Bromyard Festival - who's going?

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 03:12 AM

Spoke to Diock Dixon last night and he said the site is OK

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 03:12 AM

That should have been Dick not Diock

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,BFF Committee
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 03:31 AM

Hi MC Fat et al

So my message above didn't reassure you enough eh? Direct from the site I can once again reassure you that all progressing well this morning - metal roadway has arrived and up in town the Rose and Lion people are preparing the dancing area for the Morris.

It's all coming together nicely.
The Committee

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: DG&D Dave
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 03:47 AM

Can hardly wait.
This has never been one of the cheapest festivals. But, it has always been one of the best.
I first attended in 1982 when the weather was somewhat worse than that predicted this year and we survived unscathed.
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
"Rain came tumbling from the sky and drowned all dreams upon the ground..."

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 04:29 AM

An iron road eh !! What ever will be next horseless carriages .... machines that fly.....women morris dancers.......

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,Neovo
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 04:42 AM

Well I don't know what people expect for the cost of a weekend ticket. Show of Hands were on at our local arts centre and the cost of a ticket was £16. Bromyard early bird weekend tickets were only £57 which by my calculations is only 3 and a half concerts at that rate. A festival weekend ticket is much better value - and you get what you pay for really. There are cheaper festivals but can they afford the big names? - horses for courses.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 05:42 AM

I suppose whether you think it's expensive depends on how much of your time you want to spend listening to big names and how much participating in singing, playing, dancing or whatever your 'thing' is.
Whitby and Chippenham seem cheap compared to Bromyard, but we enjoy all 3.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Schantieman
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 05:46 AM

I don't want the big names.   I go to sing (esp. in the Bromyard Schantieman competition), dance and meet people. In my humble opinion, folk isn't about stars, especially paying £16 to go to a concert! Or £57 for several.

On the other hand, I agree that I have been dilatory and haven't got a ticket, so it'll be £83, plus £37 for my daughter if I can get her home....


Steve

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,Blackjoak
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 09:52 AM

We have been going for 20 years or so now and wouldn't miss it and think it is great value against some of the larger Towersey's and Shrewsbury's. For the range of acts against the early booking price I think it beats the festivals mentioned by others; and no, I am not a committee member!

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Blackjoak
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 09:58 AM

we have been going now for over 20 years and wouldn't miss it. We think that the early booking ticket prices are better than the Towersey's and Shrewsbury's, and compare favourably with the other festivals mentioned; and no, I am not a committee member.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Acorn4
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 02:13 PM

Have made last minute decision to buy wekend tickets abd are ttaking caravan - looking fwd to it.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,Charlie B
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 08:20 PM

This festival is way too expensive. It has gone the way of Shrewsbury, Warwick, Towersey.
All loud rock type young artists churned out of music colleges, ticky tacky just the same.

There is no way I am going to pay those kind of prices to just hang around at the sessions and enjoy the kind of festival that Bromyard always used to be.

Have fun, see you in the Rose and Lion guys.


CB

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: JohnB
Date: 09 Sep 08 - 08:51 PM

Add on to the cost of a weekend ticket airfare from Canada and then see how you like it. I really do like it but as we were in UK in July the bank won't stretch that far again this year, maybe see you next.
JohnB.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,Neovo
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 03:15 AM

That's absolutely fine Charlie B and Chaz. You've decided how to spend your money, other people have decided to spend theirs in a different way. Don't winge about it! I personally wouldn't pay vast wads of cash to watch opera but I'm not making a fuss about it!

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 03:34 AM

If some of the posters on here are going to compare festivals perhaps it would be a good idea to compare three day events.

Towersey is a five day festival and Shrewsbury is a four day festival.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 04:34 AM

Chaz and Charlie both of whom have complained about the price are perfectly entitled to spend their money how they wish.

However it would be nice if some of the complaints were based on fact - Chaz's complaint was that camping was too expensive at less than £2.70 per night.

Unfortunately it has gone the way of the other 'big' festivals, squeezing money out of the camper. he said.

Charlie B says the festival has All loud rock type young artists churned out of music colleges, ticky tacky just the same.

"All?" There are some older artists there that I know personally would love to be described as young; there are some younger artists there that I suspect may even enjoy the epithet "rock-tpe".

But scanning my own eye down the list of artists Chas B. and ignoring the word "all", who exactly were you thinking of?

