Free festivals

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:19 PM

No one has mentioned Leigh-on-Sea, Southend. A great festival, 26th - 29th June.

Sadly, it's the only festival I've come across, free or paying, where they don't have any local camp site at all, since a couple of years back. so I'll give it a miss. I hope some day they get this sorted out, because I used to love going there for a good number of years.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Clekywhike
Date: 17 May 08 - 03:22 PM

Yes the top of coom is a grate place for a session once did it had a grate time pity we come home on that same day as you start drop me a line Jhon

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Rich
Date: 17 May 08 - 01:39 PM

Alaskan folk festival every april

Johnstown PA folk festival 4th of july weekend.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Tom Nelligan
Date: 17 May 08 - 01:18 PM

On the left side of the Atlantic, no one seems to have mentioned the excellent Lowell Folk Festival in Massachusetts on the last weekend of July. It is 100% traditional music, free (donations requested but not mandatory), and a splendid place to be. See

http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: oombanjo
Date: 17 May 08 - 07:54 AM

sewerby was great, I wish I could put up some pictures, but being a Compdunce there's no chance

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: SussexCarole
Date: 17 May 08 - 06:30 AM

Hi Carol

We're hoping to get to White Horse this year - see you there

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 17 May 08 - 05:04 AM

Hi Carole
Hope to see you both at the White Horse Festival this year - I know it's not free but the weekend ticket prices are reasonable at £20 including camping and £15 for OAPs.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,kerry and mandy
Date: 17 May 08 - 03:55 AM

still havin trouble with the blue clicky thingy.

http://www.musiconthemarsh.com

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,kerrry and mandy
Date: 17 May 08 - 03:53 AM

dont forget music on the marsh, it all free and for charity.20 artists playing over the weekend, singarounds and kids entertainment.
http://www.musiconthemarsh.com

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 16 May 08 - 10:43 PM

Staithes Acoustic Music Event 2008. has been extended to five days starting Wednesday 16th July to Sunday 20th July. Camp site will now be open noon Wednesday 16th to noon Monday 21st July 2008. This year we have the use of two sing around rooms on the camp site with at least three rooms in the Captain Cook Inn, serving hand pulled beers for less than £2.00 per pint. Entry to all events is FREE.
Trigpoint 49 Camping , have discounted their prices for this event to £ 27.00 per caravan, camper van, or tent ( up to four people) for five nights., or £6.00 per night for those staying 1,2,3,or 4 nights. Single occupants will get £1.00 per night reduction on these prices
This includes use of the showers and flush toilets.
For B&B ring the Captain Cook 01947 840200.
For camping Tel Wendy at Trigpoint 49 on    01947   840888
Thanks Tony Leonard

We enjoyed it.
give it a go.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Gweltas1
Date: 16 May 08 - 09:34 PM

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival in Cornwall (June 13 to 15th inclusive) is relatively free in that there are no tickets to purchase, but the aim of the festival is to raise money for the RNLI lifeboats, so there are willing volunteers wandering around with buckets hoping for your kind and generous donations, and one can also purchase a booklet containing a large collection of shanty lyrics from both the collectors or from many of the local shops, at a cost of a mere £3, and the money for this also goes towards the lifeboats. Its a most enjoyable and fun weekend, listening to the fine singing of both local and visiting shanty crews, including some from other countries. Not to be missed !!!!
Check out their website at : http://www.falmouthshout.com/festival.html
For further information contact:[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 16 May 08 - 04:01 PM

It's great that so much is happening.
Thanks for all the info.
Lets keep it going!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 May 08 - 09:24 AM

Ray,

I'll consult with the Fiends - hope we can make it!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: BanjoRay
Date: 01 May 08 - 09:02 AM

Mr Happy - the Sewerby Old Time weekend is totally free this weekend - you don't even have to pay for camping. Just turn up at the back (sea front) entrance and say you're a musician and you're in. Look out for the Foaotmad banner and camp behind it.
There are no acts, just lots of musicians and sessions, though we'll have some Appalachian dance teams appearing in the Orangery.
I'm leaving for it NOW - we can camp from now till Wed if necessary.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:42 AM

Sea Swansea Festival IS FREE!

