Middlewich Festival Director Resigns

Subject: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Busy Lizzie
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 12:49 PM

Who cares, most of you are probably saying, but I know I do have many friends and a few anenemies on this here mudcat, seriously though I want you to hear it from the horses mouth!

As those of you know me will know - I am passionate about live music and passionate about this festival and I have without any doubt enjoyed and learned LOADS since I began as a committee member a few years ago. I think I am now quite a well respected festival organiser with a reasonable knowledge of music and bands in this folk world. But the time has come to move on and whilst it is never a good time to make a decision about something you love doing, here's my reason and if you just ain't interested you can stop reading now!!

I have been very busy over the last few months as you can guess, in the build up to MFAB 2009, and over the festival weekend itself and what a fantastic festival it was, the brilliant team as always working together to make it happen - our new venue a resounding success, all bands happy and as far as I can tell all venues happy and it seems to me the Gloom Band may even be just a little bit happy! A huge thank you to all of you who took part, both officially and unofficially for making this festival what it is. Sadly though good things must come to an end and I must spend more time with my family (they don't recognise me) my friends (if I have any left) and my husband, er I think his name is.............Ian, ah yes that's him the big bloke with a squeezebox. Consequently I have offered my resignation to the committee this week as I have one or two more ventures up my sleeve, one is our trip to Anglesey for our Bull Bay Festival on 30th 31st July 1st 2nd August. Contact me for details;
Liz e-mail
and a few more festival organising oportunities and of course for my new career singing both as guest singer with Dr Bob and the Wildboys and as me with the lovely band 'The Lizettes,' now here's a little treat for you; we hope you like it;

Let's see if I can make this clicky thing work!!


'The Lizettes' for your watching pleasure!!


Best Wishes to all you festival goers, we look forward to seeing you all at Festivals over the summer!!

Liz Rosenfield

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Jack Campin
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 01:24 PM

You mean this.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 02:46 PM

Utterly wonderful

Best of luck Liz

tx

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Lizzie
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 02:05 PM

Thanks Tom!!

We had lots of fun making it!!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Mo the caller
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 02:23 PM

We enjoyed this years fringe, as ever. As far as we are concerned most of the best bits at Middlewich seem to be free. Thanks for all your work.

When can we see the plasticine band live?

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 03:19 PM

We are working on that!!
Glad you enjoyed it, my festival organising is far from over! Lots of singing to do so little time!!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 12:53 PM

Liz,

We've had our little differences and a few skirmishes over the last few years,none of which, thankfully, made it into the often rough waters of the Mudcat.
Although I can be difficult, bloody-minded and unreasonable sometimes (can't we all?)I can claim the virtue of being able to hold my hand up and admit it when I'm wrong.
So now I'm in the happy position of being able to say thank you for all you have done for the festival which I had a hand in starting way back in 1990 (I always call myself a 'founder member' - to clarify,the festival wasn't my idea, but I was at the first meetings, and was the festival's first MC and publicity director).
Your hard work and dedication has helped make sure that MFAB has survived to celebrate its twentieth birthday next year (for those feeling a little confused, the numbers are correct - the 2001 festival didn't happen because of foot and mouth disease, making twenty festivals since 1990 instead of twenty-one).
In fact I have it on the authority of a very senior member of the committee that, without you, the festival would never have survived at all.
So well done Liz, and good luck in all your future endeavours.
The Lizettes video is brilliant, BTW. I've heard other versions of that song, and you knocked them all into a cocked hat.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Liz
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 06:44 PM

Dave, I appreciate your kind and honest words,

I have learned that there are always those who find it hard to accept change and when I took over as Director many people didn't understand how it came about and seemed to look for fault and maybe wanted to turn back time, but I knew that I had inherited what I could see to be piece of something special, a festival that although small (by some standards)has a huge reputation as a renowned international FOLK and BOAT festival and I treated it with respect.

Until only a few days ago I had been asked to and was intending to choose and book the bands for next years festival but not be so involved in the full running of the festival, but sadly I will say that I once again have been put in a position where my integrity was being questioned and I decided that enough is enough, I have done my best for a festival that I have been truly passionate about and it has been a fantastic experience, I have met some wonderful people, been invited to some fab parties and can drop names with the best of them. I have also met people who have become good friends for life. I am very lucky to have had that opportunity and alongside that some of those same people have encouraged me to find 'my voice' and here I am a singer in a band!

