Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th

Subject: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 12:08 PM

Helmsley Arts Centre has a fine theatre and cafe bar area with some great artists booked for the weekend.

Musicians/singers and audience all invited to get involved in this fairly new venture!

check out the website as named and the reasonably priced events, those involving me are free!

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 12:44 PM

This isn't like Pickering Festival, is it?

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Nick
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 01:14 PM

Nothing like Pickering at all

I have been for the last few years and in the past it has perhaps suffered in the past by not being terribly well attended and not being sure if it had a fringe around it and whether the pubs really wanted people in singing etc

I think though this year it is being organised on a rather better footing so hopefully should be even better. Some good people on and it's a very nice setting.

I'll no doubt nip up the road as in previous years

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Ann N
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 05:01 PM

Looks interesting, which of the pubs/other venues might be running fringe sessions? Is the Arts Centre in the same building as the Town Hall or elsewhere in Helmsley? (there's no map on the festival website) Cheers Ann

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Ann N
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 06:14 PM

Ah .... found the Arts Centre down a snicket off Bridge Street. It's that long since I wandered around Helmsley my geography had gone to pot. Now to find the bus times (or lack of them )   :) Ann

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 06:18 PM

Ah, that's the problem! The pubs aren't very folk-friendly or helpful.
Picture the shops in 'The League of Gentlemen' and you've just about got it. The Arts Centre is across the Market Square from the Town Hall
and to the right, at the end of a little shopping arcade and that's where all the main events are to be held.

The ceilidh which was successful last year will be in the Town Hall. It's not a very big dance floor but it can hold about 60 comfortably.

The people in charge are trying really hard to make a go of it and it deserves our support.

Helmsley Castle (where George Villiers of 'Dido Bendigo' fame had his base)is worth a visit and there's a lovely walled garden. Nice place to have a festival.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: GUEST,Guest Betsy
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 07:10 PM

The year I went ( where I first met Nick ) we walked around like a pair of pricks with our guitars , no pubs were really wanting to support live acoustic music , no doubt to the well-intentioned efforts of the organisers.
As Steve said " The pubs aren't very folk-friendly or helpful ",which ,makes my decision-making this year very easy.
Good luck to the booked guests and the organisers , apparently the concerts go well, but for anyone looking for a bit of a sing / session or fringe action ,I would advise to stay clear unless notified otherwise by the organisers.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Nick
Date: 29 Jul 10 - 07:29 PM

I remember it well.

Are you at Staithes this weelend Betsy?

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 02:48 AM

No no Betsy!

Forget the stuck up pubs who are only interested in selling food!

The song and music sessions are FREE in the ARTS CENTRE cafe! and garden check the goodies/times on the leaflet/advert

If ppl only want to go to play to (nearly) themselves in pubs you've lost the the plot, I aint banging my head against 'em

The village doesnt need you

the ARTS CENTRE ~ DOES****

This is nothing like bl&&*y Pickering

We need your support

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: peregrina
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 03:09 AM

Helmsley Arts Centre Folk Weekend

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: GUEST,gedpipes
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 05:53 AM

Hello Pete/Nick
I'm up for it if we can find a friendly pub
Cheers
Ged

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Ann N
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 11:06 AM

Quote: Steve G.... 'Picture the shops in 'The League of Gentlemen' and you've just about got it.'

:)I've always found the shops in Helmsley friendly, but then my parents live there (though we do tend to meet in Pickering as it's easier for me to get to) so I'm probably regarded as nearly local ..... and they do let me leave :D    Cheers Ann

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Betsy
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 03:29 PM

Hiya Ged,
Nice to hear from you.
Trouble was , on the occasion when I met Nick - pubs didn't want to know.
They all seem to geared up for Food , but as Padge says, there's always the art centre, which may, or not be, suitable.
Let's see nearer the time.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 04:00 PM

Ann, the shops in Helmsley are extremely helpful and friendly, in direct contrast to the pubs which is what I was comparing the 'League of Gentlemen' shops to.

