Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)

Subject: Friendly Intimate Folk-Festivals?
From: Sleepy Rosie
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 07:54 AM

If I get meself to any folk festivals this coming 2009 - and I'm intending to - the liklihood is that I'll be doing it solo, alonesome, bymyownself.

My thoughts on that are that solo could be fine (especially if I work for a ticket, 'cos thats a good way to connect to other people), but that I aught to target festivals which may be a bit more 'intimate', and with a definite relaxed friendly vibe which'd make it a bit more comfy for me going as a solo person, and also hopefully make it easy for me to informally socially hook-up with others.

I'm not nervous of going to a couple of festivals alone, but atmospheres at any kind of 'do' are tough to judge unless you have a bit of a heads-up. And so I'd rather go to something that someone might recommend with a relaxed warm vibe, than find myself feeling a bit stranded in a sea of strangers.

Catpeepthorticals as ever appreciated, Rosie

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: John J
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 08:13 AM

There are a few free festivals around, and also festivals you can go to where the fringe is better than than the actual festival IMHO - loads will disagree but Sidmouth falls in to that category for me.

I probably end up putting as much in the collections at Sidmouth as it would cost me to buy a season ticket!

PM me if you would like any further info.

John

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: Banjiman
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 08:19 AM

Hi Rosie,

You would be made very welcome at The KFFC Winter Warmer up here in sunny N.Yorks Feb 20th-22nd. We're very friendly and pretty small (about 100 people). No opportunity to work but v. cheap anyway (£18 or £20 depending on when you buy your ticket). There is a thread around regarding the KFFC Birthday Bash.... the format will be very similar.

Full details will very soon (in the next week) be available at KFFC website or just pm me if you fancy it.

You'll definitely hook up with others! Lots of singin' an' playin'.

Cheers

Paul

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 08:40 AM

I second the remark about the fringe at Sidmouth. I've never been to any concerts there, always preferring the variety of all the different pub venues.
However, my favourite festival of all is Whitby, where I do buy a ticket, but it's worth it for the interviews, and workshops alone.

JM

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: OldFolkie
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 08:42 AM

We too like the informal friendly ones, spending a lot of our time int he singarounds etc in the fringe, and for that reason tend to go to the smaller ones rather than big ones. Our favourites so far are Alcester (Warwickshire) and Saltburn (Norht Yorkshire). Hoping to go and try Bedworth this weekend - will let you know.
Best wishes, and when you discover which are your own favourites let us all know.
OF

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: Michael
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 08:55 AM

Hi Rosie, for an intimate and friendly festival you can't beat Stainsby,(mid July), they are always on the lookout for stewards etc.

This link might work!


Also as John says, Whitby, a big festival but still friendly and intimate.

Cheers
Mike

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: Michael
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 08:57 AM

I'm not sure how that link became that big!!But it does work.
Cheers
Mike

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: GUEST,punfkfolkrocker
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 09:00 AM

Burnham on Sea free folk fest, early September.
This fresh new festival running successfully for 3 years now,
has become the best and most genuinely enjoyable social event
in me and the wifes music calender.
looking forward to autumn 2009..



http://www.folkfest.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: GUEST,Wanderer
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 09:07 AM

Robin Hood's Bay the 2nd w/e (or is it the 3rd?)in June, a grand free little festival, with no booked guests, just folk turning up and doing their thing in the 3 pubs and the streets. Imagine the scene, sat outside the Bay Hotel, supping a pint, eating fish n chips and having a jam session whilst soaking up the sea air. Heaven or what !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: Sleepy Rosie
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 09:22 AM

Cheers for thoughts so far peeps.

Cos I'll be travelling probly by boring old coach, I'll be happy to travel distance for a week long fest, but not for a shorter one. It just wouldn't be practical.

I'm based in Essex btw, if that helps narrow the field any?
So I will deffo rally some friends/family to join me at Leigh on Sea this year.

