MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]

Subject: Middlewich 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 14 Feb 10 - 06:22 AM

I've started this new thread as an offshoot from the 'Dom Collins in Middlewich thread' in order to find out if anyone has any information about the 20th Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival.
I have left a message on the festival site's own forum asking for information and await a reply.
Has anyone heard anything?

MFAB FORUM

(Click on 'Festival Discussion - Music')

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 20 Feb 10 - 04:00 AM

Well, information is still hard to come by, but I'm told that the line-up includes Show Of Hands, and that there will be a return to the marquee on Market Field this year.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 21 Feb 10 - 01:45 PM

This just in from the MFAB site:


Thanks for waiting - here are some of the artists and bands we've got lined up for you this year. All subject to contract of course.

In no particular order, we're bringing you MABON, SHOW OF HANDS, QUEENSBERRY RULES, TOM PALMER, LITTLE JOHNNY ENGLAND, PETER KNIGHT'S GIGSPANNER, THE LONNIE DONEGAN BAND with PETE DONEGAN, STAN'S MAGIC FOOT and PHIL COOL and KEN NICOL.

There'll be lots more too, and names will be added as soon as we've got them; the EARLYBIRD TICKET OFFER - which is open until April 30 - will be on the Booking page in a few days time with full weekend tickets at just £65. We've held ticket prices for the second year running, so look out for it and save yourself some money.

Please note that tickets for individual concerts will not be on sale until May 1. So try not to be too impatient.

-----------------------------------------
- not sure if this means that the idea of inviting back artists who've appeared at MFAB since 1990 is still going ahead.

LINK



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Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 06:23 AM

No mention of fringe stuff yet!

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 07:10 AM

No, not yet. I've been told by the proprietors of The Boar's Head that no one from the festival has been in touch. Ditto the Golden Lion. I'm keeping a watching brief on what's happening.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 07:14 AM

The website has been updated with a new logo and some information. The target date for most information seems to be what MFAB are calling the 'normal' date of May 1st.
I would have thought this perilously close to Festival time, but what do I know?

http://www.midfest.org.uk

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 07:45 AM

P'raps just do our own fringe, as is 'traditional'??

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 10:53 AM

Mr H,

Who can say?

This is what it says on the website about the fringe:

'.... all sections will hopefully be updated before 1st May, however, items like the Fringe and Workshops pages may not get published until very close to the time of the Festival ...'

So how does one organise an 'unofficial' fringe event when one doesn't know whether or not it will clash with an 'official' fringe event at the same venue?

This all comes of MFAB always having organised its own fringe, which is unusual, and quite possibly unique.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: GUEST,Quiet Observer
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 04:26 AM

Perhaps a few more messages to the forum and the committee would take notice. There don't seem to be many 'folk bands' booked. Lonnie Donnegans son's band is rubbish - seen them. Can't see them pulling a crowd for the folkies, some of them other bands - never heard of them. Not exactly mainstream folk, a bit obscure if you ask me. Wonder what Beverley is offering this year. Also Wirral Folk on Coast has got some good stuff on.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Fidjit
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 04:10 AM

I see the Festival date is just before Mid-Summer.

Mid-Summer Day over here in Sweden is the 26th. !!!

Chas

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 09:05 AM

Hurrah!

Some news (of sorts) at last.

Someone called 'jb' (probably not the late former poet laureate) has posted a snippet on the MFAB forum to the effect that:

The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra will be at the 2010 festival

Anything known?

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 12:49 PM

....and here at last is some welcome news of main events at Middlewich this year, from Marketing Director Tim Turner.



We're all set now for another great Festival, and there's lots to tell you about what we've got ...
Friday 18th June

...kicks off in boisterous fashion with the Middlewich debut of the London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra, ably supported by local favourites Stan's Magic Foot. The LPSO may sound huge (not sure how many musicians normally make up an orchestra, but I think it's a lot) but there's only four of them; superb musicians, lashings of comedy, and a good night for everyone. And if you think you know what skiffle is, then you ain't heard nothing yet! Add to that the amazing mix of music that is Stan's Magic Foot, and you have a concert guaranteed to send everyone home with a smile on their face. And – like all mainstage concerts this year – it's in the Marquee!

No Family Mahone! :(

Unfortunately for their fans, there's no Family Mahone this year. Mark Radcliffe has decided to ease up on the workload (or watch the football) and two of the band members have other work commitments, so they couldn't make it this year. Never mind, there's always another time, and we're sure you'll love the concert we have put on for you instead!


