue.

fliss

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: MC Fat
Date: 01 Dec 07 - 07:33 AM

I hope to be invited back it was my highlight of the year.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 04:55 PM

Anyone willing to let us in on the line up? I thought I was on the mailing list already but nothing has arrived.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 02:35 AM

Sorry Guest, we are just finalising the last few artists. The Line Up will announced on the 1st January, you will not be disappointed, honest. Richard Thompson is confirmed and on that list.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 06:59 PM

ooo Richard Thompson... will have to stay awake this year:)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 07:28 PM

Dates??

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:48 AM

FESTIVAL DATES: 22-23-24-25 AUGUST 2008

Richard Thompson headlines main stage on Sunday 24th immediately after The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

OYSTERBAND CEILIDH
We can Announce Oysterband, who will headline (main stage)on Friday night 22nd August AND play for the Saturday night Ceilidh, a rare and wonderful prospect. Big thank you to John and the boys.

more to come, it gets even better.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: skipy
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 07:38 AM

We went for the first time this year (2007) & it was just brilliant!
More sings please!
Skipy, see you in 2008

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 08:09 AM

Will the Duncan MacFarlanes or the Boat Band be there?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 11:13 AM

Sorry Les the Duncan MacFarlane Band and Boat Band are on the wish list and will be booked in future.

We do have Lunasa, BellowHead and ColvinQuarmby for 2008.

more to come, you will not be disappointed.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fran
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:03 PM

ColvinQuarmby wooo hooo:-)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:27 PM

Allan and Sandra, I can't remember if i have responded to your letter about me coming to your fest next year. I really do want to come.

Sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 01:39 PM

OK, if no Duncan MacFarlane Band and Boat Band it has to be Patrick Street and the mighty Waps

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,muppitz hasn't cookie'd yet!
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 05:11 PM

Chances are I'll be serving grub to the masses as per usual!
If you like Alan, you're more than welcome to put myself and George Papavgeris on your wish list, new duo for 2008! ;-) (10 out of 10 for cheek!)

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 05:11 AM

The new SFF web site is now up and running, with details of the 2008 Line Up.

Just Google: folk festival, to find it.

Happy New Year

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fran
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 03:38 PM

Went to book but £4.60 online booking fee, will book by post instead, excellent Line up though!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Noreen
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 08:49 PM

http://www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/

Looks good!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Rasener
Date: 03 Jan 08 - 05:00 AM

Looks very good indeed

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Saro
Date: 07 Jan 08 - 05:26 PM

Delighted to hear that CMR will be added to the list! What good company!!
Saro

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 09:41 AM

yes we are well chuffed!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,DizzyLisa
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 09:47 AM

and WHOLEHEARTED......worth the ticket money for them alone !!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Monkey
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 08:22 AM

Any chance of a little sing with Rapsquillion this year? I was really impressed with their singing last year.

Ms Lemon, are they friends of yours? How can I contact them.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 02:10 PM

http://www.rapsquillion.co.uk/

I used to have Linda's email before she married Antony. NOt been in touch recently.

fliss

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 08:17 AM

The Shrewsbury Folk Festival has just signed the Duhks (pronounced Ducks) for 2008. This will be a unique opportunity for audiences in the UK to see one of the hottest bands on the North American folk circuit. The band comprises five young musicians from Winnipeg Manitoba, who will be wowing audiences in Australia in March with their brand of acoustic music, which includes soul, gospel, folk, Brazilian samba, old time country, Celtic, Zydeco and their brilliant interpretation of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" (see the festival web site).

A simply nock out band - not to be missed.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Phil B
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 09:06 AM

Brillaint. You won't regret it. Did several shows with them in canada last year. Tania is a world class fiddler and Scott one of the best percussionists I've ever heard. A great bunch.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 04:24 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 05:42 AM

Add Nancy Kerr & James Fagan to the list for SFF 2008, as a duo and with Rob Harbron as Kerr, Fagan & Harbron.

AS

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Friend of Monkey
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 07:01 AM

You could go to this page


Monkey's acquaintence

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 08:48 AM

Its sounding better and better. When are the stewards forms coming out Alan? I better start taking the vitamin pills to build my strength up to everything I have earmarked already:)

cheers
fliss

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 10:58 AM

I will be sending out the steward's forms later this month.

++
>
~~

Stuffing envelopes - my favourite job!

S

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 02:18 PM

I perfer stuffing turkeys :)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Monkey
Date: 06 Feb 08 - 11:22 AM

That line-up sounds great - can't wait already!

Thanks for the link to Rapsquillion. I got to see them in Clun on Saturday. They are good aren't they? Fantastic harmonies, and a good laugh to boot. They ought to be out on the road more.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Trevor
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 08:40 AM

Thanks Monkey - would I have recognised you?

Raps have their fingers crossed for the call!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 06:45 AM

The Artist List is now complete

SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL 2008

Richard Thompson
The Duhks
BellowHead
Oysterband
Lunasa
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Tim Van Eyken Band
The New Rope String Band
The Demon Barber Roadshow
ColvinQuarmby
Rory McLeod
The Doonan Family Band
Elbow Jane
Boka Halat
Sheelanagig
Breabach
Kerfuffle
The Boat Band
Pete Lockett & Joji Hirota
Máire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman
Steve Tilston
Pete Morton
Ian Bruce
The Wilson Family
The Eilen Jewell Band
The Bella Hardy Trio
Cloudstreet
Mary Humphreys & Anahata
John Wesley Harding
4Square
Craig Morgan & Robson
Kimber's Men
The Orchard Family
Nuada
Monkey's Orphan
Whole Hearted
Four Hand Reel

DANCE BANDS
Oysterband
Trinculo
Brassberries
Boldwood
Boka Halat
Glorystrokes
Ceilidhography

DISPLAY SIDES
Stroud Morris Dancers
Stonysteppers
Pecsaetan
Ironmen & Severn Gilders
Shropshire Bedlams
Martha Roden's Tuppeny Dish
Spank the Plank
One Step Beyond
Smutt Rapper
Flash Company
Barefoot Belly Dancers

CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL
Professor Panic
Dr Sunshine
Ticklish Allsorts
Hand to Mouth Theatre – Piggery Jockery

Sounds like four days of fun to me

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 07:52 AM

Apologies: I forgot:

Kerr Fagan and Harbron
and young Ceridwen Davies

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 04:16 PM

Sounds ace Alan. All we now is some good weather.

If you run out of camping space will you spread it onto the other big field where the day parking is?? Or will that make the festival too unwieldy?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 06:13 PM

Hi Fliss

we are restricting ticket sales to maintain the same numbers as last year, so we shouldn't need any extra camping spaces.

All the Best

Alan

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 09:59 AM

Are the Stewarding forms being sent out immenently?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 10:05 AM

The Boat Band hey! Quality at last!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 04:14 AM

I guess this will be a great opportunity for up and coming bands to hang out with such seasoned performers as the Boat Band!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 08:07 AM

"Seasoned performers" eh Les? I expect we will be appearing in the "meet the old codgers" tent.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 11:11 AM

Greg, don't knock "Grab a Granny night", great music great company. Just watch those youngsters they will be after your body that's for sure. Source Singers can also be Sauce Singers so to speak, a bit like stud racehorses only stud guitarists!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 01:47 PM

Cheers Alan,

Its such a good site. Must try the porta-showers this year.

I camped with 3 friends who I knew, but they didnt know each other. We all got on very well and are aiming to camp and steward again this year. We signed the list.

Being on home ground I met so many people I knew. It was great.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 01:57 PM

Mr Happy - steward's forms are being sent out in about a weeks time. They are a few days late - I am waiting for the newsletter to arrive from the printers.

Greg - I would never have dared to call it the 'Old codger's tent' I will have to make sure there is a sprinkling of young people in there....

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 07:22 AM

Codgers? People who Codge? Old Codgers, Young Codgers?

So, have we come across another lost English Folk Tradition? Should we scour the old peoples homes and workhouses of the land for people who know of this tradition? Could Greg do a workshop? I think we must act now before another of our great traditions is lost.

Now, wasn't I supposed to be doing something purposeful?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 10:30 AM

I remember when the Kipper Family split up, Sid used to explain the non-appearance of 'father' as "He's gone into an old folkies home".