As with many things run by committees and directors who are local good people they are not festival goers and don't understand the 'ethos' of the folk festival. Too many things being questions and decisions made behind my back.

Hence I walk away from a festival that has been the most successful in years and my reputation as a respected festival organiser is (by the messages of support I have received) not in doubt.

I am looking forward to new projects and working again with many of the good friends I have made in this folk business.

I do wish the current committee well and hope they continue the festivals success.

And Dave thank you,

Liz

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 07:15 PM

Good luck Lizzie

I searched for info about the Bull's Bay festival & came up empty handed. I'll be in the UK during those dates & was looking about for the one weekend I'd be able to hit a festival & you just hit upon it. Check your e-mail

All my best

Barry

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 10:32 PM

The Bull Bay Festival is part of Lost In The Mist's Mini Tour of Wales 2009. There's a little bit about it at www.bobwebbmusic.co.uk (click on Bob's photo, and then the Lost In The Mist section). We'll be featuring more details of the actual festival soon.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Busy Lizzy
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 03:06 AM

I shall update my website as soon as I get a day off work!! Hey that's today!!

InAnyEvent website

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Bass Harmony
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 07:28 AM

The Festival was megga. AS ALWAYS. It will take a big person to fill your shoes Those of us who have been around for years on the folk circuit have nothing but admiration and respect for all you have done and are very grateful for the opportunities you have provided for us to inflict our music on the unsuspecting public. Madcap had one of their best gigs for years when people kicked the tables and chairs out of the way in the beer tent and started forming sets and dancing, without a caller and to an acoustic band. That's what folk festivals used to be about.
Hold yer head up Kid.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Amazed
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 07:35 AM

Right at the end of a wonderful weekend for me and my family some people I think committee members (they were all wearing Badges) were shouting at you.I was amazed and it took the edge off a lovely night. What were they thinking of. If this is what you had to put up with, no wonder you have resigned. Thanks for a lovely festival , will try to make Bull Bay

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Mr Happy
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 08:18 AM

http://inanyevent.org.uk/joomla/

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Mr Happy
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 08:41 AM

Liz,

You've done more than MFAB, you've been SUPERFAB!!!

Mr Happy, the Gloom Band & the enhanced lineup of the Miserichords were at the end of the day over the moon!!

We're all so looking forward to next month's extravaganda in Anglesey, have you arranged the scorchio weather like you cleverly provided for all last year??

Can't wait to see the Lizettes - could they be the next big thing?

Cheers once again & shame on detractors [anenemies?], guess your competance rubbed 'em up wrong way - perhaps next big Lizettes hit could be 'Jealousy'??

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Mr Happy
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 08:47 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aFWEJFiKag

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Busy Lizzy
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 12:35 PM

Thanks Mr Happy, weather booked but don't sue me if it rains!!

Appreciate your words and I am learning the words to that song as we speak!

Very astute Mr Happy!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Aeola
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 05:20 PM

Sorry to hear your decision, but, as you say, things move on.Best of luck for the future and sorry I missed your last MFAB as director!
Bob

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Bass Harmony
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 07:09 PM

Just been to my local folk club where the feeling is disbelief and sorrow at your loss. Will The Middlewich Festival ever be the same again? I think not. Enjoy your time with the big man, you sing so well together, even if he does play the melodian. It is a rare thing to play on such a well run stage. Loved Mr Happy's link.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Busy Lizzy
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 09:12 AM

I appreciate everyone's kind words and without going into details, this shows me what good freinds and associates I have in this business. Whilst I realise that I am not invincible! Anyone can book bands for an event, and co-ordinate the event, work with a team of volunteers, cook meals for artists, run Martin Carthy around in my old ford focus, buy the riders, clean up after each set of artists, make more sandwiches, organise the venues, talk to the licencees, before, during and after the event, clean up again, make more sandwiches, make sure my husbands bands don't clash, feed my children whilst they sit for hours on an undermanned ticket desk, clean up after punters leave, move chairs on and off a dance floor, arrange take out food for hard working sound engineers, make cups of tea for artists, liaise with stewards, MC's (whose professionalism I am indebted to) act as stage manager, Mrs Clean up, feed my own kids again, re-tidy artists dressing rooms, and dash about making sure that bands appear at the right venues, find them when they arrive at the wrong ones..... don't get me wrong, I do have help from brilliant volunteers and stewards and their families, I have endless phone calls about anything from a lost band to a time muddle up, all solvable and resolved on the spot and have a successful gig or two with my own band, yes that brought in an audience too! And for the record I am not paid - I know the rules! Hang on, don't Fairport play at Fairport Convention? Don't the Levellers play at Beautiful Days, Oysterband at Big Session... ???