Saturday 19th June

There's also – while we're on the subject of things not happening – no parade through the town on Saturday morning this year. It's been left out of the event in an effort to cut down the Policing costs, which are carving an even bigger hole in our budget every year. It has cut some money off the estimate, but we still have a fair old whack to pay. In case you're wondering, it's over 5% of our turnover! Anyway, it'll give you more time to see the boats, visit the stalls and have a look at the wonderful Flower Festival in the Church, and there will be lots of dancing to keep you amused before you head to the Marquee for the afternoon concert – which is a biggie!

Headlining are Mabon, the exciting six-piece Celtic band from Wales. If you haven't heard them, the music they play isn't just from Wales, it covers the whole range of Celtic sounds, and it really swings. Supporting are Nicol & Cool, aka Ken Nicol and Phil Cool, featuring the guitar virtuoso and member of Steeleye Span with Phil showing his more serious side as a singer and songwriter – although there will be a fair bit of humour as well! Also appearing in this concert will be finger-style guitarist and songwriter from Nottingham Nigel Beck, who's making a big name for himself on the circuit.

Late afternoon/early evening there's a Comedy Showcase at the Royal British Legion with Dom Collins, Keith Donnelly and friends, then we're into the evening concerts:

In the Marquee we've got Show of Hands, widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England; or trio when, as here, they appear with Miranda Sykes. Supporting are Stoke-based The Queensberry Rules, one of Britain's most exciting folk roots acts, and Tom Palmer, one of the country's best-loved songsters carrying on the troubadour tradition.

In the Civic Hall there's the Festival Ceilidh, with All Blacked Up and caller Fee Lock, for those of you with the energy to get up and dance.
Sunday 20th June

..in the afternoon (in the Marquee) you'll get Little Johnny England, back together after individual projects and reportedly stronger than ever. Supporting are The Queensberry Rules (yes, again – they wanted to do two spots) and Keith Donnelly, a man who, according to Jasper Carrott, could make sheep laugh. Not sure where that leaves the rest of us!

Sunday night we finish the Festival in really upbeat mood with The Lonnie Donegan Band – that's the band that accompanied Lonnie on his last tour – led by son Pete Donegan. A great mix of skiffle, blues, jazz and foot-stomping fun. Support comes from another refugee from Steeleye Span, fiddle player Peter Knight with Gigspanner: a multicultural blend of music that crosses all boundaries and should really get you tapping your feet.
Tickets

Full weekend tickets can still be booked on-line at the discount price of £65 until the end of April, when they'll go up to £70. Still a great saving on individual concert tickets – which won't be on sale until May.

There'll be more news and site updates soon; in the meantime get those tickets booked and we'll see you in June.

Tim Turner
Marketing Director

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: GUEST,Mustang Sally
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 01:21 PM

At last! I wonder what is happening on the fringe then. I know a few pubs around the town are closed, fewer sessions to get around!!

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 12:29 PM

It doesn't look like fringe events are going to be announced until just vbefore the festival. I'll return to this thread if I hear anything definite, but for now it looks like we'll all just have to wait and see.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 09:49 AM

Thanks to Joe, or whoever it was who amended the thread title to make it more obvious what we're going on about.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Mr Happy
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 11:03 AM

Well its all sounding rather tragic - from consensus of discussions between the fiends, we may be landing further afield than Middlewich this year, pastures new

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 12:04 PM

A shame, Mr H.

'Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone...'

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 12:37 PM

I feel so responsible for this mess, as you know I am still on very good terms with and personal good friends with Julie the chair and she is in a difficult situation as she believes in the festival but is being torm but the few people on that committee who seem to have a 'different' vision. I am being careful what i say here - I will talk to her as soon as I can. I can't bear to think that the people who 'ousted' me out are going to lose so much good will from so many people who are actually the real heart of this festival.
Oh dear - I hope I am not opening another can of vurms!!

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: mandotim
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 03:11 PM

The fringe was always the heart and soul of this festival. I won't be there if the fringe is in any way diminished.
Tim

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 03:29 AM

Well there are 2 ways to do this, boycott the festival and find other places to go - or come 'in spite of' and enjoy MFAB as you know and love it.

Julie and I together last night agree we want you all to be at MFAB .. I have offered to help Julie because I care about my 'friends' in the folk world and I care about MFAB!

Offially the invitation is there from Julie! There will be a fringe but we may have to help it to happen.

Seriously though there are fewer pubs with open doors and so that can't be finalised until nearer the day.

We'll keep you posted.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Mr Happy
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 07:38 AM

At Dave Roberts suggestion, I've posted on the MFAB forum.

I'm not certain anyone other than he & I, especially from the fest committee/management, actually look there.