'This is a local hostelry for local people and we don't want you scaring them off with your gharstly music!'. (not a quote, just an impression)

There is a bar in the Arts Centre and as Ray sez everyone's welcome, particularly Ged with his pipes.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: JHW
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 04:22 PM

Never mind the pubs just concentrate on the Arts Centre which has a nice outdoor area for singing. Just would benefit from a few more folks.
(Re the pubs you might remember the Carlton Lodge bulldozed its bar rather than have folkies back)

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Ann N
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 05:55 PM

Ah well, the pubs have probably changed hands several times since I last turned up, on the way back from a dance out, in Morris kit carrying a concertina and was made welcome :)

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 07:47 PM

Steve - seconded

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: nutty
Date: 30 Jul 10 - 07:58 PM

JHW

RE CARLTON LODGE - what utter rubbish. The demolition of the function room had nothing to do with not wanting folkies. The owners could not have been more supportive of the Winter Weekends.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 01:33 PM

Popped into Helmsley yesterday

Nice high st sandwich shop, some more expensive shops too! and plenty of restaurants and pubs

Lets get the festival going before the fringe!

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: GUEST,gedpipes
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 05:02 AM

that's nice of you to say Steve.
maybe see you there
Blue skies
Ged

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 11:40 AM

Ged,
I thoroughly enjoyed the session I went to at the Sun/Tap and Spile, whatever it's called now, in Beverley. I seem to remember this was a fortnightly session. Can you remind us which Wednesdays it is on as I'd like to turn up again one Wednesday?

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 02:52 PM

I have news that Linda Kelly and Mick MCgarry are likely to pop in too (to Helmsley)

Looking good now

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Pistachio
Date: 17 Aug 10 - 04:56 PM

We'll be there on the Sunday post recovery(!) - as Hissyfit is otherwise engaged on the Saturday and I'll be driving! Hazel.x

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 03:06 AM

Just a week to go to Helmsley folk weekend

Check the website for festival details

Note that the Arts Centre cafe bar area is free all weekend with certain festival artists performing and opportunities for floor spots and late night sings

The festival needs establishing properly before the fringe!! and the village pubs can be a pain at the moment!

So home in on the Arts Centre

Hope to see you there!!

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 04:31 AM

We will be performing with Anna Shannon and David Swann over Sunday lunchtime.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 03:42 AM

Plenty of performers and room for "floor singers" what a term tho' ~ floor singers!

All welcome!"
Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: autoharpbob
Date: 20 Sep 10 - 02:39 PM

As it happens - or 'appens mebbe! - I am on holiday in the area with my wife, so would love to come along. My wife will probably find the nearest Edinburgh Woolen Mill instead though.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: autoharpbob
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 08:01 AM

Just had to say a quick thankyou to the lovely people who organised this and gave me a great day on Saturday. The three sessions I attended on Saturday were all very different. It was strictly tunes in the first one, with the amazing C13 - wow, those ladies were good and knew so many tunes - and I kind of hung in doggedly on my autoharps. The second session was much more of a singaround, run by Smithy, with some great voices - Chris, Ray, John and many others - and good humour, making it very rewarding, could have gone on longer. The final session, run by the excellent Steve Gardham, was a mixed bag, alternating tunes and songs, with again some excellent playing from C13 and singing from loads of people. I did get a chance to do an autoharp solo just before I left to go 20 miles back to my B&B, so again thanks for that.

I hope the festival continues. Looking at the numbers in the audiences for the main acts, I got the impression they may be struggling. It was kind of shut away in a corner of Helmsley, and did not seem well signposted or publicised. It seemed quite detached from the town, which does not auger well for its success. I don't know whether it made any money. But I certainly enjoyed the bit I tasted, and added whenever I could to the collection bins that were around the place. I would willingly have paid for each session, and think that might help in future.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Banjiman
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 08:20 AM

"Looking at the numbers in the audiences for the main acts, I got the impression they may be struggling."

There was a lot of competition in North Yorks at the weekend.

Cropton Folk & Roots Fest was just down the road near Pickering.... I don't know how that did for numbers?

There was Cloudstreet in Reeth (I do know they struggled, only 26 in)

We had The Young'uns & Hissyfit at KFFC. We had a pretty packed night, 70+ in.

It might be helpful if we all check each others diaries in the future!!!

I would support the Helmsley w/e if it didn't clash with any of our events.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 08:40 PM

The festival moved to September last year because it originally clashed with Holmfirth in May. I think to stand any chance of succeeding a weekend festival has to look first at the proximity geographically and datewise of other festivals. A 'folk and roots' festival wouldn't necessarily clash with a 'folk festival'. I would conjecture mostly different audience. Having said that it might be worth discussing the issue with the organisers.

