Otley Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Aug 10 - 06:18 PM

And this year?

Anyone have the energy to initiate a 2010 thread who knows what is going on?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 26 Sep 09 - 08:35 AM

I bet the guy in shorts, Angi, was Muppett.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Dunc at work
Date: 26 Sep 09 - 07:14 AM

Post above - 'sea shanities'

I schumtimes shushpect my own shanity, Mish Moneypenny! ;0)

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Angi
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 09:52 AM

Had a fantastic weekend, didn't see any of the concerts, just went around the pubs and listened to the singers and musicians, particularly like a couple outside the White swan on friday night, they said they ran a festival in Wales, they did blue grass music, also loved a guy in shorts !!!! who I saw at various pubs over the weekend singing a whole range of parodies, one about ghost chickens in the sky and sea shanities.

Does anyone know who they were.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Leila....
Date: 25 Sep 09 - 09:50 AM

I had a lovely time at Otley!

Well done Steve and Crew.. you did a great job!

I purchased a 'Weekend Ticket' and certainly got my moneys worth out of it.. and more.

Just wish I could go back a week and do it all again!

SOH were spot on.. great gig! I loved every gig I went to..

But I will say... Anna Shannon was Fantastic!

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Lady Nancy
Date: 24 Sep 09 - 01:38 PM

I was there Friday night and Saturday lunchtime with friends for the "fringe" and we had a great time. Mainly music on the Friday night and a grand mixture of music, song (accompanied and unaccompanied) and poetry on the Saturday lunchtime. It is great to meet up again with people many of whom we only ever see at Otley and here's to the next one!
LN

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 06:15 PM

I've got the bill from the cash & carry Dunc if that'll do - even better if you'll pay it for me :)

Having escaped the torment of the bathroom stores for so long the return of Fiona's prodigal son with his careless way with a shower head necessitated urgent action!

I know where I would have much rather been!!

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Aeola
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 05:03 PM

Duncan Mac summed it up perfectly, the closure & threatened closure/room might not be ready(Red Lion) etc does not make for easy organising. Well Done every one!! As a steward I found over the years that I was on duty when people I had never heard of were performing. How fortunate was I?? One of those was Isambarde, several years ago. Everyone has to start somewhere whatever their job!!

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 23 Sep 09 - 04:48 AM

I hope you can produce a legit excuse note from yer ma, Joe.
If not.... ;0)

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 04:20 PM

Sorry I didn't get there as planned on Sunday. After 10 years needing a new bathroom we had to spend Sunday buying all the bits so we can have it done while we are away and hopefully say goodbye to damp ceilings. Looks like we missed a good day!

Congratulations to all involved - hopefully we should be there next year as usual.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GerryMc
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 11:21 AM


Thanks Albion-al for the mention. I'll pass on what you said to the other Otley performers who don't follow Mudcat.

I personally had a fantastic time. All the concerts I either played or watched as a punter were well attended. My band had a great time, were well received and sold a record number of CDs. And we had a great time at the sessions too.

As JimL points out above, anyone who doesn't go to concerts because the acts are not known to them can be potentially missing out on a lot. I reiterate this point, not because I have a vested interest as my band might be classed as 'small font', but because this is exactly how I discovered Ember!

I heartily agree with all the points Duncan mentions. Putting a festival on isn't easy. All praise to Steve and everyone involved.

Most festivals, whilst not necessarily publishing the actual programme in advance, certainly make the artist list available. That's how they sell tickets! There really is no excuse for thinking that there aren't enough international/celebrity/bold font acts (whatever you wanna call 'em) performing. Please check in advance I would say.

Here's to next year


Gerry :-)

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Albion-al
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 09:58 AM

What a great weekend!!

Otley festival always seems to suffer from some kind of disaster, over the last few years the event has been threatened by to name a few things :- Foot and mouth , pub closures,flooded camp sites, no licence in main venue, caterers pulling out at last minute,

however,I always seem to have a good weekend, this year being no exception, I'm a great lover of Folk Rock and in the Duncan McFarlane band we have the finest example of this genre in the country today, I also saw Something Nasty in the Woodshed and the Sunday afternoon marathon with Hall Brothers was a real treat.

I also attended lovely singarounds in the Red Lion , watched dancing in the streets and sampled the beer in a few pubs. also attending a few "small font" concerts which Otley excells in,people like Dave vermond and Gerry Mcneice although otley regulars should be national names.

And to finish Steve Tilson, Show of Hands, Ben and Joe ,what more do I need to say !!!