There's probably a lot of old codgers in there these days. Perhaps you could bring them out for the day at Shrewsbury - but keep them well away from the Main Marquee, or at least get them to turn their hearing aids off. They won't like it you know.

I'd better be careful - I'm now officially on the slippery slope to old-codgerdom

G

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 03:45 AM

Talking of 'old codgers' there is a Shopmobility based in the multi story carpark by the bus station in Smithfield Road, for any folkies that need to get around the town. Think you need a blue badge to book them.

When I get old and wear purple... I want an electric scooter and run all the shoppers over too!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 05:35 AM

"I'd better be careful - I'm now officially on the slippery slope to old-codgerdom"

Too right Graham, its a summit to be attained not a slope to slide down! Now, why am I here at the computer with an envelope and a copy the EFDSS magazine in my hand?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 05:55 AM

I'm officially an old codger then, as I've been using a mobility scooter for 4 years. Mind you, I do blame it on the lupus rather than my age (ONLY, I repeat, ONLY 55)!

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 06:00 AM

You are but a child Rhiannon! I bet you sing "Born to be Wild" when on the scooter, is it it something from Tommy or Quadraphenia?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 04:13 PM

Well Mick calls me the Hot-Rod Mouse when I'm on it and I have been known to reach quite high speeds and be a danger along Worksop shopping streets!

As to singing Born to be Wild - yep, I think I need to learn the words, they're just right!

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 04:42 PM

Ive put an old-codger thread on so we dont hijack the Shrews FF thread.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 06:28 PM

Hiya to all stewards

Application forms were posted yesterday morning - sorry they are a bit late this year. Regular stewards please note the date forms need to be returned by.

tra for now

Sandra

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 06:42 PM

Cheers Sandra. My friend Celia phoned yesterday to see when forms were coming, so I can text her and let her know.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 01 Mar 08 - 08:41 AM

Forms here and filled in. Just have to phone Celia & Lizzy to coordinate what they put so we can steward together.... pretty please.

Let me have some leaflets and I can do Madeley, Ironbridge, Jackfield and Broseley. I can collect if you like.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 01 Mar 08 - 03:58 PM

Working together will be no problem - it does help if the forms can be sent in at roughly the same time though.

Thank you for the offer to put out leaflets. They will be printed at the end of March/beginning of April and I'll be in touch then. The newsletters are a bit too big to put out so I only have enough produced to send out in the post.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 15 Mar 08 - 06:58 AM

Fliss - application form received thank you.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's unplugged Apprentice
Date: 15 Mar 08 - 11:55 AM

The Duhks...proudly Manitoban and proudly Canadian

Charlotte (born it Manitoba)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 27 Mar 08 - 05:35 PM

Just a reminder that our Special Offer ticket price (£75.00) comes to an end on the 1st April.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan
Date: 30 Mar 08 - 05:38 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 Mar 08 - 07:05 AM

Many thanks for the timely reminder Alan, we sent ours in the post yesterday so should catch the early bird tickets *grin*
Hil & Richard

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:11 AM

Fliss

Flyers are here if you would still like some.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 03:52 AM

Ok Ill email you with my phone number. Am away this weekend so it will be tuesday before Im back.

Cheers
Fliss

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 06:51 AM

Guests Alan & Sandra,

http://www.jonbanjo.com/forum/topic.php?topicid=1431&X=4

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 25 May 08 - 05:50 PM

Hi Sandra, Sorry I havnt called in for the flyers. My van is playing up. Will try this week.
bye Fliss

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 26 May 08 - 01:27 PM

okay - no problem

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 08:55 PM

Just finished planning the workshops - there are about 50 altogether as some of them are repeated by different artists.

Hope they wet your appetite!

Recording Studio
Rapper
Morris
Accordion
Guitar
Harmony
Fiddle
Step Dance
Beginners Session
Musicians Union – Releasing your own product
Musicians Union – Spreading the Word
Musicians Union – Putting it Together
Drum
Live Sound Engineering
Belly Dancing
Playing in a Band
Drone Instruments
Molly Dancing
Percussion
TENOR Banjo
Multi-genre Fiddle
Shropshire Tunes
Tunes with Harmonies
English Moves Global Grooves
Shanties
Concertina
Hugging
Band Arrangements

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 07:16 PM

Arrrrrrgh!!! I'll miss all of that being stuck in my trailer selling 100's of lemonades to very thirsty folkies who are wilting in the heat.

Sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Tony five bellies
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 06:23 AM

I just ventured onto the Shrewsbury Folk Festival web site, having seen BellowHead on television last night. I then went onto the festival blog. Have you seen the list of workshops, sessions and lectures? Even a free recording studio. This surely has to be best folk festival in the festival calendar.

I did think the festival is a bit pricey, but hell with their line up I'm willing to pay.

I'll be on the phone today

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,The Lemonade Lady
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 06:44 AM

Sandra would you send me some flyers for my trailer so that I can have them for sidmouth.

You know my address.

regards

Sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 09:53 AM

Just got me stewarding rota - yippee!

Anyone else with duties there?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 12:48 PM

Just spotted the hugging workshop - that'll be highlighted in pink!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 04:14 PM

Got my orders for the Morris stewarding and Timetable of events... looks ace.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 05:18 AM

Here is a list of beer that will be avaailable at SFF.

Enville Breweries

Simpkiss bitter
Enville ale
Ginger beer
Enville LPA

Ma Pardoes (The old swan brewery)

Entire bitter
Dark Swan
Original

Hobsons brewery

Best bitter
Town Crier
Mild ale
Pale ale

3 tunns brewery

XXX
Solstice
Best Bitter

Timothy Taylors

Landlord
Best bitter

Woods

Quaff
Shropshire lad
Shropshire lass

Bridgnorth Brewing company

Apley ale
Northgate gold
Old Mo

Holdens

Special
Golden Glow

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Joe G
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 08:21 AM

That looks as impressive a line up as the festival itself Sandra.

I didn't know Enville has resurrected the Simpkiss name - hope it tastes something like the original - I remember a week in Bridgnorth many years ago when my friends and I went to all of their pubs. It was a sad day indeed when Greenalls poured their last brew down the drain (or so I was told).

Cheers - hic

Joe G

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,bazparkes
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 08:28 AM

Hi Sandra

Isn't it about timesomeone came along to complain about the lack of cider on the beer list?:-))

Baz

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: John J
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 08:33 AM

OY, WHERE'S ALL THE CIDER THEN???

Hello Baz.

JJ

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 09:37 AM

Long time passing?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 10:19 AM

eh up Baz

all welcome here - shades of purlpe, pink, orange and even red.

where are you - we miss you!

Actually I didn't read the beer list thoroughly but if cider or Guinness are not on it have no fear we will be serving it at it's best!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Aeola
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 06:03 PM

Hi Mr Happy! I'll be there, duties rec'd, looks like the office all day friday!with the odd couple of hours sat,sun, mon, leaves plenty of time for plenty of events/performances! What a line up--- the beer I mean!!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 05:09 AM

The set up team leaders will be on site in seven days time. The task is to build a small town in four days. And the stewards in that team work all hours to make it happen. And you only ever see smiling faces. For me it is one of the best parts of the festival, I can't wait to get started, see you all there, and thank you in advance.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 05:16 AM

The Boat Band are polishing a few Shropshire tunes in anticipation of our local tunes workshop. There's the Shrewsbury Waltz, Shrewsbury Quarry, Ellesmere Quickstep, Whitchurch Hornpipe, Wellington Hornpipe, Shropshire Lasses, the Shropshire Hero.....The list is long. We'll come up with something suitable!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 08:22 AM

Hope the weather is kind to you (and us on the weekend itself) Alan

Looking forward to it - great line up as usual

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fran
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 09:52 AM

Did the Progs get posted? Can't wait now;-)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 10:50 AM

Programmes went to the post office yesterday and I expect they will be posted on Monday - all 944 of them and they were bloody heavy!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fran
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 11:47 AM

Pity its not on the website as a pdf like the Warwick festival one, I studied that for hours (sad I know) :-)

Apparently Richard Thompson is nicknamed the Rain god and brings rain to Cropredy almost every time he appears so bring those wellies and waterproofs!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 03:38 AM

Just a thought, we have a pretty good line up this year. Who would you like to see next year?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Fran
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 03:57 AM

Boo Herwerdine

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 05:38 AM

Whapweasle

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 05:43 AM

Last year I downloaded the tune book for the tunes workshop. I think this is a brilliant idea. I feel a bit of cheek for complaining but .......................... the Adobe files gave a very small and sometimes unclear page when printed out. Not really a problem at home but difficult to use in a group in a field in the festival.

and .............. here I go again......... rather a lot of Irish tunes? I love them all but I cannot play them as well or as fast as they are played in Irish sessions. Any chance of a more English based tune book and workshop? How about The Boat Band - even though they play a bit quick for me?