National Waterfront Museum & The Marina, Swansea.

Vagrant's Crew, The Foundlings, Baggyrinkle, Inner State & more.

July 26th - 27th 2008.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: melodeonboy
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:18 AM

Come to Sweeps (see above). Then you'll be even happier!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 May 08 - 07:17 AM

Anything on this coming Bank Hol w/end?

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Susan of DT
Date: 01 May 08 - 07:04 AM

In US
NJ Folk Festival at Rutgers U - last Saturday
New Bedford Summerfest - very cheap - something like $5 or $10 - July
NW Folklife in Seattle in May (assuming Dan S meant the Wash DC festival above, I did not list that one)

The problem with free folk festivals, in my opinion, is that they try to appeal to the masses and therefore are not very traditional,

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Ian McC
Date: 01 May 08 - 06:51 AM

Durham Folk Party is free, the only charges are for camping because we have to hire the Rowing Club and the ceilidh because we have to hire a band.
25th to 27th July are the dates
Ian

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: John J
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 08:36 AM

The Norwell Happening, mentioned earlier, is on the same weekend as the Beverley Beck Shanty do.

Norwell is a lovely, completely free weekend - including camping. I've been the last two years and will be there again this year.

John

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 05:11 AM

ONE rhythm dance festival
5th May 2008
Leicester

www.oneleicester.com/one-rhythm


Humberstone Gate, Ceilidh
3pm til 4pm
short but it is free!
Caller:- Me.
Band:-
The Bang On The Wall Band.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Black Hawk on works PC
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 03:17 AM

Re. Nature's World Festival in Middlesbrough July 12th & 13th

Sorry Paul,

I live about 3 miles away so have no need to camp.
I have never noticed any tents etc. but campervans may be allowed.

I shall post if I discover more info.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Kent Davis
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 09:59 PM

In West Virginia, U.S.A., two excellent free festivals are:

The Vandalia Gathering, State Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV
May 23-25 http://www.wvculture.org/vandalia/vansched.html


The West Virginia State Folk Festival, Glenville, WV
June 19-22 http://www.wvfolkfestival.org/

Kent

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: growler
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 04:33 PM

Just to underline The Input's input, Rochester Sweeps this weekend, loads or Folk and Morris Teams and Singarounds with good beer. Free, apart from the concerts

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 04:02 PM

If you happen to be in the vicinity, the annual Adams Avenue Roots and Folk Music Festival is this coming weekend, May 3 and 4, in San Diego's Normal Heights neighborhood. Lou Curtiss, who is, among other things, an archivist for the Smithsonian and who has a huge collection of historic recordings, books people from far and wide for this event each year. It is a street fair with music, basically, with a lot of song-swapping, guitar and banjo workshops, etc.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 04:00 PM

Wimborne festival (13-15 June) has free music sessions and singarounds in the Conservative Club.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: oombanjo
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 01:41 PM

Sewerby old time. "Friends of Old Time Music amd Dance". FOAOTMAD

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 01:39 PM

especially in the west mids UK!

Sal

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 01:19 PM

US:
Portsmouth Maritime Festival in NH
Portland Maritime Festival in ME

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 12:53 PM

If you know of any more, especially in the west mids, I'll come along with my lemonade and pay a percentage to the organisers. These festivals need loads of support. Way to go, man!

Sal

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Banjiman
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 12:46 PM

Thanks Black Hawk, it's all just Teeside to me!......at least I got the dates right!!!

It doesn't actually say where it is on the flyer......Just Nature's World at the Botanic Centre.

Can you answer Carol's question about camping?