Oh and for those who are not sure and still think I am the woman who just books the bands as I was informed on the final night by an inebriated director whom I wouldn't allow onto the stage mid concert, those said bands come to MFAB because whether huge artistes or local up and coming young folkies, they come because I ask them to, because they want the prestige of being at a well run festival with a huge reputation, because they want to be seen at MFAB and some come for little or no money because being at MFAB is worth more, or for a very reduced fee - because of same reason and because they like me and trust me - and in mistakenly calling those same musicians 'my friends' it has been suggested that I am showing a 'conflict of interest' in my choice of bookings. How wrong that accusation is.

If any of the bands booked this year for fringe or mainstage by myself were there for any ulteriour motive on my part is a very big and virtually slanderous proposal. I have built up relationships with some of the biggest and the best artists in the folk world and the unheard of's on their way up, and am very proud of those relationships. Without which the current directors seem to have missed the crucial point, without those relationships and negotiations with both artists and agents alike, I could not have achieved a festival this year that not only made money on ticket sales but brought us back from a deficit last year. I am both hurt and saddened that non of those directors actually spoke to me about those concerns in advance of the festival, but due to a final unpleasant incident at the end of the last concert, witnessed by many I felt obliged to resign.

Sadly the exciting plans I had for booking the mainstage bands for next year will now not come to fruition certainly not under the current guise of MFAB. I don't know why I am writing this here, perhaps because I am a genuinely honest person who is feeling a little hurt right now and who has given up 7 years of mine and my families life to volunteering at a music festival, which we have all truly enjoyed and as those of you who do similar know it isn't just a once a month meeting, but I'll get over it, I have had messages of support not just on here but news travels fast and I have had emails and text messages from many people who know what has taken place.

Alongside the current chair of MFAB with whom I have no issue with who is as distressed as I am I hope we will be making a public statement next week. By next week this will all be old news!

Thank you for letting me have a rant! Perhaps I needed to get that off my chest! I am moving on! Look forward to seeing some of you at festivals over the summer!

Liz

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Bass Harmony
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 12:13 PM

Per Ardua Ad Astra !Nil Illigitimo Carbarundum !

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,festival visitor
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 01:34 PM

We did see a bit of a commotion at the end of the Jim Moray concert, but to be honest Liz the Festival Director seemed to be the only person trying to make peace and in the time it took us to leave the venue she had calmed down some hysterical people, who seemed to think it was ok to have this shouting match in the foyer as we were all leaving, the young lady in the fairy outfit waving a beer glass and shouting at her about who's in charge seemed a bit out of order no matter what. We enjoy MFAB nearly every year as we come visiting some friends who have a boat, and we buy a ticket if we feel like it, and we like Jim Moray, we have seen Liz buzzing about doing her job in a very unassuming manner.She has a smile for everyone no matter how busy she is. Don't really know what went on, but I for one appreciated the flow of the concert and I thought the MC big Dave did a marvelous job. Thank you Liz for a great weekend. We'll be keeping a look out for your next event.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Josher
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 08:23 AM

I feel that I must reply to Busy Lizzie after having kept my peace for a number of years concerning the running of the festival, and therefore I wish to make a number of points.

1. Yes, Fairport, The Levellers, and The Oysterband play at THEIR festivals, note the emphasis on their, but Middlewich is and has never been anyone's personal festival although Busy Lizzie would like it as such.

2. Yes in the context of Middlewich the festival director only books the bands and nothing else or that is how it should be.

3. Big Bands were coming to Middlewich long before Busy Lizzie had anything to do with the festival.

4. Early in 2009 the festival was not only in deficit as it had been for a number of years but was effectiveley bankrupt.

If Busy Lizzie wishes to contact me on any of the above points she is welcome to, she knows where to find me.

Josher

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 10:29 AM

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ADBR&defl=en&q=define:sour+grapes&ei=JcRMSruOK5yh
????

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 10:37 AM

'4. Early in 2009 the festival was not only in deficit as it had been for a number of years but was effectiveley bankrupt.


So presumeably you're unhappy its now in the black??