Fantastic festival excellent workshops.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 05:56 AM

Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2007 had the best weakend weather of the whole summer!! Phew, Scorchio!

Here's hoping for similar this time!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,figaro
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 07:11 AM

Duncan McFarlane bands ( electric and acoustic )

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Joe G
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:03 AM

Tickled Pink
Robb Johnson (he never gets many festivals)
Roger Davies (great new artist from W.Yorks)
Tom Bliss
Skyhook
Blowzabella
John Tams & Barry Coope again!
Blyth Power
Coope Boyes & Simpson

To name but a few, Alan!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Saro
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:08 AM

Have you had Stream of Sound Youth Choir? they sing a fantastic range of songs and their workshops are brilliant!!!
Saro

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Saro
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:10 AM

And forgot to add....Jeff warner (USA). One of the most charismatic performers around, he was definitely one of the best things at Sidmouth.
Saro (again)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: muppitz
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:28 AM

Me and George Papavgeris!

But seriously.....
The Hall Brothers
Anthony John Clarke
Coope, Boyes & Simpson
Isambarde
Richard Schindell (He was great last time!)
Dougie MacLean
Elbow Jane (If you fancied re-booking them!!)
Jim Moray
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
Tom Kitching & Gren Bartley

There's a few for you to chew over Alan!

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:38 AM

Bank Holiday Weekend is awkward to fit in !!! Maybe next year .

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:38 AM

100

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Dartford Warbler
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 08:55 AM

"Apparently Richard Thompson is nicknamed the Rain god and brings rain to Cropredy almost every time he appears..."

Thank God the trend was altered at Cropredy 2007 - absolutely perfect and maybe too hot for some! Here's praying for Shrews.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 08 - 03:32 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 02:33 AM

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Fatface
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 09:15 AM

We were looking forward to seeing Rapsquillion again. Their concert act is great. And they're local to Shrewsbury (I think). 2009 maybe?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Alan Surtees
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 11:33 AM

These are the Ciders on offer at this year's festival

Riches
Traditional sweet,medium and dry

Burrow hill
Traditional sweet medium and dry
Cider brandy
Pomona
3 different types of farm pressed apple juice

West croft cider
Janets jungle juice

Hecks
Traditional medium
Kingston black single varietal
Perry

Broadoak cider co.
traditional sweet
Kingston black
Moonshine
Perry

Dunkertons organic cider
Organic medium sweet,medium,dry

Ross on wye cider
Perry
medium

Brook farm
Medium,sweet,dry
Perry

Westons
old rosie
stowford press

Bulmers
Traditional medium and dry

Inches
Traditional dry

Thatchers
Perry

Cider house special

I'm really looking forward to trying some of them. What a great pity that a certain cider enthusiast of a crimson tincture will not be able to enjoy them...... He He He!!!!

All the Best

Alan

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fran
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 12:40 PM

I am looking forward to trying some!

My prog arrived today.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 03:28 AM

My programme has not arrived - should I worry?

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Helen Jocys
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 04:45 AM

Hope to see you there Les. Promise faithfully to get down to the Beech next time around. JJ (son) says it's a cracking night.

Cheers,

HelenJ.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 04:59 AM

Thanks Helen, we have had lots of fun and great music and John brings much joy .

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: John J
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 07:55 AM

No Les, what you meant to say is 'John drinks much beer'.

:-)

JJ

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 08:18 AM

Well, we have much to thank Timothy Taylor for, he certainly oils my neck

See you!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Cosmo
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 10:29 AM

Are you opening all thee gates at 10:00 or just gate one? Which is best to go to?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 11:45 AM

Yes all three gates will be open at 10am. Choosing the best one for you depends where you want to camp. But it's my guess you will be waved into the next available entrance so you may not be able to choose a gate.

Les, if you still haven't received you programme give me a call and I'll check it out for you.

Sandra

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 12:57 PM

I'm having ticket trouble. Bought for me and my daughter but now have another young catter coming and you can't buy just a youth ticket. Have sent a message to ticket sellers but no reply as yet.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 03:37 PM

Hi Robbie

You can easily buy a youth ticket if you call the festival office.

You can also buy one on the festival weekend whichever is easier.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 06:50 AM

..........the final countdown!

From today, 4,3,2,1 - we'll all be converging on Shrewsbury on Thursday, the advance party should be there middayish, & meself + the other stragglers should be there around 5ish, can't wait - Yippee! - 5 days & nights of perpetual folking about - yeeeeeehhaaaaaaah!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fran
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 08:23 AM

Will there be some music on Thursday night? I don't play anything or sing but love to be "audience".

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 09:31 AM

Well we're all rambling minstrels & will either create our own sesh for others to join or if there's one happening somewhere on site will link up

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 02:40 PM

Add Flook to the list for next year and 'Last Night's Fun'.
Flook do good workshops.
Isambarde are good... they come down the Boat Inn session sometimes.
Would love to see Dougie MacLean.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 07:54 AM

Only one more day to go, then its the frantic rush to get everything packed in the car & be in Liverpool by mid afternoon to pick up 'er indoors from werk, then bomb down the M62,M56, M53, A483 & A5 straight to the campsite - Yippee!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 08:00 AM

The Boat Band will shortly be slipping her cable and nosing out into the channel, setting all sail and we'll be there shortly. We sound a bit like

this

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 08:02 AM

Greg,

You sound like this?

The webpage cannot be found
HTTP 404
   Most likely causes:
There might be a typing error in the address.
If you clicked on a link, it may be out of date.

   What you can try:
    Retype the address.

    Go back to the previous page.

    Go to and look for the information you want.

    More information

This error (HTTP 404 Not Found) means that Internet Explorer was able to connect to the website, but the page you wanted was not found. It's possible that the webpage is temporarily unavailable. Alternatively, the website might have changed or removed the webpage.

For more information about HTTP errors, see Help.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 08:02 AM

That link didn't work. Try this

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 08:06 AM

I have other (non-musical) plans for the weekend but Shrewsbury is my Plan B if the weather is vile.

Where are the sessions?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 08:16 AM

Last time, the best seshes were in the bars & on the campsite.

Some folk ventured into town & I heard there was good craic at the Gamekeepers close to the site

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: danensis
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 10:33 AM

It certainly sounded good as we walked past,

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: treewind
Date: 21 Aug 08 - 03:39 PM

Does anybody know what's expected to happen at the Britannia Inn on Friday and Saturday nights?
It's down on our (performer's!) schedule as a "pub session" without further explanation...

Anahata

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: John J
Date: 21 Aug 08 - 06:29 PM

Is there a Mudmeet?

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 21 Aug 08 - 08:29 PM

John Guru will be thare no Mudgather planned :<(

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Aug 08 - 04:34 AM

Hi John! Would be fab to have a MudGather at Shrewsbury, but I'd need a venue & time programmed in by the Festival Organisers so that I could get one off the ground in good time. Maybe next year?

Failing that I'll be around collect and distributing hugs to all that want them & probably will be found in or around the beer tent *grin*

Safe journeys everyone!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Aug 08 - 06:48 AM

For a real Mudcat experience, get to the Pavilion at 13.40 on Sunday. Then you get to see me with the Boat Band, followed immediately by Treewind(Anahata plus Mary Humphreys). And, if it keeps raining, there should be some Mud. Bring your own cat.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 24 Aug 08 - 06:04 PM

Hey Greg, I did get to the pavilion for that time today and watched you guys for a while. Great stuff!

Thanks for coming to see me at my trailer today and refilling the bottle. Nice to meet you after all this time.

x Sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Sheila_b
Date: 25 Aug 08 - 09:38 AM

HI everyone.