But as I say in the opening post, a big part of the deal for me will be feeling comfy as a lone lassy anyplace farther afeild I head off to, so yeah, anything with lotsa easily accessed small informal venues, where I can join in and meet peeps sounds good.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 09:51 AM

Swinton is pretty intimate - All in one pub! Very friendly too. None of us bite anyway:-) No details of next years yet but probably the third Saturday in October 2009. Keep yer eye open. If you downloaded the Swinton Album and unzipped it you will have a good idea of the range and quality.

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 10:12 AM

If you are in Essex Ely is good. Commercial, but smallish commercial and a good vibe. It is ESSENTIAL to book the Monday off work as well, as the Sunday night /Monday morning in the beer tent is just wonderful, with the booked artists mingling amongst those who can still stand...

Knockholt (near Biggin Hill, Kent) is a wonderful singaround in a field with a campfire. 20 to 100 people doing it themselves, but the public transport is crap, and no bus out on the Sunday. Borrow or hire a car.

The Pig's Ear Folk Ale (at the Kentish Horse in Markbeech) is great too. It's pub-sized. Booked guests and a pre-booked open stage, usually one top ranking guest - this year it was the Young Coppers. Proper Folk.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: GUEST,Cats
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 10:48 AM

I know it is a bit of a distance but if it a song and ale you are interested in then you will bemade very welcome at the Fox and Hounds on Dartmoor the weekend of the 8,9,10 may. We take over the skittle alley of the pub and sing on Friday night, saturday lunchtime which rolls over to saturday up until about tea time, saturday night and Sunday Lunchtime. If the weather is good then there is always the Sing on the Tor early on Sunday morning where friends walk to the top of the nearest Tor and have a fabulous sing, then walk back in time for lunch. No guests, no concerts, no ego's. It is £5 plus your camping for the wekend. The pub has its own campsite with hook ups for those who need them, or just space for a tent, a bunk house where you can rent a bunk bed for the weekend or go the whole way and have yourself a hotel room! You pay the pub for accommodation which means you just have to choose your level and what you can afford. We welcome people on their own and new friends to the folk world. Join us if you can

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: .spiderman
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 11:17 AM

I went to Shrewsbury for the first time last year, and I went alone. The various performance venues range from the intimate (the Pavillion and smallest marquee) all the way through to the huge main stage marquee - and it was all quite chilled out. Camping was great, food was great, showers were great - all in all hard to fault. It is very spread out which means that you do not get the density of people that you do at festivals such as Cambridge, where I find it easier to get talking to people (I go there alone as well) - but I am sure others would find that a negative aspect. I guess it depends how gregarious you are - personally I'm quite happy with my own company most of the time, and find it quite hard to talk to strangers - having said that folk fans tend to be quite friendly wherever you go, you just have to make a bit of an effort I guess.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: Sleepy Rosie
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 11:20 AM

Some really appealing sounding suggestions here.
DeG, cheers btw, don't think I've PM'd to thank you for the music files? But yes, I can tell that the standard as you say is jolly good.

RBridge Absolutely LOVE the sound of Knockholt, sounds really cosy. That one's def being penned into my diary. I may have to coerce an ameanable boyfriend, father or uncle into a couple of hours drive in order to collect me tho. Ely sounds like a good idea likewise.

I'll be sure to keep all suggestions in mind though, they all sound so attractive. Have tent, will travel...

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals?
From: Hawker
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 11:38 AM

And again, down here in the South West, there is Bude & Stratton Folk Festival, based in the lovely Cornish seaside resort of Bude. May 28th to 31st, there will be people coming from your area I am sure, why not ask if anyone is going to a festival and share a lift? that way you make new friends and get to where you are going with minimal changes en-route, as it were.
The camp site is based at the rugby club, the clubhouse is a venue too so you dont have to even walk very far. Tickets this year are, I think £15. Camping is extra and charged by the Rugby club, not sure of the cost this year, but a very intimate and friendly folk festival, we had several single people last year who all said how welcome and included they had been made.
Cheers, Lucy.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Acorn4
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 12:27 PM

Juat a word of caution about free festivals.

