Sidmouth Folkweek

Subject: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,Bibby
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 05:45 PM

For the uninitiated, is this festival worth the money? Is the line-up good and what's the organisation like cos I've heard rumours that it's a bit like a headless chicken. I usually spend my money on other genres of music, but I've got the festival bug and want to go to 'the best' ... Help!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 05:46 PM

it's a fantastic week, Bibby - worth every penny. So much going on in the town, and so many lovely people about!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 05:53 PM

Here's the line-up

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,Bibby
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 05:55 PM

Thanks Kitty, I know the line-up but I am not that well aquainted with the artists. What I would like to know is if the line-up is considered to be top rate or 2nd best!

Bibby

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 06:04 PM

Sidmouth is as good a festival as you will find anywhere, and just skimming through the line-up, I see the very best of traditional, and contemporary artists, and even better, some of the finest yopung talent in existence.

There's not much there to disappoint IMHO.

Well worth your while to go.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 06:05 PM

It's a great line-up. But I don't understand your rating criteria. So whether you personally like it or not doesn't matter?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 06:05 PM

OOPS!!

Finest young talent.

The yopungs are not that good LOL.

DT

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,Bibby
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 06:06 PM

Thanks Don, What a recommendation ... do they pay you?

Bibby

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,Bibby
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 06:10 PM

Hi again Kitty,It's just that I like to hear the supposed 'best' examples of any musical genre and if I can get more for my money in the 'one hit' rather than by racing around the country paying to go to several festivals, then great .... So maybe you should tell me who you think ought to be appearing so I might cathc them elsewhere?

Bibby

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,ms lemon (not able to log in for some reason
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 07:01 PM

That has to be the daftest question in history!!! is it worth it?

omg!

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 07:02 PM

No, they don't pay me.

You asked a question. I gave you a straight answer.

What you choose to do with it is up to you

DT

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 07:06 PM

Bibby - "Best" in any genre is pretty subjective. You need to decide who you like and want to hear.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 07:20 PM

there's an awful lot going on in the Blackmore Gardens this year. More than before. Big stage for a start and the craft tent is next to the tennis courts cos it's been moved. I'm still in the gardens tho.

See you all there I hope.   Don't forget half price for Cats.

x Sal x

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: RTim
Date: 01 Apr 08 - 07:33 PM

My children - now very much older (31 & 29) - have been to Sidmouth every year of their lives, (except when I made them come to Pinewoods Camp in the USA one year) - and they would not miss Sidmouth for anything - It is that important to them.
It is also a beautiful place......

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,Sidmouth Resident
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 01:12 AM

Sidmouth is still a decent little festival but sadly nothing like as good as the Sidmouth International Festival that ran until three or four years ago. It's been overtaken by other festivals elsewhere but is still enjoyed by the hardcore fanatics who return year after year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 04:10 AM

If you want to "get" folk music, skip the artists on the stages. Experience a proper amateur sing/session. Just go and sit in the Bedford all week, so I am told.   Try the Middle Bar (now upstairs too (again so I am told). Most of the stars will be there at some stage and you may find that you are sitting next to and harmonising or syncopating with the gods you would have paid to see on stage. That doesn't happen with the great rock stars does it?

Alas I have never been able to arrange dog-and-office sitting to enable me to do it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,The Barden of England at work
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 04:16 AM

Personally I prefer it as it is now rather than the days of the Arena, which took some of the atmosphere away from the town itself in my mind, but each to their own of course.
Richard is right, but if you're not too sure just try the weekend if nothing else.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,cardboard cutout
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 04:17 AM

Well, Sidmouth Resident, there are fewer international dance display teams than there were when it was "Sidmouth International Festival", but in every other respect it's as good or better than it has ever been.

We, the whole family, have been going sporadically since 1976 and regularly since about 1990.