This is my first time on mudcat. Mr. S and me have just got back to Yorkshire having had a fantastic time. We're all danced out and we've seen some of the best acts this festival year. Richard Thompson was awesome. So were Kerfuffle and The Dukhs.

I noticed reading down the thread that Alan has suggested acts for next year. I might be a bit biased towards the Yorkshire acts (we have the cream you know) but me and Mr. S would suggest...

Gerry McNeice - he's from our neck of the woods and he's great. We've seen him all over and he played a great set at Broadstairs last year. We were told by a friend that he was at Shrewsbury this year with his morris side and he entered the open mic competition. Apparently a young fiddler won the heat and we're sorry we missed him. He also plays brilliant double bass with the Duncan McFarlane Band

Duncan McFarlane - the finest folk rockers ever. Duncan puts on a heck of a show and I can't believe Shrewsbury haven't booked him before. The electric band are fantastic and there have an acoustic band, a duo and trio line up. He does guitar workshops too.

Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts - Jamie is well known as part of Kerfuffle but also is worth checking out with Katriona. Their original material is amazing.

The Hall Brothers - they are like Yorkshire's Show of Hands. They put on a brilliant and exhilarating performance. Being a lady of a certain age I do find them rather pleasing on the eye too!.

and not from Yorkshire

George Papavgeris
Vin Garbutt
Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby
Stanley Accrington

When I get more time I'll suggest some more

Thanks to everyone, we had the best time ever.

And hello to the lady who found my purse which I'd dropped. Sorry I didn't get your name.

Sheila and James

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Mad Jock
Date: 25 Aug 08 - 10:17 AM

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Kelk Brigade
Date: 25 Aug 08 - 11:58 AM

Well said Sheila, Duncan and the band should not only be playing Shrewsbury but Cropredy which has sadly lacked a decent folk rock band recently.
If you want to see more they aretopping the bill at a "mini" festival at Sledmere Village Hall on 13th September starting at 3.00pm till late, supported by the wonderful Edwina Hayes, Paul Lidell Nick Hall, Dave and Zoe Bottomley and Jim Danby.
Promises to be a great day, with real ale bar, refreshments and camping so everyone can relax and dance the night away!!
Be there or be square!
Peter

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Sheila_b
Date: 25 Aug 08 - 12:58 PM

Peter

Sounds good but why haven't you get Gerry on the bill? I see he's playing the Moonbeams gig so I'll be along to that one.

Duncan McFarlane at Cropredy eh? I'll mention it to Richard Thompson when I see him next. Ha ha!

Were you at Shrewsbury?

Sheila

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Kelk Brigade
Date: 25 Aug 08 - 01:06 PM

No still recovering from Whitby, but we've already done 19 festivals this year so made a change to be in our own bed at the weekend, did spend a few hours at the local Driffield Folk Festival though, which makes 20!
Sorry you won't make September, but we'll be at Otley week after.
Otherwise its Gerry in October.
Hugs
Peter

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: muppitz
Date: 25 Aug 08 - 04:19 PM

Sheila b - you don't have to be of a certain age to find the Hall Brothers easy on the eye!;-)

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: .spiderman
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 07:50 AM

Sheila B/muppitz

... you don't have to be a lady/female either!

Just got back from Shrewsbury - what a wonderful festival! My first time, and I can't wait for next year now!

Tim V Eyken - you're a lovely lovely man!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: muppitz
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 08:28 AM

Of course, I'm all for equal rights and stuff!
I'm delighted to have been able to see Rory McLeod again, I've not seen him since Shrewsbury was at Bridgenorth, not happy that I couldn't get on at the open mic I think that procedure needs looking at, really enjoyed Nancy & James, Breabach, Steve Tilston & his ensemble and it was great to see my mates Elbow Jane on the main stage!
Nice one once again folks!

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 08:37 AM

Really enjoyed The Boat Band, Tim Van Eiken and The Doonans. Then struck down with a bad back from those little low chairs.

D McF must be booked for Shrewsbury - great tunes, great trad songs great songs of their own

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Folkie
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 08:40 AM

Great festival, but I was disappointed that Cloudstreet only played small venues. They are fantastic and should have been in one of the big marquees.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 08:45 AM

I much prefer seeing bands in the small venues, generally. Rory McLeod, totally acoustic, in the Pavilion was the best gig I have seen him do for years. And when the Boat Band played acoustically at the Bird in Hand, with Rory McLeod and Chris Bartram as guest musicians, many people there seem to have had a much better time of it than at our big marquee do.(Though that seemed to go very well too,dancing in the aisles, which we thought was verboten at Shrewsbury!)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 08:59 AM

Whilst watching The Boat Band in Marque 2 I was struck by how much they reminded me of the Jimi Hendrix Experience! Pared down musicianship, each getting the maximum from their instruments with out getting in each other's way, geat songs and tunes from a range of sources and traditions ............................ Oh and naked sexuality!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 09:02 AM

Well I'm not sure about your Hendrix analogy, Les. At no time did pour petrol on my banjo and set fire to it. As to the naked sexuality...well, I'll leave that to others to judge.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 09:07 AM

True enough Greg, but I didn't feel a direct person to person match. I am prepared to let others comment on the focus of said 'naked thingy'. I think you should consider a raid on the JHE back catalogue. The Doonans did a great version of 'Bring it on home to me' - from the Animals, although I feel sure they got from elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Sheila_b
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 09:49 AM

I also really liked Steve Tilston's performance in the second marquee. I've seen him in small clubs and he just does exactly the same show whether it's twenty people or a thousand. He should be a bigger folk star in my book.

Muppitz, I guess there are ladies of all ages that swoon at the Hall Brothers.

Going to watch Gerry McNeice at the Junction in Otley tonight. Then Mr. S and I are tootling off to Europe for a few days.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: danensis
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 10:54 AM

I'm still a bit mind boggled at being a neighbour of Steve Tilston for so long and not realising what a great singer and songwriter he is.

I must say I really enjoyed Shrewsbury. I kept away from Marquee 1 as much as possible, the sound in there was down to its usual appalling standard, but the sound in Marquee 2 was superb.

I do agree about the chairs - I even remembered my cushion this year, but it didn't help the assault on the lower ribcage!

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Acorn4
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 12:12 PM

Muppitz,

On the question of the open mike, I had the same experience as you the last two years as we were B and B ing some distance from Shrewsbury and I wasn't able to get to the site in time to sign up. This was partly due to having a wife that "doesn't do time", but that's another issue.

Having now got a caravan, I was determined to get a slot and arrived well before 10 o' clock on the Saturday. The queue had built up by the time the list opened and about two thirds of the slots both for Saturday and Sunday had gone by the time I left. There was almost a mini rugby scrum as people were not only determined to bag a slot but often had a specific one in mind due to other festival commitments. Colin Squire, who was there to supervise the signing on said that there were a number of concerns about the procedure and it had been discussed at some length.

To me, the most obvious point is that it is down to supply and demand and there are just not enough slots. Over the two days there are 24 slots available and there are how many people at the festival?
The problem is that the Sabrina has to be shared with other events like workshops and concerts, and there is always the constraint of time. I've suggested on the survey that I filled in that there should be a dedicated venue for the open mike which could operate on a rolling system. The site is big enough to accomodate this with ease I would have thought. It would also increase the competition.

I was a bit wary when the competitive element was introduced, and it does seem to have put a bit of an edge on it as far as the open stagers are concerned; I think a lot of people would previously go on in the hope of conquering stage nerves, or in my case, getting experience with PA. On the other hand this is probably quite good for the watchers and I like the touch of each of the MCs having their own candidate - a nice little tongue in cheek nod to the X Factor

I was actually lucky enough to get through to the final despite the mikes failing during the second act of our session( its just one of these things that happen at folk festivals!) thus felt a bit of a fraud having got to an open mike final without actually using a mike.

