Middlewich Fringe 2010

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: squeezeboxhp
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 07:48 AM

i stand corrected it was Boars head, Mummers voices do not carry as far as a morris band or sqeezebox

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 05:59 AM

It sounds like the 'Pack Horse' reference must be to the Boar's Head. It is a little out of the way but is the town's main 'folkie' pub, hosting a session on the second Saturday of every month and an open mike on the third Wednesday. There are also folk bands on on some Saturday nights throughout the year.
And it was where the idea for the festival was first mooted all those years ago.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Mo the caller
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 03:39 AM

Well I stood outside the Boars Head watching Earl of Stamford (excellent as ever) and Stone the Crows (Not sure i've seen them before - impressive), but as Bernard says not many people watching, just the other teams waiting to go on.

Rusty and friends were good in the Kinderton garden (we stayed until the end even though we were frozen).

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 01:55 PM

There is no pub in Middlewich called the 'Pack Horse'. There is a 'White Horse', which is very close to the main festival site.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Bernard
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 10:48 AM

We (Earl of Stamford) weren't assigned to the Pack Horse, and never have been, so I can't comment.

We shared our venues with Fidlers Fancy and Stone the Crows, but it would have been better if we'd had a bit of 'mix-and-match', as the only opportunity we had to see the other sides was during the 'Grand Finale'... and that was just one dance each. Admittedly we cheated and did two dances - our youngsters with 'Rigs of Mallow' followed by two sets dancing 'Broad Cupid'.

The Festival site - we've always had the fairground to contend with there, but at least this year we were further away from both it and the greaseburger vans.

The Bull Ring - the only problem there is when the Vaults 'entertainment' starts during the afternoon, and seems to be intentionally just that bit too loud. The road noise doesn't seem to be a problem. I suppose it depends upon what you're expecting - the sound system provided wasn't up to the usual standard, so Baz sounded more like a dalek during the finale!

The Boars Head/Kinderton Arms - closer to the ring road, but still not a problem. Not much in the way of an audience, though.

No doubt we'll be back as usual next year!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: squeezeboxhp
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 08:11 AM

enjoyed the festival but the dance venues were a bit strange, Pack Horse, empty pub no punters just dancing to each other as the spot was well off the beaten track.
festval site , next to the noisey fairground.
bull ring no fault of the festival but it would have been easier to shout over traffic noise further away from the ring road.
the folk and boat festival seemed to be two separate units not joined up as was in years past.
still liked it though and will return either as performer or punter to this very pleasant area of Cheshire.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Mr Happy
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 05:15 AM

Yes indeedy!

So clever of the committee to arrange such super scorchio weather for our pleasant Sunday afternoon bash in the beer garden of the Wight Hoarse!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: mandotim
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:03 AM

Just back from Middlewich, tired but happy. A really good festival in a small and interesting town. Enjoyed Mabon, and Show of Hands were their usual excellent selves. The fringe was a lot of fun, with Keith Donnelly working his backside off as ever. The Slippery Hill Boys gig went well, in a lockside pub on a gloriously sunny afternoon. Thanks to all who turned up to see us!
Tim
The Slippery Hill Boys

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: greg stephens
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 01:00 PM

Right here we go. I'm off to the Whore's Bed

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: mandotim
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 12:54 PM

Hi Mr Happy; will you and the Gloom Band be there all weekend? If so, Ann and I will see you in the seshes and sinarounds!
Tim

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 12:07 PM

Oh Mr Happy - just come I need you! Camping on school field as always. Any issues just say 'Liz and Julie said...'should be ok.
Liz

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Mr Happy
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 10:56 AM

.......well the lady who invited us to appear said she wasn't good on the computer.........& someone else who rang to say if I emailed, then all the details would be sent.......haven't heard a dicky bird!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 10:50 AM

Mo and Lizzie,

Yes, sorry, I had meant to leap to the defence of Gadge, the festival's webmaster. He seems to have been left to carry the can for the festival committee. He can't be expected to put up-to-date info on the site if festival people don't give it to him.
I know they're busy people (tell me about it) but a website is such a valuable and, indeed, vital marketing tool these days that I can't see for the life of me why they aren't all over the site like a rash.
When I was on the festival committee, and dignified with the quaintly old-fashioned title of 'Publicity Officer', I was once accosted by a man in the street who said, 'I'm sick and tired of hearing about this b----y festival!'
That's when I knew I was doing it right.