Bibby, you'll see as wide-spread, comprehensive, and popular/high-profile selection of acts, including most of this years BBC Folk Award nominations in the various categories, as you'll see anywhere and Sidmouth is still the best English festival.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Dick The Box
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 04:48 AM

For me the joy of Sidmouth is the festival outside of the festival. The sheer number of singarounds and tune sessions, along with the al fresco dancing and entertainment makes it hard to beat. There is so much more to the festival than just sitting in concerts. IMHO it is worth coming just to see Great Western Morris perform (blatant plug alert).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 06:56 AM

Oh, and you should of course NOT see the ceilidh in the ford, because it does NOT happen

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,The Barden of England at work
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 07:22 AM

And here it is NOT happening last year:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPzk5618k74

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Leadfingers
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 08:17 AM

The session in The New Tavern (As Was) will still be happening !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 08:18 AM

'Sidmouth is still a decent little festival but sadly nothing like as good as the Sidmouth International Festival that ran until three or four years ago....' I don't think this is what the majority of the Sidmouth residents are saying. Might this be someone we know who posted this? lol

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Mrs_Annie
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 09:15 AM

May I also say that we think it's great and we wouldn't miss it. Don't go to the big concerts at the Ham, go to the smaller ones all over the place, they are much more interesting and enjoyable. And any time you are not in a concert, spend it in one of the pubs with sessions, there is always something going on. Our favourites are the Bedford and the Swan. And a walk along the prom every morning, followed by a coffee from the Bedford. Oh, just come, you'll love it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 09:25 AM

the food in the Bedford is highly recommended. We ate there every night last year, and weren't disappointed once.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: melodeonboy
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 10:23 AM

I've been for the last two years and had a great time. I never go to see any of the concerts, despite the fact that they get really good people there, 'cos there are so many singarounds/sessions on that I'm able to sing and play all day, which is a rare treat (well, it is for me; not necessarily for those listening!).

So, to get to the point, if you haven't been before, I'd recommend giving it a try. There's a lot of good quality music about; the atmosphere is very friendly; and there's music on all day, giving you the choice of sessions/singarounds (structured and non-structured), street performers or concerts. And Sidmouth's such a lovely place to be anyway.

(I ain't over-iced the cake, have I?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Rumncoke
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 10:23 AM

I'm sure you could send twenty people to the folk week and they would all experience different festivals - I find it impossible to remenisce with another visitor, because there are so many different things to do that we have rarely been to the same things, seen the same people or even the same dance teams.

I get to only about half the things I'd like to attend because there is something else on at the same time, or I meet someone and start to talk and maybe sing a bit and that's the schedule shot.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 01:09 PM

Careful, Shirt murderer, you've just committed a GEFF, and the better-sort-of-people's committee for excellence in something that isn't allowed to be called folk music any more will be calling you in for the third degree any time now.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,steve harris
Date: 02 Apr 08 - 09:32 PM

.. and it's one of the best festivals for dancing

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,Lynn Noel
Date: 03 Apr 08 - 12:19 AM

I'm coming from Boston for the first time EVER to Sidmouth, especially to sing with the Middle Bar Singers. I'd love to meet up with other Catters who might be willing to hang about with a New England chanteysinger, mummer, morris and sword dancer (retired/bad knees), historic reenactor, onetime park naturalist, and general-purpose Fool. I'm staying on a week to tour Devon and Cornwall and would love to hook up with likeminded folk during my trip. Any Sidmouth-going Catters care to contact me off-list, I'd love to meet you!

Lynn Noel

[e-mail]
http://www.lynnoel.com/crosscurrents

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 Apr 08 - 02:32 AM

See you in the Anchor Lynn! - does your tour of Devon and Cornwall take in the Dartmoor festival
at South Zeal?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 03 Apr 08 - 02:58 AM

And the Dartmoor Festival is followed immediately by Bideford Folk Festival up in the north of Devon (where I live)
We'd love to see you there. Like Sidmouth it's a full week - Monday 11th- Sun 17th August but you can easily dip in for a day or two.

I'll e-mail you in a few days since I won't be on line for a bit.

And I'll see you in the Middle Bar too. It really is a great place to sing (all unaccompanied)

Sue

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,Essex Girl
Date: 03 Apr 08 - 09:13 AM

Lyn, you will have no difficulty meeting up with like-minded people at Sidmouth, given your interests. See you in the Middle Bar/Newt or Bedford.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: John J
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 03:50 AM

Bibby (is that you Geoff?):

It's a great festival, but we don't buy season tickets as we seem to spend most of our time in the Anchor Middle Bar or just wandering up and down the prom watching & listening to the street performers. If there's an artist or band that we particularly want to see we'll buy a ticket for their concert.