It can sometimes happen that they attract every binge drinking chav within a fifty mile radius. I've known this happen on a couple of occasions particularly on a Saturday.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Girl Friday
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 12:38 PM

I used to go to Broadstairs on my own for the week. Used to get B and B then, but that's not so easy now. If you're ok camping you could join their workforce. You have to do about 38 hours work but get free sesson ticket and camping. Everyone is friendly on the site, but there were some security issues this year. You also need to take a sturdy tent with a hold down as it can get very windy. You are bound to find people you know and if you don't you could meet some like minded people. I have the advantage of running a folk club, so know lots of people.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 02:57 PM

Tsk Tsk... At least two Kentish folk here did not even mention Rochester Sweeps. A 3 day (1st weekend in May) Morris extravaganza in Rochester.   And it is not only Morris. There are loads of folk acts on various stages and sing around sessions.

Chris and I generally B & B it. If you can pay for a room, we can give you a lift. We are going Saturday through Monday next year.

In not to distant future when we have bigger car and little caravan we will be doing Knockholt. If you have a tent, you will have a lift.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Tootler
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 05:42 PM

Have a look at this page . Gives a list of singaround type weekends.

I recommend the Black Bull Bender. Fantastic, friendly atmosphere. There is free camping or you can book B&B with the Wilkinsons who run the event.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Aeola
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 05:58 PM

Pity you don't live further north. Great atmosphere at Chester FF end of May, and Four Fools,( Traditions now) at Lostock Hall, Preston. But really any are recommended they are all friendly.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Joe G
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 05:59 PM

If you are free over New Year there is a friendly group of us who have informal singarounds in pubs in Whitby - I've blobbed for about 8 years but will be back this year.

Also at the risk of blowing my own trumpet (and why not!) I am hoping that the new festival I am involved at Queensbury, W.Yorks will be a really nice intimate event with great artists, singarouds and music sessions centred round the Victoria Hall in the village - details here - sorry for the garish site - work in progress shall we say!

href="www.myspace.com/queesnburymusic">www.myspace.com/queesnburymusic

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 06:00 PM

Sweeps is really a street dance fest. The gigs in the pubs are electric. There is no camping worthy of mention. The sinagrounds are not what they should be. The Good Intent is fair but too far out of town. I do NOT recommend it. Once upon a time it was WONDERFUL, but no longer.

Broadstairs I also do not recommend. The only camping is on the school site and you have to have a VERY expensive season or be on staff or a performer or with a booked side to get on there. The main street is chavsville. The pub gigs are electric rock thinly disguised as folk in some cases. The sessions/singarounds are overfull, scattered, run to rigid timeframes and not all that. Quite a lot of "Don't you dare join in with us". Not many good beersellers. A lot of the locals are unfriendly "How do you like freak-week, we hate it".

There was a good vibe this year from the wossname in the Marsh thing in Romney Marsh but I know little more.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Joe G
Date: 26 Nov 08 - 06:02 PM

www.myspace.com/queensburymusic

Sorry that should be it!

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: theleveller
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 04:49 AM

Don't miss Ryedale folk weekend, end of May next year. Amazingly good value and some brilliant artists - and the friendliest fest. we've even been to. Oh, and maybe you can get a lift up with Mawking:Causley :0

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 04:57 AM

For me the very best one is Wareham Wail or Verwood to be pedantic.Great Singing
NO Melodeons
Some Concertinas though, well there had to be.
A singing Weekend with a bit of a Midnight Feast .

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: banjoman
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 05:24 AM

Been at Broadstairs for more years than I care to mention and its always been a friendly welcoming set up. The camp site is OK but can be difficult if you have mobility problems and it rains. Otherwise fine - give it a try and we we would love to see you there next year
Pete & maggie

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 05:38 AM

Crediton os very nice and friendly. The Fox and Hounds mentioned by Cats is well worth the Journey. By the time you've got to the back end of the year you will have made enough friends to go anywhere but I particularly reccomend Bromyard and Banbury

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Vin2
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:19 AM

Hiya Rosie

I live near Rochdale, Lancashire and have been going to Saddleworth Folk Festival for the last 10 years. Always a friendly festival i find, which is good as i too go mostly solo these days but alwasy find someone willing to natter when there. It's held in Uppermill with the Civic Hall and Museum being the main venue tho lots goes on around in the pubs and Con club. So if in the area around July next year, hope to see you.