The time pressure actually affected the final as well unfortunately. The young singer/guitarist who went on before me won over the audience in the first twenty seconds and delivered his first song brilliantly but then unfortunatly broke a string. We were told that we had about twelve minutes - break a string in a twenty minute set and it's recoverable but it takes about the length of a song to do it in a 12 minute slot - he understandably went into panic mode and the MC tried to change a string while he did an acapella song. In the end I lent him my guitar, which had unfortunately gone a bit out of tune in the cold weather. He actually made a very good recovery from this and could easily win the competition another year.I would have thought that a twenty minute spot would have been fair for the finalists - if you've got that far you can hold an audience for 20 minutes. Once again constraints of time on the marquee. 12 minute slots are fine for the initial slots because (how to put this tactfully?) a minority of entrants might not actually be truly listenable for longer and the person who goes on after ends up performing in front of one man and his dog.

Having said all this, it's a great idea and , and is in a way a victim of its own popularity. The element of luck also adds an extra dimension - most of us pray for rain so you get a big audience! I hope all this rather long post is taken in terms of useful suggestions and if I'm grinding axes they are other people's rather than mine.

I thought the winner was fantastic! Went to see her slot in Marquee 2 and she went down really well. A star in the making!

I also thought the young people who did the CD recording from Birmingham University were brilliant and was once again lucky enough to be one of the early birds that got a slot. I imagine there were a lot of people disappointed not to get on here as well especially as the Sunday session had to be abandoned dur to the fire.

They assure me they will be back next year.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Chris Murray
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 12:19 PM

No-one else has said it so I'll have to: Bellowhead were brilliant.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,aeola
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 01:03 PM

John, I agree the sound in marquee 1 left a lot to be desired but if you stood about 100feet from the marquee it balanced out and sounded ok! As usual it was a terrifc w/e and the weather was favourable, really enjoyed the ukelele band, not what I expected ( no lamp-post ).A great w/e & looking forward to next year. Well done Alan & Sandra. Just a thought, but would like to see a small marquee ( sabrina size?) dedicated to all those who like to join in singing some of the traditional songs,

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Rich Bucknall
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 01:25 PM

I got back from Shrewsbury late last night...

Second year at the showground, which really does make for a good festival site. In spite of intermittent rain (luckily generally overnight), wellies weren't needed. However, in spite of the festival not being a sell-out, camping space was fairly tight... any more would have felt crammed in. As things stood, there wasn't too much to give a fire inspector apoplexy!

A lot of the issues from last year seemed to have been addressed- mainly where sound is concerned. Friday night at the main stage was pretty rough, sounding as if the speakers were physically damaged, but by the time I was in again on Sunday night it was much better- excellent clarity and well balanced. Also, this year Marquee 2 wasn't having to crank its own volume up just so that the audience could hear the concert above the main stage's acts! The simple act of having the stage facing the other direction probably helped too.

Perhaps by virtue of not being a sell-out, full houses weren't as prevalent as last year. The only event that I wanted to attend, but couldn't, was the Radio Ballads story. I know that the Ukelele Orchestra filled up, but I did manage to get in, although the steward was tried to dissuade me from taking my daughter in her buggy in. FFS, the thing is 18" x 24" footprint, not one of the three wheeled off-road monsters! Anyway, being able to go from one concert to another without fear of not being able to get into the one I wanted to, or back into the one I'd left, really meant that I enjoyed the festival a lot more than the last two years. On those arse numbing seats, you need to move every hour or so anyway!

I heard some whinging that the dance floor in the ceilidh tent sloped... I didn't think it was a problem. More importantly, it was much less slippery than before! I think it needs to be bigger though- testament perhaps to Shrewsbury's gradual climb up the "dancers festivals" stakes.

The food stall selection seems to get better and better- a good choice with plenty of variety, and good grub for veggies and omnivores alike. As always with festival food, the prices are a little higher than going into town, but that's not the festival's fault, and the slight price premium is outweighed by the convenience of not having to leave the site. Merchandise/craft stalls were pretty average, and it would be nice to have more than one musical instruments etc seller. The bars were great too... I drank far too much!

As for the line up... first class! Sure, there'll always be someone that isn't to everyones tastes (In my case, just what is the appeal of Colvin Quarmby?), but the artists were of sufficiently diverse styles within the umbrella of folk that I think there was something for everyone. My personal highlights were the Oysters doing a ceilidh, Tim van Eyken, Kerr/Fagan, Rory McCleod and Richard Thompson, and I enjoyed many besides.

After last year, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to go to SFF again. This year has gone some way to matching the joy that was Bridgnorth. I won't be there next year (I'll be living in NZ), but when I can afford to return to the UK, I hope to be there.

Thanks to all involved for this year's SFF. I know that after last year's festival, the organisers were distinctly combative and rudely dismissive about some of the criticisms, but my particular concerns seem to have been addressed. I can only speak for myself though!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Acorn4
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 01:29 PM

Must just mention the pies.

Had decided to self cater in the caravan, but once I smelt that pie stall, all will power vanished!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Rich Bucknall
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 01:31 PM

I forgot to mention my one main criticism of this year- the bloody stupid screens behind the bands on the main stage. They seemed like an expensive, lazy substitute for a decent light show, relying instead on crap looking windows media player-esque visualisations. If you're going to spent money on screens, how about a big one either side of the main stage so that those at the back of the venue can see the artists a bit better? If you put them on the same feed as the screen in the bar, they could really enhance the experience, instead of making it harder to see the acts.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 01:40 PM

Toilets were primitive, is this because they are "only" for farm workers?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Rich Bucknall
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 01:43 PM

They were certainly basic! But at least they flushed were kept fairly clean, and there were enough of them.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 01:57 PM

True enough.I guess the Agricultural Show or Society can't or wont spend the money needed to improve them?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 02:01 PM

I'm not sure how to put this but why do so many of us adopt such strange dress codes? I feel like I have joined some strange sect and in a way I have.

Festival T-Shirts are all good fun but it goes much further - I feel sure I don't need to describe or list things that people wear at Folk festivals that I don't think they would wear anywhere else.

I think our none folk friends would laugh if they could see us #. Am I alone?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 05:55 PM

I agree totally with Rich about the light panels. His comments are almost exactly the same as mine on the comments form but I was a bit more polite!

But on a positive note Glorystrokes were great - I'd been looking forward to them for ages - disappointed with Oyster's ceildh not as exciting as I had hoped. Very impressed with Kerr Fagan Harbaron and Bellowhead were superb of course. Special mention must be made of the children so well trained by the Demon Barbers - one of the highlights of another excellent weekend

Despite my whinges about the lights well done to everyone - I even avoided the 2 stroppy stewards this year who had plagued my previous visits

I must admit I only saw the last 2 numbers of the Dukhs main marquee set and hated what I heard with a passion! I must have missed the best bits!

Special thanks must go to Mr SP Holding who I assume must be a folk loving man who is big in drains

Looking forward to the Darwin Project next year and I can vouch that Gerry McNeice is well worth booking and I am not coming unless Tom Bliss is going to be on!

I've just been working on a programme for a possible folk festival here in West Yorkshire in the Spring and if it goes ahead I can too enjoy the hard work that goes into these events - though I suspect Shrewsbury must be a real labour of love - it frightens me to think how much there must be to organise

Cheers

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Toby
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 06:22 PM

I have never posted here before but have followed various threads in the past - so firstly hello.

I would like to say a big thank you to Alan and Sandra for what me has been the best festival of the year.

My favorites - Bellowhead / Kerfuffle / 4Square and the Duhks (if you didn't catch the two performances they did at the village stage - especially the first as a three piece - you really missed out)

The fiddle workshop by Sam Sweeney was superb (he is a very talented teacher) - as was the one by Tania Elizabeth from the Duhks.

As for the toilets - they were fine. If you want to see primitive try Glastonbury.

I am really looking forward to next year, my only hope is that the festival does not expand too much. The showground is a great venue and I know they probably could cram more in, but it just feels 'right' at the moment.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: pasher
Date: 26 Aug 08 - 07:51 PM

I've just finished uploading all the photos and videos I took at SFF to www.gigsremembered.com.

23 Bands and Artists in total, and they are all inter-linked.

Goto http://www.gigsremembered.com/4Square/23Aug08/1478 (to pick just one) and follow the links to all my other SFF piccies and vids.