Cheers Steve and everyone , I'll be back next year

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: johncharles
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 07:42 AM

We had a great time doing a session in the three horseshoes on saturday and the Cross Pipes on sunday. The line up looked really good to me and if we hadn't been playing I would certainly having tried to catch some of the performances.
People go to festivals for different reasons some to participate some to see concerts etc. etc. The line up was known beforehand so there can be no real complaint after the event about who was on.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Acorn4
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 07:34 AM

The Methodist Hall worked very well for acts like Steve Tilston, Denny and Chris and SOH. The fact that there was no "BOLD PRINT" meant you didn't have to queue for hours to see people from three miles away in a huge marquee.

The format of a few big names plus local artists works very well and keeps the cost down.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Duncan McFarlane
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 06:36 AM

Peter Stockport's opinion (above) is, obviously, as valid as anyone else's.
But I suspect he isn't aware of the struggle to put on the festival this year.
Must stress, I am not one of the organizers, but I do have first hand info (as an Otley Folk Club regular) on the sequence of events…..

Advance notice was (as far back as last year's fest) that the Fest couldn't have the Main venue – the Civic.
Without that venue, big name acts were 'off' and the organizers set up the fest for 09 as a very much pared-down affair relying on local acts – as without big names, numbers would (of course) be down – and for a few months, facing such loss of advance revenue, there was even the likelihood it would run just Sat & Sun and no camping!
Suddenly, months after things are usually set in place – and much already agreed and in place (eg the hiring of the Methodist Hall and contracts with many local artists) the local Council gave word that the proposed refurb of the Civic was postponed and it was now available (for all EXCEPT the Sunday eve).
The organizers were faced with the choice – leave it as a low-key affair – or attempt to widen the choice.
Snag now, of course – most 'named' or 'national' acts have their bookings sorted a good year of more in advance – there was little chance of having a pick from the whole field by that stage.
The publicity 'machine' re all the national mags was also, now, way behind – as was publicity through all the usual channels (leaflet distribution at events all year)
Phone calls to old faves & friends of the fest, favours called-in – and main-man Steve magically conjured up….
Show of Hands, Steve Tilston, Chris Sherburn with Denny Bartley (ie Last Night's Fun), Mawkin/Causley, Harvey Andrews, Ben & Joe Broughton – that's six INTERNATIONALLY renowned acts.
That's about the usual number of 'headliners' for Otley in any year!
- The sort of acts in the bold letters at the top of the usual posters.

Then came all the acts in the next font-size down (listed before all the local acts – though also including some local acts that are known 'nationally'!) For example….
Stanley Accrington, Hekety (for the ceilidh), Ember, Grace Notes, The Hall Brothers, D'Urbervilles and my own McF band!
All these names have featured 'nationally' at festivals all over the UK for some years (and, indeed, currently!)
….From main stage Sidmouth to Shrewsbury to Scotland!

Next font-size down on the poster came all the local acts – so many of quality there, too!
And such acts provide much needed backbone to any festival.

I am sorry Peter didn't enjoy his festival. There are always some that don't – fair enough.
But this festival was unreservedly a GREAT success, in extremely difficult circumstances – hugely enjoyed by the greater proportion of those attending – I know – I've had that much feedback - personally, from the public, other artists – and from the stewards/organizers et al.

My hat's off to Steve, all his team, the stewards, stallholders, Moor & Coast at the campsite and particularly to the Food Hall saviours 'Rejoice' who stepped in to do the (wonderful!) catering at the Civic Hall with about a day and a half's notice!

Well done Steve and all – you even did a good job on the weather again!
(Once again – for example)
There were 250+ folk on the Cricket Club outfield, in blazing sunshine, watching us McF's play outdoors in front of the pavilion at Sunday teatime!
From the atmosphere generated, the dancing that went on, the smiles and the rousing applause – something good was happening!
All the best – Duncan

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 06:29 AM

I don't know who Peter saw on Sunday but I couldn't classify anyone I saw as 'average local club talent'.
And as for the Nationals, that's one thing I like about Otley, there is the mix between big acts and upcoming unknowns ready to hit the bigtime. I remember Karine Polwart playing several years ago just as she was becoming famous, what a gig that was. And for one concert to have Chris Sherburn & Denny Bartley, Anna Shannon, and Rosie Doonan & The Snapdragons you couldn't ask for much more.

The Ceilidh was odd, but the same thing happened at Beverley festival this year - must only have been 20ish people there too and as Jim pointed out, they stopped forcing people to go some years back ;-)

Looking forward to next year already.