Vin

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:26 AM

The Good Intent is fair but too far out of town. I do NOT recommend it. Once upon a time it was WONDERFUL, but no longer

RB, Not all of us have the past experience as you have regards festivals and how they change with age. Rochester though crowded and crazy does have some good stuff going on at the stages.

The Sing a Round at The George is fine provided leaders show up (no reflection on Kathy and Bob - I know she was injured) and the pub does does not keep putting the speakers on in the fuction room.

Good Intent is WONDERFUL!!!! INMHO. And I (with arthritis in feet and hips) have walked to it from town and back again.

Rosie, if you have not been to Sweeps, you need to see it at least once.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: armanaya
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 08:42 AM

A new festival which will be small and intimate is to be held at Ashover in Derbyshire on 3rd - 5th July 2009. Following on from the successful monthly concerts.
The village has three great pubs all serving good food and real ale and welcome singers and musicians - One has its own Brewery. All venus and camping are very close in the village.

Artists will include The Battlefield Band, Elbow Jane, Kerfuffle, Rosie Doonan See www.xelipromotions.co.uk

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: nutty
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 09:08 AM

It's interesting reading the above threads the different ideas people have of what makes a folk 'festival'.

To my mind a festival brings together all the different strands of the genre, eg dance, song and instruments which would rule out a fair few of the gatherings mentioned above.

Given my interpretation of 'festival' I would nominate Saddleworth and Cleckheaton as not only friendly but extremely good value.

However, I do tend to go to more informal weekends which I think are the most special.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Kampervan
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 11:31 AM

Can't see that anyone has mentioned Beverley yet. Third(ish) weekend in June and a lovely festival.

Not too big but with a good fringe as well as generally good lineups.

Main venue not acoustically brilliant but good camping.

We try to get to it most years

K/van

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: bubblyrat
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 01:29 PM

Two which are very "intimate",and certainly very friendly,are Grove (near Wantage, Oxon),and Forest Folk,which is at Wickham,near Southwick, Portsmouth......only one venue (the village social club) and one walks along a country lane from the campsite,looking for glow-worms !! Magic,on a warm summer evening !

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Fidjit
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 01:38 PM

Although a bit of a distance from Essex (Not too much)Much further for me of course. I have to travel for my kicks (fix)

My vote goes for this one

I always have a good time there. And will be back.

Chas

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: *Laura*
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 01:40 PM

Another vote for the Sidmouth fringe...

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Carol
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 01:49 PM

My vote for festivals proper would be The White Horse and Traditions, both not too big, reasonably priced, plenty of singing, just great weekends even if it does rain!
Now smaller song weekends are a different matter, to go to one a fortnight would suit me but there aren't that many and let's be honest their attraction is often they are smaller and more intimate!!

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 02:35 PM

My vote is for Whitby. The festival is big but the venues are small and intimate. If you don't like something about a venue or the people there then there is always an alternative.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 27 Nov 08 - 05:21 PM

Cambridge was very friendly and intimate , last time I went there, but that was a long time ago, maybe it's changed since then ...

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: growler
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 04:27 PM

Despite what Richard has said Re Rochester Sweeps 'it is too far out of town', it is a ten minute walk from the High Street. You would be warmley welcomed at The Good Intent. There will be 20 ales on sale and they wont run out as last year

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 04:51 PM

Listen to Growler.... definitely warm and welcoming at the Good Intent.

They won't run out of ale? Even though the Good Intent will be the Morris headquarters next year?