Bands/Artists covered -
The Boat Band - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 22 August 2008
Oysterband - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 22 August 2008
Tim Van Eyken Band - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 22 August 2008
Brassberries - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
4Square - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
Pete Morton - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
Eilen Jewell Band - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
Lunasa - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
The Duhks - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
The Doonans - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
John Wesley Harding - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
New Rope String Band - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Kerfuffle - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Steve Tilson - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Richard Thompson - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Ceilidhography - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Rory McLeod - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008
Demon Barber Roadshow - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008
Pete Lockett and Joji Hirota - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008
Bella Hardy Trio - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008
Bellowhead - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008

Cheers
Pa

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 04:42 AM

Really enjoyed myself again this year. Concerts in Marquee 2 were double fantastic. Demon Barbers and the stuff they did with Oxon School were great. Ukelele Orchestra were just magic as was the 'man' Richard Thompson plus Steve Tilston was great (despite not feeling well). I have to say that Alan, Sandra and all the team look after us 'artists' and that Sandra and the artists team should be receiving top marks when the 'Mystery Folkie' sends in his report.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GerryMc
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 04:58 AM


I had a great time at Shrewsbury. Thanks to Joe G and Sheila for those kind words about me. :-)

I personally would also like to see the Duncan McFarlane band at Shrewsbury (especially the acoustic band - he he!)

Plus points of the festival for me were...

Richard Thompson, level campsite, Kerfuffle, no mud, No Bones Jones, Steve Tilston, bus service into town (don't get me wrong, I like walking but not with guitars and amps and stuff), beer tent with big screen telly, flushing clean toilets, catching up with folky friends who I see mainly at festivals

Minus points...

loos not being in line of site of beer tent, snoring

Will probs go back next year if I'm free


Gerry :-)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Trevor
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 06:26 AM

Excellent, again (despite no Rapsquillion!).

What about Bellowhead then - what a fantastic performance!

Love the whole event (although I don't camp) - atmosphere, line up, scoff, stewards, site, marquee and so on and on and on.

Thanks to everybody who makes it one of, if not THE best festival of the year.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 09:39 AM

Pasher: yuour set of pix and videos was most informative and memory jogging, thanks a lot for putting that up. I think anyone looking at the Boat Band section showing our Marquee 2 performance will realise that Les in Chorlton's comments were dripping with hyperbole. We were in fact models of decorum.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Acorn4
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 09:43 AM

I think it is probably my personal favourite, although all the festivals have their own character.

Good to see Steve Tilston getting the thumbs up from so many people.

I really like the repartee between Bella Hardy and Chris Sherburn.

I didn't actually get into town to the pubs this time except to visit the cashpoint as there was so much to do on site.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:06 AM

Greg,

I think I have always wanted my comments "dripping with hyperbole", I just didn't know it. I saw The High Level Ranters at Whitby about 3 years ago and it suddenly struck me that they were in fact Status Quo. So, Hyperbole or lateral thinking?

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Meggly
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 11:46 AM

I'd like to mention the Beginner's & Improver's Sessions on the Saturday & Sunday afternoons respectively. Greatly improved from last year when the sessions were split by age rather than ability (which meant that I was too old to go to one of them and the other raced away with all the better Improvers taking over).

These sessions are a great way of getting those not confident enough to join 'proper' sessions involved. I down-loaded the tune book in June and have learnt about 16 of the tune sets by heart, was able to play them in the sessions and will now probably take them on to some of my local sessions.

It was great to actually get involved in the music making as well as watching the 'pros' on the stages; and, after all, isn't joining in what Folk is all about? (rhetorically posed question).

So, well done the session leaders (even though you did get the tune to Battered Hake wrong in the tune book!) and please, please continue these sessions next year.

Thanks,

Meg.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,aeola
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 03:06 PM

A number of issues raised last year seemed to be taken care of esp the loos. They might have been basic but they were clean, at least all those I visited! It would be interesting to know just how many w/e and daily tickets were actually sold. Sunday night the various venues looked to be pretty full.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 03:44 PM

Let's be honest none of us would have toilets like those in our homes or the pubs we visit. They were probably worse than almost all UK public toilets.

I don't think we should accept that they were ok but more importantly I don't think anybody who works at the Showground when it does it's ordinary job should either.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 04:02 PM

Les:It has never occurred to me that the loos at a festival should be the same as at home.It's a festival, and a camping one at that. Anyway, if you think the Shrewsbury ones are a bit dodgy, try the Best Festival in the World Bar None, Glastonbury. Then you'll have something to comment about! There are good ones there, but some of them are just, well, very Glastonburyish.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Rich Bucknall
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 04:54 PM

Still on toilets...

They were basic- but as I said before, they were clean, lit, and they flushed. That's far better than most festivals. And they also always had paper in, which is a very rare thing at a festival! I know there were some chemical cludgees, but they allowed there to be toilets close to every venue.

I really do think that the Showground is an excellent festival site, even taking into account the toilets. Unlike some festivals, there aren't lights everywhere that make it hard to sleep. The tarmac roadways mean that mud is reduced. It's pretty level, great for tents and caravans alike. The biggest downside is the lane that leads to and from it, but the one-way system alleviates much of the problems with it- although it is a little bumpy in the "out" direction! Town is close enough that you can get there easily, and the buses help too.

SFF isn't my favourite festival yet- at present that's a tie between Bromyard and Warwick. But if every year is like this year, it could creep up in my personal stakes. I hope not too much is changed for the future, aside from the silly screens!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Sam Hudson
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:03 PM

The gang of seasoned fest-goers I was with - but all SFF newbies - agreed that it was well worth turning up. OK, minor quibbles: a few more loos would have been good, especially near Marquee 1; the sound quality in Marquee 1 varied dramatically; duckboards or better drainage in the showers desperately needed. But as I say, these are minor criticisms - overall, a very well organised festival, great line-up (I'd endorse the comments above about Steve Tilston getting well-deserved recognition), and well worth the money.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:20 PM

I was interested in Alan's introduction in the programme about working with the owners to develop the site over the next 10 years and would be interested to know more about the plans if they can be divulged yet as the site has huge potential

Over to you Alan & Sandra

(and please tell me you'll go back to spotlights next year rather than the computer screens - oh dear I'll start to sound like a certain person of a ruby hue if I go on.....)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:39 PM

Great photos pasher - I'll study those later

Joe G

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fran
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 05:52 PM

More Pics here Shrewsbury 2008

I had a fantastic time, thanks to all the organisers and stewards for all their hard work, I have been on the website and filled out the feedback form, hope I am not turning crimson either Joe G!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 04:23 AM

I guess Greg's is a fair point about toilets and home but how about the comparison with public toilets? In the end people go to SFF and enjoy it so end of story really.

I went for a walk around 8 - 8.30 on Sunday morning to find around 100 people cuing for the showers. What do people who need to shower after 2 nights on a site think about the toilets?

Endemic diseases became a more serious problem when people started to live in towns with no real sewage treatment. How long before some nasty outbreak begins at a festival?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Rob Hooks nose
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 05:46 AM

Really enjoyed Bellowhead and tack.
Missed Rapsquillion being there and had to make do with the Wilsons.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Moses
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 09:52 AM

My grateful thanks to the kind, honest person who handed in my mobile phone on Monday afternoon.I'd managed to drop it when getting out of the car and didn't notice I no longer had it until I was in the Steve Tilston concert (he was good, wasn't he). There were a number of un-downloaded photos that I would have been extremely sorry to have lost and I'm very pleased to have got it back.

As for the festival, I found it very well organised - lots of bark chippings outside the main venue entrances ensured a minimum of mud. The loos were OK and I thought were of a good 'festival' standard with plenty of paper provided.

The catering was varied and good and the covered eating area is a great idea. There was not much rain but it would have been even more in demand and welcome had there been.

I would have preferred showers similar to those at Sidmouth this year where there were unisex individual 'pods' so no envious looks at the length of the 'other' queue. I did notice that at the time I was queueing on Saturday, the gents queue had 13 and the ladies 29 in their respective queues. I also feel that 8am is not necessarily the best time to put a whole block out of action to clean them when perhaps mid-afternoon would have been less busy.

I would have liked more organised singarounds and something that went on after the concerts had finished like the late night sings till 1am at Warwick.

All in all though, I think the organisers deserve a pat on the back. There seemed to be something for everyone and it all seemed to happen when it was supposed to. I even joined in the Belly Dancing workshop! And I'm a seasoned non-dancer.

And all the stewards I saw were helpful and smiled a lot.