Paul

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,freespiritceol
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 11:31 AM

It might help to give you the dates!
Music in the Mountains
Top Of Coom
Irelands Highest Pub
Friday 17th Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October 2008

All the Best

John

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Freespiritceol
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 11:29 AM

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
TOP OF COOM
IRELANDS HIGHEST PUB
High in the Kerry mountains on the Cork/Kerry Border
A warm welcome from Eileen & Tim Your hosts.
And in our opinion the best Guinness you will taste anywhere!
A fun filled weekend of Sessions, Concerts and Storytelling.
With Fabulous Local Musicians and Singers, Special Guest Appearances .Irish
Dancing and young Local Musicians. Storytelling, and general fun and
frivolity!
Contact John & Marie at
[e-mail]
There are no Paid artists at the festival , and people come from all over the world to take part and participate. Everyone comes at their own expense and pays their own way. I'ts a great place to meet and play with other musicians, very hectic but lots of fun. The craic is brilliant, and many very talented local Irish musicians and singers come along as well. We make a point of encouraging local young people to take part , and it's great to see the next generation of singers, musicians and dancers performing and growing in confidence.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Black Hawk on works PC
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 06:58 AM

Nature's World Festival in Stockton on Tees July 12th & 13th

Is actually in Middlesbrough bordering on Redcar & Cleveland district!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Gene Burton
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 11:35 AM

Black Swan weekend I can certainly vouch for as a quality free festival having participated last year. Can't make it this time as I'm gigging in South Wales that weekend, but 'ave a good one if you're there...

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Banjiman
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:56 AM

Carol (nice to hear from you!),

Indeed it is, I'm not sure about camping, I know there is hard standing for vans. I'll find out and post info here.

Paul

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:21 AM

That's Trevor's weekend isn't it Paul, we've never managed to get there is there any camping?

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Banjiman
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:04 AM

Nature's World Festival in Stockton on Tees July 12th & 13th is free...with lot's of wonderful acts to be announced soon.

Paul

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 06:45 AM

Just a comment that Whitby has quite a lot of free fringe sessions but you need to buy a season ticket to camp - places to stay in Whitby are expensive!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Frank_Finn
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:44 PM

Sligo Traditional Singing Weekend is free. Apart from your accommodation and meals of course. Guests singers include Len Graham, Roisín White, Mae Hernon, Moya Ní Choilm, John Moulden, Tim Dennehy and mant many other great singers. Singing sessions lectures and lots lots more. Keep an eye on Sligo Traditional Singers Circle

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: stallion
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:11 PM

that was I with a duff cookie

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:09 PM

York - Black Swan, Peaseholme Green, 31st of May , 1st of June (My Birthday)
try looking here

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Little Robyn
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 07:26 PM

You can visit Padstow on Mayday or Helston on Furry day and it doesn't cost a bean!
That's if you can get through the crowd. But it's worth it to see a real living tradition in action.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: SussexCarole
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:52 PM

We've put the Norwell sing weekend in our diary for next year. Thanks for this thread...keep 'em coming......

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: collierlad
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:42 PM

Norwell Happening (near Newark Nottinghamshire) 23/24/25th May

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:30 PM

In the US, the Washington Folk Festival is a phenomenal free festival.

Dan

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: growler
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 04:52 PM

Just to underline the previous comments on Sweeps Festival Rochester Kent. Loads of free gigs and singarounds in the local Pubs

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,M&C
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 04:14 PM

The Ceilidh at the Moor & Coast Festival in Whitby is always a free event. There's loads do do in the pubs, and they have floor spots from many of the main artists appearing in the festival, all free...

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Cath
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 03:46 PM

Most events at Holmfirth are free.
There's a charge for camping and the concerts at the Picturedrome and Old Bridge but there's loads happening in all the pubs that's free.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,wheatman
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 03:38 PM

Try whittlesea straw bear in January, north Cambridgeshire
www.srawbear.org.uk