Woot! I cannot wait.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Frank_Finn
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 07:13 PM

Why not go offshore?? 2009 will be the 3rd year of the Sligo Traditional Singing weekend, which will take place in the beautiful seaside village of Rosses Point from 2nd to 4th of October 2009. Train -Ferry - Train and your there.
Really friendly and intimate.
See our website for full details.
Sligo Traditional Singing Weekend

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 10:56 PM

The Wail, formerly at Wareham but now at Verwood on the western edge of New Forest, is a fantastic festival. No guest singers, unless they are willing to muck in with the rest of us, and no concerts.
Three venues for song sessions, fantastic beer provided by one of the attendees, a Medieval Banquet included in the price and, if you buy a food ticket for about £12 for the w/e, food is provided.
If transport is needed from Ringwood a word with the organiser can work miracles.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 11:55 PM

as no ones mentioned Priddy Folk Festival yet..


http://www.priddyfolk.org/

dunno how good it is though.. !!??

public transport in this part of the West country is abysmal
and me and the mrs can't drive..

at least Burnham on Sea Folk Fest is more accessable
to main rail network.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 29 Nov 08 - 03:29 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't all instruments, particularly guitars, banned at the Wail?

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Sleepy Rosie
Date: 29 Nov 08 - 03:38 AM

Well thanks to VTam's kind offer, looks like I'll deffo be going to Good Intent! It'll be an all new experience for me, and will be very interesting to take in all the other traditional folk stuff that in past I've only had very minimal exposure to. That in itself will make it worthwhile.

Really love the sound of Old NicKilby & Bonecrunchers 'Wail' next to the New Forest. Ancient English Woodland, singing and a Mediaeval Banquet/midnight feast to boot: have tent and walking boots and camera (and a sachet of Resolve by the sounds of things...), will travel.

And Frank Finns 'Sligo Traditional Singing Weekend' looks really scrummy. The storytelling aspect really appeals, I still have fond memories of being captivated by my Irish Grandfathers ability to fill my mind with complete and utter fantasy, and yet make it utterly convincing! Usually tales of a moral kind involving supernatural elements. I think my mother was virtually in her teens before she started to suspect that the fairies might not actually be real... Also the chance to hear some Sean Nos maybe? Though I think I might possibly want to tack a weekend like that onto a longer weeks hol.

Cheers for suggestions thus far, any further takers?

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: r.padgett
Date: 29 Nov 08 - 03:41 AM

I seem to be going to all the ones mentioned in Yorkshire so far!

Whitby New Year (hello JoeG!)

Barnsley singaround at Easter 2009 with secure carpark and motel!

Doncaster ff

Holmfirth fest of folk

Shepley ff, Cleckheaton ff, Beverley ff (at least for a day)
Saddleworth, Saltburn, Whitby, Sheffield

Warwick and probably Chester ffs!!

If anyone has a lot of workshop/time I am just finishing a Powerpoint presentation on Yorkshire singers (mainly from tradition/source to early revivalist available at a festival near you!!

See also www.yorkshirefolksong.net

Ray

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Nov 08 - 04:23 AM

Yay Rosie! Wish we could take you to the Good Intent Wassail on 20 and 21 Dec, but Chris' daughter is going with us and with people, bags and musical instruments .... well our car is only little.

What about the Maybe Song Ssn Stoke N Kent Sun 28 Dec?

We maybe collecting Pete the Hat in Strood or Rochester (if Dead Horse don't get him first) but there will not be any luggage so all the strummies can go in da boot. And the back seat will hold 2 musicians.

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: Sleepy Rosie
Date: 29 Nov 08 - 04:56 AM

Ooops, sorry I think I misunderstood..!

Subject: RE: Friendly Intimate Folk Festivals? (UK)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 29 Nov 08 - 05:50 AM

Hya Rosie

I offered a lift in May to go to the Sweeps in Rochester (sessions @ the Good Intent). I have now offered you a lift for 28 December song session in Stoke.

For the Wassail at Good Intent on 20 and 21 December, we are taking Chris daughter and staying the night. Don't think we can fit 4 adults, luggage and instruments into one little Seat Arosa. Well maybe if some of us hold luggage on lap. hhmmmmm!    I'll PM you.