Christine

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Miss Lemon
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 10:08 AM

Did anyone come and see me? I know Greg did but it would be nice to know that you all knew I was there.

Sandra: Any chance of a traders' loo next year? It's not easy trading and queueing with the public at the same time. And THAT CHILDRENS' LOO!!!!! Full to the brim by monday morning and another 24hrs before it was emptied? None of the children could reach the hand wash in there and even if they tried they probably squirted it in their eyes!!

Otherwise I was happy. It's such a brilliantly organised event.

Mind you I thought those drummers on Sunday would never end....arrrrrgh!!!!!

Sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fran
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 10:34 AM

I came to see you Mrs Lemon

Great idea to do the bottles

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: John J
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 10:51 AM

Me too!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: John J
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 10:53 AM

Moses: next year come over to the Members Bar, there was singing and playing until 3-4am each morning....I'm only just recovering!


John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 11:07 AM

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 11:08 AM

Try again

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 11:10 AM

Third time???????????

Lesser known nightspots of SFF

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 12:05 PM

Forth time but bigger?

Lesser known SFF nightspots?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 12:07 PM

No but maybe.................?

Try this

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 12:36 PM

The Shrewsbury Folk Festival is one of the best in the country, I don't doubt that for a minute. Great line up - lots of more or less traditional music, lots of innovation, workshops and sessions. Camping on site - great food, involvement of 15- 25 age group.

However I may be alone in feeling the toilet and washing facilities are grim. Most responses on this thread point out that they are better than most festivals!

I couldn't bring myself to photograph the Gents etc. but was amused by some of the facilities offered to the Agricultural workers who clearly use the site during the rest of the year. I really feel they deserve something better.

Cheers

L in C

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 02:22 PM

Christine's message about having hr phone returned reminded me to thank whoever handed my coat into lost property - though being asked to identify it by what was in the pocket was a toughy - as there was nothing in the pocket except the strap that turns into a handle when you pack it away!

Sal - I was going to come to say hello but came over all shy - maybe next year!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: danensis
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 03:45 PM

I visit the National Showground at Stoneleigh, and I can tell you that the toilets at Shrewsbury are well up to showground standard. As people have said they were clean and had paper, what more do you need? One of the traps in the block near the dairy even provided a free shower when you flushed it.

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sue
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 04:35 PM

As anyone who has ever organised any big event knows, the most important feature is the Lavs! Nothing else works if they don't!
Shrewsbury was a marvellous festival EXCEPT for the fact that there were too few toilets, (none near the main bar or seated area of Stage 1), the ladies' loos simply DID NOT FLUSH often enough for the number of folks using them (bear in mind chaps don't need to flush every time), more and more cisterns were falling apart on an hourly basis and one lot were flooded. They were easily the worst of any folk festival I have been to and that is lots ( 6 this year so far).
Seems a shame to spoil the ship etc.......
Get the toilets right and then we can focus on the music and dance!!!
P.S. No complaints about the cleaning teams who worked their socks off.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 06:43 PM

Spot on Sue.

And not a lot to ask?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Trevor
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 02:57 AM

Errrr ..... Sal? I wuz there!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 05:50 AM

Must apologise to a sound engineer in Marquee 2 who begged me to fetch him a sweeping brush around 10am ish on Sunday,.

I was on the Tidy Team [the litter picker/ bagman with the baby buggy!].

He said he needed it as the show would start in 5 mins,.

I explained that in my condition - age, weight, unfit, creakiness - it'd take much longer than that to get to the Stewards office & back within this deadline, & as he'd already rung them for a brush, assumed it must be en route.

The chap moaned ' oh I might've expected that!' & moped off - however, I was shortly gratified to see a couple of young off duty stewards strolling leisurely hand in hand, staring in each others eyes, with a brush slung over the girl's shoulder towards the marquee!!

I hope the gentleman's needs were addressed!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: danensis
Date: 29 Aug 08 - 06:32 AM

We were quite taken with the music played between acts in Marquee 2, so Tim went and asked the sound man who it was playing and he said "Its one of mine". At least we know now why the sound was so good in Marquee 2 - well done Alistair.

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 30 Aug 08 - 07:33 PM

Blimey! It takes a maximum of two minutes to walk from the beer tent to the toilets. There are more toilets on the showground than probably many other festivals in the UK. Having said that some of them are not well signed and it is something we will get better at. The toilets are probably pre war but most work fine. The West Mid Show has 25,000 visitors over the course of two days and the toilets seem to cope pretty well for them.

Someone said (can't remember who) that there were no more showers than last year and that we had promised to provide more. There was one extra block of showers which provided an increase of 30% for exactly the same number of people as last year.

Thanks for the suggestions for artists for next year. We are definitely approaching two of them.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 04:50 AM

I hate to say this but 2 mins is actually a long time when you are rather eager to use the facilities especially if there is a queue because of the number of broken loos, But I have to say that the facilities are so much better than when the festival was at the quarry that I feel a bit churlish making this point

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Sheila_b
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 03:21 PM

hi all

Back from my trip with Mr. S to Europe (boring work stuff for him and lovely shopping for me)

Actually I thought the toilets were OK (in Shrewsbury not Europe). And I don't get the fuss over showers. Baby wipes work wonders!

Sandra, I hope the two artists you are approaching are Duncan McFarlane and Gerry McNeice. I'll buy my tickets now

Gerry, if you're reading this sorry we didn't get to your gig last week. We had to leave earlier than expected. I feel I ought to come and introduce myself as I've been harping on about you.

Sheila

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 03:30 PM

I thought the toilets were fine, better than some festivals where all you get is plastic ones, and also a lot cheaper for the festival than having to pay for plastic ones!

Did you have to pay to get the flush handles fixed though?!

I heard on the Sunday morning that some kind souls had ripped three of the shower units off the walls thus putting them out of action.

Might be worth charging for showers and then any money left after fixing them could go to Charity, that's what they did at Cropredy one year I think.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 03:44 PM

200

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Fliss
Date: 31 Aug 08 - 06:45 PM

I had a great time camping in my tin tent in a lager round a gazebo with three friends... the four of us took turns to cook the evening meal. But we still visited the great food stalls.

The Morris sides dancing in Shrewsbury were great fun to steward and I met lots of people from Shrewsbury that I know. The dancers collected lots of money for the Festival coffers. Thanks to the tall lad from the Stoney Steppers and the chap with the top hat. You were the stars.

The concertina workshop was ace, very useful help on chords and ways round getting the fingers knotted up.

The site does need a major overhaul of the toilets, they have been there for years and years. The site could also do with a washing up area, as it was a battle at times to get a sink. (I have a caravan and we boiled kettles and did the washing up outside.)

The highlight of my weekend was RIchard Thompson. I hadnt seen him in a live concert before and thought he was ace.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: .spiderman
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 05:58 AM

I thought it was a great all round festival...

Fantastic variety of workshops (I really enjoyed the singing and may pluck up the courage to join the guitar playing ones next year).
Great music (too many highlights to list, although I just didn't get the drum band).
Superb camping facilities (although I'll try and get there earlier next year and plan my exit a better).
Adeqaute toilets/showers (better than some, not as good as others - more porta-loos would have helped)
What a great selection of food and beer!!

I particularly enjoyed the open mike finals - I wanted the guy who broke his guitar string to win, but it was very close. Well done to Acorn4 for saving the day! I enjoyed your set as well - very funny, I'll forever be reminded of your song every time I look at a gateaux.

Roll on 2009!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,miss lemon
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 07:14 AM

Any photos to share anyone?

sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:30 AM

Just a few comments I would like to address. I have seen so much feedback (600 emails) and blog messages and hundreds of questionnaires that I can't remember where I saw some of the comments – so if these responses seem strange please ignore them.

The Boat Band performed in marquee 2 which has 1000 seats.

Folk artists are not being marginalised. We do have to find the best possible performance venues for them. I won't name them and I love many of the artists that have been mentioned (that is why we pick them) but many are best seen in intimate venues.

Recycling: I have been to the Pink Skip depot in Telford and watched the rubbish on conveyor belts being sorted. I have also seen the bales of metal, plastic, paper and massive bins of glass etc. etc. so I can personally vouch that rubbish is recycled.

We had one extra shower block this year which provided a 30% increase on last year's showers.