Snozz

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 05:11 AM

I went with two friends on Friday night, we played in two sessions, the second one in the back room of the Red Lion was excellent, some good bluegrass musicians there.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: jimL
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 04:03 AM

Thanks Aeola, that's how most folks felt. Just wanted to correct a typing slp in my previous post - Ben & Joe did an extra 3 quarters of an hour - they were down for a one hour set, and gave us an hour and three quarters - plus they had two brilliant backing people - fiddler Paloma Trigas, who believe it or not was fiddling as fast (or faster?) than Joe (check her out on Google) and a female vocalist whose name I don't know. (Anyone help? Think she might be Ben's sig other.)

One of my "picks" of the weekend was Ember, but there were so many outstanding acts besides the ones I mentioned earlier - Grace Notes, Mawkin Causley, The Durbervilles, Duncan McF in multiple manifestations, Bayou Gumbo. Well, check the website if you weren't there, and judge for yourself. And for anyone who ignores the names they don't know, I'll guarantee you missed something brilliant :0)

Thanks to everyone who helped, by the way, stewards, MCs, camp site people - the poor folk in the office ...

cheers
Jim

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Aeola
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 05:34 PM

rEALLY ENJOYED THE FEST. DID SEEM TO BE ABOUT 2/3RDS ON LAST YEAR BUT WEATHER WAS GREAT AND THE ACTS WERE EXTREMELY GOOD WHEN THE COST OF A W/E TICKET IS CONSIDERED.THE THURSDAY NIGHT IN KORKS WAS BRILL!!A GREAT START TO THE FEST.. WELL DONE TO THE ORGS & SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: jimL
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 04:49 PM

I had a great festival - although I was working most of it either MCing or singing or whatever. I was really impressed with the quality of young acts like Kat Gilmore & Jamie Roberts, and Rosie Doonan was a revalation.
I see someone complaining about the lack of "National" acts. For a smallish festival to have Steve Tilston, Show of Hands, Ben & Joe, just as they spring to mind, is pretty good. As to why the ceilidh wasn't well attended, if it wasn't, then I guess we could have forced people in at gunpoint :0).
The reason you get multiple sessions in one pub is because Otley, unlike many festivals spawns spontaneous sessions. What can you do? I've been to festivals with empty pubs or hopeless little gaggles of singers in fusty corners and hardly any sessions at all - I know which I'd choose.

I understand that SOH were brilliant. Ben and Joe certainly were - they were booked for a 1hour set, and did an hour and a quarter - magic.

The other thing I would point out, is that Otley, which has never been very expensive, held its prices this year.

Anyway, I know that the majority of people had a great time, and said so. The weather was brilliant - Duncan MacFarlane Band electric did an awesome outdoor gig in front of the Cricket Pavilion on Sunday afternoon.

And one last thing. The caterers who came in at three day's notice, and who had no idea what to expect did a brilliant job at the Civic, against all the odds.

See you all next year, I hope
Jim

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Banjiman
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 03:00 PM

We had a great time. Enjoyed The Old Time session on Saturday afternoon.

Courthouse was full for most of Saturday night..... thoroughly enjoyed all the acts. Always good to catch the up & coming. Missed all the "National" Acts as we working (or childminding) when they were on. Thought Korks was a great little venue, and reasonably well attended while we were there, especially for a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Well done to Steve and the team for a great festival.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: MG John
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 02:27 PM

A big thankyou to everyone involved in this festival. The best Otley Folk Festival yet?

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Captain Farrell
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 01:23 PM

I will admit that the pub sessions did seem quieter but to have Show of Hands/B and J Broughton/Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley plus loads of other good acts was a TRIUMPH as good as it gets.
Rgds. Captain Farrell

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: s&r
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 12:35 PM

Worth a ticket just to see Ben and Joe Broughton. Spectacular as ever, superb musicians and full of fun.

That's how to finish a festival with a bang.

Stu

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Peter Stockport
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 12:09 PM

Hmm,
Thought it was poor meself.
Only a few 'Named' acts and it was very quiet. There were only 14 people in the Saturday night ceildh. What a waste of a 250 seater hall.
SOH were a beacon above a lot of average local club talent on Sunday.
The same opinions were expressed by the people we met on the bus and in the various venues.
We estimated it was at least a third down at the campsite and well over half at most of the concerts on three years ago.
Too many venues and not enough national acts.
What a shame as it's been a fantastic festival in years past.
what did you think?
Peter

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,BBP, back at work :-( boo!
Date: 21 Sep 09 - 08:19 AM

Fantastic weekend, weather was mainly warm and sunny. Sunday afternoons outdoor gig was a brilliant move :-).