Whilst I regard myself as a dyed-in-the-wool folkie, 7 days of concerts and events is too much for me. It is however wonderful to be able to drop into the sessions, have a sing or a play, stop at a pub for a pint, sing songs in the sea, NOT dance in the Ceilidh In The Ford (it's been cancelled you know), and so on.

As Kitty, and Sue have said earlier in this thread you can carry on to Dartmoor Festival (wonderful!) and then Bideford....I really WILL try to get to Bideford this year Sue...honest!

Hope to see you at Sidmouth in the Middle Bar.

John

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: cujimmy
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 06:10 AM

Is it easy enough to get buses to and from Exeter, I am planning to travel down by train from Leeds and stay B&B, I've never been to Sidmouth FF before and I'm looking forward to it. I understand bus services down that end of the country are not so good at times though.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Surreysinger
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 06:18 AM

Don't know about Exeter, but I used the train from Honiton to get back to the London area last year - no problem with using a bus from Sidders for that. You can actually access the bus timetable on line (or at least you could last year).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Dave Earl
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 06:52 AM

cujimmy

The Bus service to and from Exeter is pretty good but I would double check the last bus back time it may not be as late as it has been in the past ( when Stagecoach were providing the Festival circular bus service).

I hope you've got your B&B sorted out because there will be very little accommodation that is not booked in Sidmouth itself.

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: mattkeen
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 07:38 AM

Its East Devon, not Siberia, busses are pretty good

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: GUEST,Surreysinger at work
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 10:47 AM

Try this address for bus timetables for the area.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 09:05 PM

My little lot and I will be staying at King's Down Tail this year. I might actually get some sleep after a day's work in the Blackmore Gardens this year!

Sal

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: mattkeen
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 09:26 AM

As i sight the sun (in between the snow showers) i can feel the excitement

I love the Sidmouth Festival

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: bubblyrat
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 07:05 PM

WFD and I have booked in to Salcombe Regis campsite for the week----Any other "catters" going there ?? And I am hoping to be able to use my Bus Pass ( a South Oxfordshire one ) in Devon ,now they've gone national !!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 02:47 AM

I never went until the present management.

It is difficult to assess the organisation when you only do one kind of paying event. But from my perspective - instead of one man trying to squeeze money from anyone and everyone you have a bunch of enthusiasts trying not to loose money. That sounds like Folk to me. Sessions are free (for the price of a pint) and the Anchor ceilidh is free but if you don't contribute don't go - it has to be funded.

And I have never done a whole week at any festival - yet. Joy did 2 days in 2006 and we stayed 2.5. Last year we pencilled-in 3 days and stayed 4. This year we pencil-in the week. And that is for a workaholic gardener in high season. Says it all really. If it runs like clockwork and is is sickly slick - that's entertainment. If it runs effectively with minor rough edges and loads of Joe public entertaing themselves - thats Folk. And if it ain't Folk what's the point?

We stay out of the mellee - quiet and no seagulls - commute in and cruse. Pay for the events we want, do as many days as we wish, total outlay would be the same for a season ticket - probably. Though there are a lot of folkies who revel in the social aspect of the official campsite and the bus and "people".

Do the week but take a chill pill.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Dave Earl
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 06:06 AM

I'll be there - Stewarding again

As it's included in my Stewards ticket I'll be on the main festival campsite.

I expect I will be found in the Anchor Middle (Upstairs)Bar for a lot of the time.

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Fidjit
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 09:38 AM

Anchor Middle Bar it is then.

See most of you there I expect.

Chas

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Dave Earl
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 09:45 AM

Yes Chas that's where we'll be (You ,me and a number of others from around here)

Dave

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Phot
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 10:04 AM

I should be in the country this year! Yippee!!

Hope to see you all there with the beautiful Fiona!

Wassail!!! Chris

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Leadfingers
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 10:57 AM

Any Middle Bar Singers who fancy the odd spot using an Instrument , the Newt is just round the corner !!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Marilyn
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 11:44 AM

We'll be there this year (our first time) sharing a flat with some friends who are Sidmouth regulars.

How do Mudcatters recognize fellow catters? How will I know I've met you if I don't know who you are? if you see what I mean...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek
From: Fidjit
Date: 09 Apr 08 - 12:25 PM

Well I had a Mudcat badge, but I lost that at the dance at Cheltenham.

Theres also some photos on here somewhere.

Chas