Was it Brian Peters with his heavy metal version of "Three Ravens?"

Surely not?

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 04:47 AM

The financial climate the country is experiencing is having an impact on all of us including events. If you are finding the cost of a ticket difficult to meet there is an alternative. Why not try stewarding - it is a great way to become involved. And stewards only need to work between approximately 10 to 16 hours depending how many days the festival is held over.

Shrewsbury asks stewards to work for 12 hours over the four days. Stewards also get free camping and a free souvenir programme. I think that's a very acceptable alternative and a blooming good deal!

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Brian Peters
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 05:15 AM

> Was it Brian Peters with his heavy metal version of "Three Ravens?" <

Dave, are you trying to suggest I'm *not* young??

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 05:41 AM

As if................................

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,merrylocks
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 07:00 AM

Schantieman, take it you still havent secured a lift for the daughter yet. If you stop by the M & C food tent, where i will be serving breakfast from 8am, I will keep a look out for anybody who might be able to help. There is usually a few from round Southport area.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 07:47 PM

Chaz,
If all you require is somewhere to pitch up, with a couple of portaloos and water available the milkman's field is the place for you. Cemetery lane, as someone said already at the side of The Holly Tree ( formerly O'Malleys and a lovely man he was too).

You just turn up and pay somewhere in the region of £10 to £15 for the weekend. That's where I will be this weekend because I do like singing round a campfire.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 03:53 AM

We shouldn't complain if people want to enjoy festival fringe events for nothing, why pay when you can enjoy the festival benefits free of charge.



And if you don't want to see these jumped up stars of the current folk scene, why should you buy a ticket, especially when you can demonstrate your own gigantic talent down at the local pub.



And you have a perfect right to complain about ticket prices, even if you have no intention of buying one.



In fact you don't even need a festival ----or do you???

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:11 AM

Chaz,
If all you require is somewhere to pitch up, with a couple of portaloos and water available the milkman's field is the place for you. Cemetery lane, as someone said already at the side of The Holly Tree ( formerly O'Malleys and a lovely man he was too).

You just turn up and pay somewhere in the region of £10 to £15 for the weekend.

But the cost of the weekend camping at the site is a less Chaz - the one you complained was extortionate.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: John J
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 05:12 AM

We can't make it now - family probs.

2 full season tickets available for a lot less than cost.

PM if interested, I can post by Special Delivery today to arrive tomorrow. Need to know by 4pm (UK).

John

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,Neovo
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 06:04 AM

Good point unnamed guest. If there wasn't a festival funded by those who choose to spend their hard-earned money buying a ticket, would there be a fringe where people who choose not to spend their hard-earned money can play/sing and enjoy themselves?

Which came first, the chicken or the chicken or the goose that lays the golden egg?

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 06:17 AM

I can see this from both sides. I go to Beverley FF and Whitby Folk week and only attend the fringe. I think I've only been to a handfull of official things in the 10 years I have been attending Whitby so i suppose I am 'pimping' my ride there in not contributing financially. However as an organiser of Sheffield FF we as organisers try to find ways of making our succesfull fringe pay at bit to help host the festival. There are ways of doing this taking a collection or bucket, paying for camping only passes, raffles, encouraging people to buy at least a programme, getting pub venues to place an advert in the printed programme etc. All of these help with the overall costs of hosting a festival. I always encourage the fringe as it is an important part but the reality is that Festivals cost money to put on and that in the main the fringe contributes to the overall atmosphere but doesn't contribute much in fiscal terms. It is a balancing act and if you ask most Festival organisers they will say what 'golden egg' ?

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Cllr
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 08:48 AM

Champagne Carol and i will be at this brilliant festival and i will be, as usual, going to a mixture of fringe and non fringe events and having a really good time. Cllr

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,BFF Committee
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 10:40 AM

Well, whether you've bought tickets for events on site or will be joining in the sessions etc in the town, the BFF Committee hope everybody has a great time, safe journeys to and from Bromyard and many happy memories to keep you going until the next festival.

See you all there.

The Committee

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: John J
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 12:22 PM

Doesn't ANYBODY want v cheap Bromyard season tickets?!

John

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: squeezebox-kc
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 12:47 PM

will be there with Bradshaw Mummers say hi to the druid or the huntsman dependent on what day it is
ken

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 03:00 AM

And the weather forecast (8.00 am Friday) is not too bad for Saturday and great for Sunday.....