But, enough, let us forget such wearisome stuff, don our snazzy festival clothes and look foward to the weekend.

On Sunday evening:

FROM MIDDLEWICH! IT'S THE QUIZ OF THE WEEK!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 09:57 AM

Hi Tim

Unfortunately I have just found out (when my children just invited us out on Sunday,) that it is Father's Day.

I am informed that there will be five generations of the family there and I have been "ordered" to attend.....lol

I am of the generation that didn't know about Father's Day until very recently.....yes I am over 32....lol

So unfortunately I will not be there to throw mud at you. That is the "catters" secret signal isn't it ??? lol

Another time maybe...but I will make some of the other stuff on other days.

Have a good one

regrds

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: mandotim
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 07:51 AM

Thanks Lizzie
'Artist liaison' got back to me very quickly via email. Very helpful. Looks like the weather is going to be great, and there is no better festival on a nice day than Middlewich. Really looking forward to playing at the Kings Lock on Sunday afternoon (plug, plug!), and I hope some 'catters will be there. Use the secret Mudcat signal, I'll be the mandolin player in the Slippery Hill Boys. I could tell you what the secret signal is, but then I'd have to play the banjo for you...

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 04:58 AM

Hi

I walked into Middlewich from Rudheath yesterday along the canal. A really beautiful summer's day.

There were lots of boats on the canal and as we passed them ( or they passed us ) we wondered if there were any "catters" in them heading for the Festival.

Also there were boats moored along the route and we did stop and ask at one or two if they were catters and heading for the festival. Sadly the ones we talked to weren't.

Perhaps boaters should think of having some kind of recognition so that people like us could say hello etc. Or maybe even post the boat names here ???

Just a thought.

We will repeat the exercise over the week ahead and we hope to take in some of the folk sessions.

The weather is forecast to be good so I wish everyone a great time and hope that the festival is very successful.

See you there..

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 17 Jun 10 - 02:53 AM

Don't shoot the webmaster he is instructed on what to put - and gets frustrated at the lack of and lateness of all info sent to him.

Camping for 'artists' is on the school playing field as previous 'artists' will remember. I am sure 1 more camper van will be admitted. It is also available for disabled visitors who wish to camp nearer to the main site.

Boaters Supper is on - and open to boaters and associated guests.

You can usually pick up a fringe guide in a programme, but it is printed and inserted as the programmes are already out of date as far as fringe goes.

Look forward to seeing you all around over the festival weekend!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: greg stephens
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 09:14 AM

Boat Band are at the Boar's Head on Thursday evening. Think this may be a private function for boaties, but I am not sure

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 08:54 AM

Sunday evening at The Boar's Head. Led by Liz Rosenfield (Busy Lizzie) and featuring the MFAB 20th Anniversary Quiz. Starts around 8 o'clock.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Mr Happy
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 08:46 AM

.........since the 'official' response on the MFab forum is that they don't want to publicise the timetable of fringe events, without punters purchase a programme, a suggestion may be that fringers who've been asked to lead seshes wherever could put them up on here.

I'll start off:

Sunday 20th June White Horse, 2pm - 5pm Music & Song with Mr Happy & the Misericords.

More?

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 07:34 AM

Thanks for the parking info.

I've found a campsite not too far away, maybe there's a bus service or taxi won't be too expensive.

(Only around for one night, don't want to use festival site)

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Mo the caller
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 05:19 AM

And it's not that I'm too mean to buy a season ticket. I happily buy a ticket to Chester Feb Folk day and spend a lot of the time in the session room. Just that most of the guests at Middlewich don't appeal much, so we go in search of a good session.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Mo the caller
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 05:17 AM

As stated on that forum, the webmaster is not a committee member, so don't blame the staff.
Yes I agree the Middlewich website always seems to miss an opportunity by the vagueness of the website, but there you are, they are busy organising a festival for the paying customers (and there is information about that side of things on the website).
But it annoys me a bit that I have to go to Middlewich on Friday night to buy a fringe programme to find out what's happening on Friday night.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: GUEST,JJ on his jollies
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 10:38 PM

Forgive my bluntness, but the webmaster comes across as someone rather too far up his own backside....a bit too precious and full of his own self-importance.

I was planning to come to Middlewich, but if that attitude is mirrored by other festival officials then I really don't want to know. I shall go elsewhere.