There are a million things that go on behind the scenes – some of them are completely out of our control. For instance, Friday evening started late in marquee 1 because some members of the Oysterband arrived 1 ½ hrs late for their sound check – they had been let down by a transport company they regularly use. They were as worried as we were but there was nothing any of us could do about it.

It has been said that the Pavilion is too small and too hot. Personally I wish it was twice the size – obviously I can't do anything about that but I am thinking perhaps the Sabrina Marquee could be larger and then we could swap some of the events around. The Pavilion has air conditioning. I did show people how to use it last year but they must have forgotten. I will remind them for 2009.

I noticed the first people queuing for marquee 1 at 6pm. There are lots of things that the festival organisers can sort out but we can't stop anyone forming a queue.

The programme timetable will be better next year. It looked worse this year because there were so many workshops and more events. On reflection the workshops should have been removed from the main body of the programme. Will work on this over the winter!

Many thanks for your feedback – it's much appreciated.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 08:49 AM

Sandra,

I cannot imagine a festival being much better. Thanks a lot. I have a personal matter I would like to raise. Can you give me a PM with an e-mail address?

Best wishes

Les In Chorlton

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: pasher
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:03 AM


Any photos to share anyone?

sal


Just in case you missed my link numerous posts ago -

Goto http://www.gigsremembered.com/4Square/23Aug08/1478 (to pick just one) and follow the links to all my other SFF piccies and vids.

Bands/Artists covered -
The Boat Band - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 22 August 2008
Oysterband - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 22 August 2008
Tim Van Eyken Band - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 22 August 2008
Brassberries - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
4Square - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
Pete Morton - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
Eilen Jewell Band - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
Lunasa - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
The Duhks - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
The Doonans - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 23 August 2008
John Wesley Harding - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
New Rope String Band - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Kerfuffle - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Steve Tilson - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Richard Thompson - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Ceilidhography - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 24 August 2008
Rory McLeod - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008
Demon Barber Roadshow - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008
Pete Lockett and Joji Hirota - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008
Bella Hardy Trio - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008
Bellowhead - Shrewsbury Folk Festival - 25 August 2008

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:37 AM

Hi Les

what's a PM?

Is it allowed to give an email address? Mine is very public - if you go to the SFF web site you should be able to find it easliy.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 10:50 AM

Sorry I've been so long winded adding my 6d worth to the critical acclaim of Shrewsbury FF.

For me & the rest of the Gloom Band, it was the best fest of the year, in fact the best since last years!

Well done Al, Sandra & Neil for not only bringing us a superb weaks summer hols, but also arranging for one've the best w/ends weather, raining only at night when we were all tucked up in our beds, & scorchio-ish mostly during the 6 days we were there - Fabuloso!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 12:36 PM

We (the Boat Band) had a tremendous time. A high spot was the Shropshire tune workshop we did, with over 50 people turning out at crack of dawn on the Sunday to learn local tunes. Who says the folk scene has ben totally taken over by singer-songwriters? You can't get much more traddy than sitting learning old fiddle tunes.
We had a good "big gig"(Marquee2), a stonker of a litle gig(playing acoustically with Rory McLeod and Chris Bartram at the Bird in Hand) , and a nice laid back afternoon gig in the Pavilion. Which I think is actually a very good size, as big as a lot of performers would care to play in without amplification. If it was much bigger some people would be demanding microphones, and the atmospere would go. It was certainly hot though!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 02:05 PM

Greg

Sorry I didn't catch up with you at SFF.

I only caught a small part of your set in marquee 2 and loved it - thank gawd some people broke the rules and danced in the isles. erm I never said that!

Workshops! wow 50 eh! They just get more and more popular - thank you so much for yours. I know you put a lot of thought into it and it was obviously appreciated.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Dorian
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 03:40 PM

Sheelanagig had a fabulous time playing on the Saturday and were very sorry to leave after only one night. Great to see that somebody has already put a chunk of our set on youTube!

It seems a very well organised festival - all the crew at both stages were very professional and gave us a great on-stage sound. Hope we can do it again.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 05:20 PM

Shrewsbury had pretty nearly everything going for it, except the Young'Uns. I hope the organisers will consider them for next year(or any other festiva organiser who is listening in on this thread, likewise).
The Young'Uns were absolutely amazing when I saw them for the first time this year. They are entertaining, brilliant singers and their approach is odd and deep in a very very good way. And, as their name implies, they are young. Wjhat more could you want?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 01 Sep 08 - 05:21 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed it - you certainly sounded great and it was lovely watching people dance.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Moses
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 03:59 AM

Sandra

I found the inclusion of the workshops in the main programme very usefull. (As well as having them listed in more detail in their own section).

Usually, I have to write (squash) notes of the workshops I want to go to in to festival programmes so I don't forget them. Your programme made it easy to include the workshops in my planning.

I hope you will consider leaving them in the main programme.

Christine

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Helen Jocys
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 05:09 AM

Fantastic weekend. So much going on I found it hard to decide which venue to attend. Hope to be there next year (if son decides to put up with me again - bless 'im.)

Nice to meet you Mr. Happy - sorry I was short of the 'Woodbines'Q

HelenJ.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Joe G
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 08:34 AM

I'd second Greg's request for the Young Uns - haven't seen them yet but they sound good on the web and a Hartlepool friend says they are excellent.

Must be time for Tickled Pink too!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 08:37 AM

Tickled Pink will satisfy those Shrewsbury fans(whose number is legion) who like their music LOUD. Perhaps a special marquee could be built for this kind of act somewhere on the far fringes of the site...perhaps in Bridgnorth?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: greg stephens
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 08:45 AM

PS only joking, Simon C.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: danensis
Date: 02 Sep 08 - 09:31 AM

Another vote here for the Young 'Uns - they were brilliant at the Beverley Beck Shanty Festival.

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 09:42 AM

I have started a new thread on the subject of Dogs at Festivals.

it reads:-

I wonder if I could ask for your help? A child was bitten by a dog at SFF and needed seven stitches. If anyone has any views on dogs at festivals would you be so good as to post on here or the festival blog - over the coming weeks we are going to decided if we should ban them or not. Many thanks for your help.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 11:12 AM

I suspect that this was a random event that might happen if you get lots and lots of people together. I think the more important point is that with so many people, booze and excitement more random accidents will happen. The most important measure must be the ability of the organisers to provide appropriate help

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 12:39 PM

I have taken a superb photo of a lemon seller/trader beautiful trailer... I will try to upload but dont quite know how has anyone got any tips??

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,the lemonade lady
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 02:58 PM

Oh yes please, i'd love to see your photo...you can upload it into flicker book or photo bucket and link it to here using the url in the Make a link ("blue clicky") at the bottome of this box

Sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 09:28 PM

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Sep 08 - 12:39 PM

I have taken a superb photo of a lemon seller/trader beautiful trailer... I will try to upload but dont quite know how has anyone got any tips??

WHO WAS THIS AND WHERE IS THE PHOTO???

Sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 04:25 AM

Heya! I went to the festival this year and went to that fiddle workshop with Tanya Elizabeth. She siad she was going to email us that tune that she tried to teach us. Does anyone know what has happened to it,as id really love to learn for my A level performance at college. Even if someone just knows what it is called that would a big help as then I can at least look it up.
Thanks, I really enjoyed the festival and will probably be coming back next year!!!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,HipflaskAndy
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 12:11 PM

It was wierd seeing all those above rooting for DMcF Band next year...
especially as that grand Mr Suretees had AlREADY booked us for 09!
But he's recently given the nod that we can now announce the fact....

So, no doubt Kelk Brigade/Chorlton Les/Joe G/Shiela/etc etc can rest easy...
The Duncan McFarlane Band (electric) WILL doing their
folk-rock best on the Main Stage
AND also Stage Two at Shrewsbury 09

See you lot (and many more!) there - cheers - Duncan

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: GUEST,HipflaskAndy
Date: 02 Dec 08 - 12:14 PM

Oops! Corrections: Surtees.... ALREADY
- fingers slipping in eagerness! - Dunc

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: boosh
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 02:30 PM

I'm liking the 2009 line up !

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2008
From: Mr Happy
Date: 14 Jan 09 - 04:36 AM

The Proclaimers!! - Rock & Roll!!