See you all Saturday.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Schantieman
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 04:21 AM

Thanks, Merrylocks, but I need a more definite arrangement than that. I've phoned round the usual people who go from this area and they're either not going this year or have a full car.   Sadly, Jenny won't be able to go this year.

I'd certainly be interested in one of those tickets, John, and | know someone who might want the other, but doing the deal might be tricky with only a few hours to go.   Do you, by any chance, live somewhere between Liverpool and Bromyard?

Just had a look at the synoptic chart and it looks like high pressure, light winds and no rain, at least till Sunday afternoon. Bout time we had a summer. Warm days; how cold it is at night depends on how thick a blanket of cloud we have to keep the heat in.

Leaving in 2 hours, or as soon as I'm ready!

Steve

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Schantieman
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 04:34 AM

By the way, it seems from the programme that there are only twoshanty sessions (and Bromyard Schantieman contest), both on Saturday. Am I missing something here?

S

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST,Chaz
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 04:46 AM

yes john i would like you ticket but it's friday already how can i get one from you?

cb

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Schantieman
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 07:01 AM

Slight hitch.

I can't find my effing tent!

There will now be a short delay while I tear out my hair. Looks like I'm kipping in the car.

See you all soon.

Steve

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: John J
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 04:03 PM

Sorry Chaz, they've gone!

John

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Cllr
Date: 13 Sep 08 - 07:13 AM

the sun is out and its beautiful. I am on my way to the shanty session :-)

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 13 Sep 08 - 03:26 PM

Glad they are gettuing the good weather ! If I hadnt been paid to be in Gillingham , I would have probably wandered up my self !

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Schantieman
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 01:45 PM

I'm now away from the mud and showered!

A good weekend, but I didn't do much that needed a ticket.   Hope everyone enjoyed it!!

Steve

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 05:12 PM

Glad they are gettuing the good weather !

[Hollow laugh]

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Schantieman
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 05:18 PM

Ah - well - the weather DURING the festival was fine!   warm, sunny, light winds, as forecast.   The rain beforehand was the prob!

S

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 05:49 PM

I have just got back - 10.00 pm Sunday - and I didn't get to a huge amount and certainly not as much as I would have liked.

I would like to pass on my personal thanks to all who coped so well.

I travelled down early Saturday AM so the state of the site - well, let's say "muddy" - was a real surprise and frankly not conducive to a bookseller getting to his pitch. And off again to the (softee I know) hotel he and his wife had booked - and back again and off again.

Each of the four times I was stuck - help was at hand within and instant. I would like to say thanks to everyone who helped.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 05:51 PM

And I would like to add thanks to the organisers of the festival - who did as good a job in an emergency as anyone could and always with a smile on their face.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Acorn4
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 10:00 AM

Bromyard brough new meaning to the word MUDCAT!

Eat your heart out, Glastonbury!

Home now. Big thanks and congrats to all the organisers for getting it all sorted and stewards whose contribution was well above and beyond the call of duty!

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Acorn4
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 10:19 AM

... oh, and an excellent Festival as well. Planty of interactive stuff in the pubs. Thought Faustus, Spiers and Boden and Cherish the Ladies on top form.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Silas
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 10:49 AM

Great work by the stewards and organisers. Well done all of you. Would have probably paid extra if I knew that there was going to be tractor rides as well!

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: squeezebox-kc
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 12:53 PM

just got back Monday 5PM i would second all the praise for the stewards and tractor drivers.
Park bench social club stick to the day job
Shropshire Bedlams and Mafia consider some manners when turning up not on the programmed tour and hogging the set at the Bay horse even if you were very good

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Silas
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 01:44 PM

Just noticed the comments about ticket prices. I think they are bloody good value. The Saturday evening concert alone was worth the ticket charge. One thing I did find slightly disappointing was the catering. Great food, really great food, No Bones Jones was almost good enough to turn me veggie, but the portion size for the money was not good. I don't consider myself to be a greedy person, but for seven quid I would expect a bloody good plateful of whatever it is.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Muffin
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 03:52 PM

More praise for the organisers and stewards who made it possible for the superb concerts and wonderful dances to happen despite horrendous muddy conditions.
The efforts many made were truly herculean and massively appreciated.
Thanks to all concerned.

Subject: RE: Bromyard Festival - who's going?
From: Schantieman
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 04:21 PM

100!