JJ

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 03:55 PM

Well, I've tried to find answers to your questions from the MFAB site and here's the answer from the official webmaster.
Although he's told me that cutting and pasting infringes copyright, I'm sure he won't mind me doing it one last time:

Thanks for the questions Dave but I, for one, have absolutely no interest in posting on Mudcat! Why can't those people use this forum? After all, that's what it's here for and, in response to the comments about lack of activity or replies in the past, that's fair criticism except there's been so little incoming traffic there's no incentive to keep checking. I now receive system notifications when new messages are posted ...

So to answer the two questions posed:

Car parking behind the Civic Hall on Saturday evening? I've been advised that this is a definite no-no unless you're a performer or somesuch that needs specific access to that restricted area. It was suggested that opposite Civic Way, on or nearby the Salinae site, might be a possibility for parking.
Sports Hall camping? Reserved for artistes/performers and disabled visitors only, otherwise it's Sutton Lane for all others. AFAIK it's been that way for the past few years at least.

Hope this helps?

Sorry I won't be there to see you this year as have gigging duties elsewhere — have fun though!


And here's my reply:


Gadge,

You ask why Mudcat people 'won't use this forum' I have to say I haven't a clue. I've certainly posted the link often enough.
Perhaps they've followed that link and realised that, apart from myself and Mr Happy, no one can be bothered posting to this site, so their views won't be listened to?
But I'm firmly of the opinion that you, and MFAB, are missing a great opportunity by not engaging with the Mudcat Cafe site. The people who post there are the very people that
MFAB is (or should be) trying to reach.
What you should be asking is: Why won't anyone else use this forum? Why, above all, won't the MFAB committee use this forum, despite Tim Turner's stated good intentions?
The lack of activity on this site is not your fault. I recognise that. But it sure as hell ain't my fault -your problem is with the MFAB committee. By staying away from their 'own' forum they've missed a golden opportunity to connect with the people they are hoping to reach.
This is my last posting to the MFAB site. I have done my best to help to promote the Folk and Boat Festival, and I sincerely hope that this has been appreciated. Far from being a 'provocateur' I have done my best to help the festival. If this has been misconstrued, then I'm very sorry, Bye.

And here, for the last time, is that link:

http://www.midfest.org.uk


And that, my friends, is it for this year. Hope to see you all at the festival!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: dippy
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:06 PM

brooks lane may be an option as there are always large vehicles parked along the road

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: dippy
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 01:01 PM

i think that mfab only use the sports hall campsite for artists, they did last year anyway

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 11:16 AM

The Sutton Lane camping site will be in operation (with shuttle bus service into the town) but MFAB's site doesn't mention the Sports Hall camping site anywhere. You could try putting the question on the site forum to see if anyone from the festival can give an answer. Be warned, though, no one seems to look at it very often.

Really, we could do with someone from the festival committee taking a look at this thread, with a view to getting the answers. I'll see what I can do.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Peter Butler
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 09:57 AM

"Fringe victims" ?

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: mandotim
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 09:25 AM

Does anyone know if the camping is on the playing field near the sports centre again?

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 01:15 PM

Stop Press! We've just heard that Dom Collins will be on from 2pm-3pm at The Boar's Head and at the British Legion from 7pm for a Comedy Showcase with Keith Donnelly.

Details, as always at:

http://www.midfest.org.uk

Sorry Malcolm, I can't help with the parking, as I don't know what the arrangements are with the Civic Hall car park this year, but I'm sure Lizzie or someone like her will be able to help when they pick this up.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Bloke from Poole
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:35 AM

Anyone with local knowledge - is there likely to be anywhere sensible to park a good sized camper van somewhere near the Civic Hall on Saturday night (not overnight), or is that a silly idea?

Ta

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Mr Happy
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 04:42 AM

Tim,

Sorry can't make your spot, as Mr Happy & the Misericords will be valiantly leading a fringe victims sinaround at the White Horse on Sunday between 2pm & 5pm

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: mandotim
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 03:56 AM

Hi Dave
Most of the band will be there all weekend, so we hope to get around the sessions a bit too.
Tim

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 03:07 AM

Hope to be there, Tim. Dom Collins is appearing at the Boar's Head on Saturday afternoon, before our Open Mike session at 5pm. We haven't got his starting time yet from MFAB (and neither has he!) but he's well worth seeing if you enjoy a laugh in the old comedy folk tradition.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: mandotim
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 02:58 AM

Speaking of Fringe events; don't forget to come and see the Slippery Hill Boys! We're billed as 'Hayley Strangelove and Friends' at the Kings Lock from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday afternoon. A last minute change of plan means the full five piece band (including Hayley) will be there. Rootin and tootin compulsory, yeehahs optional. Have a listen at http://slipperyhill.co.uk/
Hope to see you there.
Tim

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 12:09 PM

...........and a whole lot of good will!!!!