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Josher
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 11:34 AM

But is it???

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Guest, harmony singer
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 06:07 PM

Small man syndrome?

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 05:50 AM

Here's a link to our wesbite, which has a further link to info. about the Bull Bay Festival

http://www.bobwebbmusic.co.uk

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 05:51 AM

....and 'wesbite' is just our eccentric way of saying 'website' (or, in this case, 'webbsite'

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Busy Lizzy
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 07:54 AM

I feel that I must reply to Busy Lizzie after having kept my peace for a number of years concerning the running of the festival, and therefore I wish to make a number of points.

Peace Josher, that is not something you understand. Your behaviour towards myself and other members of the festival committee past and present, some of whom you are actually related to are far from peaceful. I have kept the peace for several years now as I value their close friendships obviously more than you do.

1. Yes, Fairport, The Levellers, and The Oysterband play at THEIR festivals, note the emphasis on their, but Middlewich is and has never been anyone's personal festival although Busy Lizzie would like it as such.

Rubbish Josher - a good working relationship is unlikely by most people to be misconstrued as 'ownership' unless insinuated by you Josher and you show yourself up to be very ignorant indeed and how little you know about festival organising.

2. Yes in the context of Middlewich the festival director only books the bands and nothing else or that is how it should be.

For a teacher you show yet more ignorance, read up your meaning of 'director!'

3. Big Bands were coming to Middlewich long before Busy Lizzie had anything to do with the festival.

...and your point is?


4. Early in 2009 the festival was not only in deficit as it had been for a number of years but was effectiveley bankrupt

...and have MFAB directors brought it back - as a team funnily enough?!

If Busy Lizzie wishes to contact me on any of the above points she is welcome to, she knows where to find me.

Now why would I want to do that? You have blanked me been rude to me and my closest friends for the last few years - can't say I have anything you'd really want to hear from me now. No Josher, you stay where it is nice and safe - on mudcat!


Josher

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: greg stephens
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 08:10 AM

I've been involved with MFAB from the start, with the Boat Band and as an individual. And I hope to continue to do so. I wasn't there this year, so I haven't a clue what all this controversy is about: but could I draw contributors' attention to the old saying about dirty linen? (Entertaining as a slaggingoff-fest can be).

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Bass Harmony
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 08:36 AM

I have no Idea who Josher might be, but they are obviously not acquainted with the same Liz that we are.
If Liz has run the festival for her own needs, then thankfully her needs coincide with those of the vast majority. The bands that have been booked reflect a wide range of taste within the folk arts and have please thousands. On The Main Stage and around the fringe.
Many festivals are going through a hard time financially and many have pulled out altogether this year.To pull off a financial success in the current climate and with very little appropriate advertising was remarkable.
If the Festival director had Just booked the bands, even predating Liz, then the festival would have gone no where.All good festivals have front and back of house management as well as stage management and we have always been well looked after at Middlewich which is why we like to play there. In addition at Middlewich, Liz also looks after a wide and varied fringe, which must be very hard to control.
It has to be said that whilst Liz has achieved all these tasks with good humor despite her obvious exhaustion, many of the committee have been conspicuous through their absence.

There is always someone who thinks that they can do better or that things should be done differently and there are those who for their own needs wish to see successful people crash and burn. How sad.
There are few festivals where the artists are looked after so well before during and after the event.
It is a long while since I have read such utter rubbish. If your that good Josher, run your own festival with your book only policy and see how you get on.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Chris Green
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 09:34 AM

What Greg said. I don't think a public spat is going to do anyone any favours. Might be an idea to keep this to the pm's, guys.

Chris

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: GUEST,Bass Harmony
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 10:23 AM

Yup Me too. Sadly there will be no PMs as Liz has been excluded from all that. Lets just remember the good times. Over and Out.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 10:41 AM

Thanks to Liz & Dave for the info on the Bull's Bay fest, we (Myself, Carole & Andrew) are still looking at making this a possibility.

Barry

Subject: RE: Middlewich Festival Director Resigns
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 12:25 PM

I have said my bit, I'd prefer it too if grievances and grudges had been dealt with at the time and not brought up here much later. My initial thread was to tell my friends and my 'enenemies' that I was resigning from the festival committee. I had no idea it would open such a can of worms - I cannot help that. I have no intention of continuing this thread or carrying on any further arguments with Josher or anyone else and once again, thanks to all of you who know me for supporting the festival over the years.