Therefore dunno what use to ask any Q's there.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 04:34 AM

As Lizzie will know, Mike and I have now been asked by Julie to present 'Poems & Pints/Open Mic' at the Boar's Head on the Saturday afternoon of the festival - something we have been doing for the last nineteen years. I pointed out to Julie that the traditional way of doing things is for the Saturday session to follow on from us in the evening,and it would make sense if that were to happen this year.
I'm thinking of several ideas for celebrating the 20th anniversary on Saturday afternoon, including a 20th Anniversary Quiz with music tracks from artists who've appeared at Middlewich Festivals since 1990. This is something I'm hoping Lizzie will be able to help with.
Of course, I can only talk about the Boar's Head in this connection, but I'm sure that other pubs will want to make arrangements for sessions etc. once the situation is explained to them.
We must all appreciate the difficulties the committee will be having with so many Middlewich pubs being closed or with temporary management who don't feel able to commit to anything as far as fringe events are concerned, but I can'y help feeling (and here I'm expressing a purely personal view) that many members of the organising committee don't fully appreciate the importance of fringe events and, which is much more disturbing, don't understand the importance of this festival, what it has meant for the town over the years and the very great potential it still has if handled properly.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 19 Mar 10 - 05:41 AM

I'll do what I can to help you know that. I am relieved that you can see the difficulties Julie is facing and that she knows she has a sound and sensible bunch of X-festival organisers who are all behind her and will support her 'on the ground' as it were! I feel at this stage we have to 'make the best' of this years fringe and enjoy what we have with good will and see what comes out of it.

As you know Dave I offered to help the committee (Julie's suggestion) with a direct email to the new organiser of the bands to say that I have details of all the bands who usually take part in the fringe and in sessions and who have been asking what was happening and have recieved NOTHING not even a thanks but no thanks.

I think they have their own agenda, they seem to know what they are doing!
The pheonix festival may emerge next year - who knows?!!

http://www.facebook.com/lewdbear?v=feed&story_fbid=275526599978

This is interesting....I had this sent to me yesterday.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 17 Apr 10 - 12:27 PM

Hello again. All seems rather quiet on the festival front,publicity wise, but you can find out what's happening at this year's festival by going to the link above.

Sorry I can't copy and paste stuff from the site. I got told off for doing it last time and I only need telling once.

There is, as yet, little information about fringe events.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Mr Happy
Date: 16 May 10 - 07:08 AM

........only weeks away, no more info on web site.

Anyone any news?

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 16 May 10 - 09:36 AM

I can tell you that there will (or should be) be an Open Mike session at the Boar's Head on Saturday afternoon, hosted as always by the Salt Town Poets.
I've suggested that this should be followed by a Saturday Night session, as is traditional, but nothing has been heard in reply.
The festival's website, the last time I looked, was still telling us that the fringe events would be announced 'soon'.
I do know that at least one pub has given up waiting to hear from the festival and is organising its own fringe events.
Frankly, who can blame them?

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 18 May 10 - 11:10 AM

MFAB forum

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Mr Happy
Date: 18 May 10 - 11:55 AM

Nothing new there - waste of space

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 18 May 10 - 02:28 PM

Sadly you're right, Mr H. That's why I posted the link. The festival committee have certainly not been looking at their own forum as promised, and there's STILL nothing about the fringe, one month from the date of the festival.
I despair.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 May 10 - 04:14 PM

The Boat Band, as always, are hoping to be there, we are awaiting confirmation.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 21 May 10 - 07:03 AM

I can now confirm that there will be Middlewich Open Mic sessions at The Boar's Head in Middlewich on Wednesday June 16th at 9pm and on Saturday June 19th at 5pm. Singers, musicians, poets, storytellers and entertainers of all kinds very welcome.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 21 May 10 - 07:05 AM

If you're planning to come to the festival and would like to pre-book an Open Mic spot (on either Wednesday or Saturday, or both) please send me a pm.

Thank you.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 23 May 10 - 03:26 PM

Many thanks to those who have responded to my request for performers for our Open Mic spots at MFAB this year. As mentioned above, we welcome people for both Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon and, as an added bonus, if you let me know you're coming before the end of May, I'll make sure your name goes on our posters and leaflets as a 'special guest'.

Thank you.

Dave Roberts
Salt Town Poets

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 23 May 10 - 03:43 PM

Oh, and also on our website at

http://www.salttown.co.uk

which will shortly be updated with details of both the Wednesday and Saturday Open Mic sessions.

Ta!

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 06:38 AM

In the end it turned out to be a great festival. Thoroughly enjoyable and with a wonderful friendly atmosphere.

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: GUEST,Andy Craig
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 05:30 PM

Good to see it worked in the end (as they usually seem to do). Could not make it this time for the first time in some years. (New job after redundancy). It felt unusual going to work on the Monday morning at the time I usually went home from the final session!

Subject: RE: MFAB 2010 [Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival]
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 02:07 PM

Aha! We did wonder what had happened to you! Maybe next year?