Sod the politics, most people will come to see the festival as an excuse to meet up with friends boaty and otherwise, enjoy the ambience in whatever way suits them, it takes a bit of jiggery pokery behind the scenes from alot of good people who understand what that is about - that's the ethos of a 'beeep' good festival!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 11:08 AM

Quite right Lizzie. Whatever your idea might be of what constitutes a festival - big mainstage concerts or cosy informal sessions (or both- a festival doesn't happen without a hell of a lot of work by a few people who are often over-criticised and under-appreciated. I know what you mean by by 'sowing the seeds': long hours of boring committee work, endless telephone calls and e-mails and sheer hard slog.
Without those few people doing often unacknowledged work, festivals just plain don't happen.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 01 Jun 10 - 08:45 AM

Some of my friends are still working very hard on this years festival and are hoping that those who have joined MFAB in previous years will pop up like prerenials on the fringe and support the seeds that have been scattered for this year and those combined will make this festival as good as those we have known before!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: greg stephens
Date: 28 May 10 - 06:53 AM

You are quite right Busy Lizzie, seeds sown by festivals do indeed escape to the wild from time to time. However, it works in the other direction too, fringe type things incorporate into central positions in festivals. Also fringe events frequently set up in a quite independent way, often in actual competition.
Another example of a fringe event: in the case of Middlewich, for example, it should be remembered that boatie/folkie get-togethers were a well-established part of the Middlewich social scene before MFAB go started. Also that one of the most fondly remembered of the Middlewich festivals was the one that never was: 2001 I think. It was cancelled because of foot and mouth fears(quite reasonably), but it happened anyway to great enjoyment. Those who had always supported the festival just went ahead (the disease fears had by then receded) and got together, the boaties and musicians came together anyway, and a good time was had by all.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 28 May 10 - 04:08 AM

or should I say sowing!!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Busy Lizzie
Date: 28 May 10 - 04:08 AM

if you don't mind me saying so Greg and Dave - the fringe does 'grow' around the festival itself but not entirely without some seed sewing!

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 27 May 10 - 07:42 AM

Quite so. And the Middlewich Festival committee deliberately blurs the distinction by calling the pub events 'fringe' events and, in most cases, not charging for them.
This year, for the first time, there will be true fringe events in Middlewich, notably at the Cheshire Cheese which is going it alone.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: greg stephens
Date: 27 May 10 - 06:58 AM

The crucial fact about fringe events is that they aren't organised by the festival committe, but grow up around the festival.(I refer to festivals in general, not specifically to Middlewich).This distinction gets blurred occasionally, but in my opinion if a festival organises an event, it's a festival event. If someone else does, it's the fringe. At some festivals, fringe events may well charge for tickets (Edinburgh springs to mind!)

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 27 May 10 - 04:50 AM

My pleasure.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: mauvepink
Date: 26 May 10 - 03:50 PM

Thanks for that :-)

I'm so dumb at times lol

mp

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 26 May 10 - 03:47 PM

Hi,

Anything designated a 'fringe' event, is usually free, and most are held in local pubs.

MFAB's site has a list of the 'official' venues for which a ticket price is payable. They've gone back to using a marquee for the main concerts this year; other 'main' events are held in the local Civic Hall and similar venues.

Subject: RE: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: mauvepink
Date: 26 May 10 - 03:16 PM

Forgive my ignorance but I have never been to a large festival before. Are fringe events those outside the main arenas and free or are there also prices to be paid at venues?

mp

Subject: Middlewich Fringe 2010
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 26 May 10 - 01:15 PM

Proving the old saying 'Everything Comes To He Who Waits;, here's a link to news of Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival's Fringe events.

MFAB FRINGE

If you'd like to pre-book a spot for the Salt Town Poets' Open Mic sessions for either Wednesday 16th or Saturday 19th, please PM me.

Thanks.