SOH were a great ending to the proceedings and a word of recognition from the Patron himself sent me home with a stupid grin on my face!.

See you all again next year.

Dancing Queen

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Acorn4
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 08:01 PM

We went for the first time and had a great time. Good to have a campsite where you didn't have to arrive at the crack of dawn to get a space.

Good the way so many of the pubs were involved. The Methodist Hall was a good venue in spite of the non alcohol.

Just one thing though - When in the Manor have two sessions/singarounds in neighbouring alcoves of the pub, so people can't hear what's going on in either?

Is this just "stubborn Yorkshire"?

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 20 Sep 09 - 06:14 PM

Like many festivals in these austere times Otley was quieter than usual, but still a damn good festival and everyone I met seemed to really enjoy it.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 19 Sep 09 - 03:06 PM

Had a nice day there. Bit cold but no rain and a very good old time session in the back yard of the Cross Pipes.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 07:42 PM

will get there on Sunday for a while - Saturdy we are off to Saltaire Festival - Sunday a.m. buying bathroom so will probably miss Hall Brothers alfresco gig :(

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,BBP at work for 5 more mins...
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 09:28 AM

then I'm off too!.

I hope Steve has the fine (dry) weather booked again this year.

BBP

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 08:34 PM

Yeah! it worked. Majic!!

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 08:32 PM

Does 51 make it go blue with an asterix? - let's see......

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 08:03 PM

P.S: Wrap up warm, it's going to be cold at night!

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 08:01 PM

All packed up and ready to go. See you all there Mudcatter chums. It's one of the last, final fling, folk weekends of the year, so go along with the full intention of letting your hair down and having a damn good time. Make the most of it in these austere and difficult times and f*** the consequences!!!!!!! Enjoy!

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Sarah, Barnsley
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 01:35 PM

The Session planned for the Yeoman Sat 12pm has no moved to the 3 horseshoes.

S

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 12:21 PM

Nice one Snozz.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 01:20 PM

Oh no, Leveller - that is not good news :-(.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: theleveller
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 12:00 PM

Sod! Doesn't look like we'll be able to make it.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 10:47 AM

Campsite is here, along A659, just past the Garden Centre. Regular bus into town or 10 minute walk

Otley Campsite

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 09:56 AM

Thanks Snozz and SoldierBoy, that's a help and a start. Looking forward to meeting you both.
M

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mrs Banjiman
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 09:06 AM

Thanks Deirdre, I couldn't find anything on the website.

We'll see you there.

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,BBP at work
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 08:57 AM

Wendy,

Campsite is on Pool Road (A659), Festival office is on Walkergate, opposite the turning to Charles Street. I think it's the Labour Club / Liberal Club?. Certainly not the Cons Club cos I know where that is - good venue!. Just googled it: Labour Club, Walkergate, LS21 1HB.

They will give you directions to the campsite.

See you there!

Deirdre

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Mrs Banjiman
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 08:00 AM

Anyone have an address for the festival office? and/or a postcode for the campsite?

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,BBP at work
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 05:56 AM

I'll look out for you, Oombanjo.

Deirdre

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: oombanjo
Date: 15 Sep 09 - 02:06 PM

Looks like a long old time session then. how many tunings

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Sarah, Barnsley
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 01:13 PM

String Theory are running a couple of open mixed sessions - come and join us if you can.

Sat - The Yeoman
Sun - The Cross Pipes

start time 12pm ish (its in the programme, which I don't have a copy of to hand)


and I expect we'll be joining / starting some unofficial sessions too.

S x

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Snozz
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 05:30 AM

for MoorleyMan:

Organised Singaround Sessions listed are 5.30 at the Red Lion, Friday,
5pm at the Red Lion Saturday and 2pm at the Red Lion Sunday. As others have said, there should be plenty of room for other impromptu sessions

Snozz

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 03:25 AM

I telephoned the fest organiser (easily done, see their website)
- word is - it is 'preferred you call at the fest office (only a short hop along the road from the campsite anyway)
as they are geared up for taking cash (cask float and all)

Subject: RE: Otley Folk Festival
From: Soldier boy
Date: 13 Sep 09 - 10:00 PM

Sounds like you must have been. Just head for 'The Manor', stay put and you won't go far wrong.