As for being detached from the town this is definitely something that needs working on. The pubs seem quite hostile to the idea and when on the concert I asked if there was anyone in the audience from Helmsley I didn't get a single response. Dancers in the square will help but it needs more of this. This year has been a vast improvement on previous years simply because the organiser had help from someone who knows something about organising a folk festival. One of the pubs is just about to change hands and fingers crossed the new people might be more hospitable.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Banjiman
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 02:59 AM

"A 'folk and roots' festival wouldn't necessarily clash with a 'folk festival'"

Steve, most of the acts at Cropton were pretty folky and the people I know who went there are definitely the "folk festival" crowd. The organiser is a pretty well known folk performer too.

Do you know if the intended dates for next year's Helmsley are available yet? It would be useful to know..... I'll certainly try and avoid a clash and make sure the date is shared with The Cropton organiser (Richard Grainger).

Paul Arrowsmith

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: theleveller
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 04:09 AM

"A 'folk and roots' festival wouldn't necessarily clash with a 'folk festival'. I would conjecture mostly different audience."

I would agree with what Paul has said on this. In my experience, people who go to these festivals have pretty ecelectic tastes. To try to establish a new festival with a narrow musical policy or audience appeal would be, in my opinion, a recipe for failure. Except for a family crisis on the Saturday morning, we would have been at Cropton but, had it been on a different date, we may well have gone to Helmsley. I appreciate that finding a 'vacant slot' in the festival calendar is becoming a real problem for festival organisers, but I would certainly ensorse Paul's suggestion of talking to each other.

What I find exciting is that there ARE more and more people who are trying to establish local festivals - for me it epitomises the whole spirit of folk music 'ancient and modern'. We no longer go to the big national festivals as the local ones are just so much more fun (and more convenient), so I do hope that Helmsley continues and grows in the future.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 05:48 AM

Diary date clashes are silly

Helps no one

Thanks to all who came enjoyed, participated and organised

Smithy was going back to Spain, strikes permitting and nice to meet him as with all new friends and audience alike

Nice one Kate and Jean ~ thanks to John Greaves and family too and good to see Steve and Gillie Gardham

Cheers all

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 10:43 AM

Okay,
I see I was wrong about Cropton. My experience of roots festivals has been that their interpretation of folk is often of the widest range of music possible. Nothing wrong with that. Just not my cup of tea.
In fact Helmsley had a very strong showing of singer/songwriters and probably a greater percentage than the trad stuff I love. One of the main acts could only loosely be described as British folk. The Carrivick Sisters were predominantly Bluegrass.
Having said my first love is for trad stuff I thoroughly enjoyed the sets by Edwina Hayes, Anna Shannon and Hissyfit, and Jez Lowe and the Big Bad Pennies were well on form and at their usual brilliant level of entertainment. Jez has still got what it takes both on the performance and the writing levels.
Up and coming group C13 from York stole the show for me. How can kids as young as this know all the complex session tunes, and busk in with new stuff so competently? They would be an asset at any festival and I predict it won't be long before they're creeping up the ratings or snapped up by some of the established groups.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Banjiman
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 11:00 AM

Good stuff Steve, I'm glad it was a good weekend. Here's hoping clashes can be avoided next year and we can all come and enjoy it!

Incidentally, I've got C13 booked for the KFFC Big Birthday Bash in November..... oh, and Jez Lowe!

Happy days.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 28 Sep 10 - 03:27 PM

Sounds good. Bound to be a good do then.

Autoharpbob,
Thanks for the comp. I really enjoyed your playing. I love the sound of a well-played autoharp. a grossly underrated instrument. I love Carter Family stuff as well.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: GUEST,Fantum
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 05:07 AM

Ray,

I got half an hour at Helmsley Folk Festival early on Sat evening and that was my lot. I enjoyed it immensely. Mind the York fiddlers were far better to look at than the Yorkshire Garland, but both were good to hear
I was well chuffed to be asked to sing and I do apologise for having to go immediately afterwards.I did get a pass out for only half an hour and while the wife expects me to be late and the ensuing tut tuts can be tolerated by both sides the grandson expects better of me.

Fantum

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: GUEST,Betsy
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 07:12 PM

Fantum - get another wife and your priorities right

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: GUEST,Fantum
Date: 02 Oct 10 - 10:03 PM

Thank you Betsy for the advice but I have to decline to accept it
I have had this one 41 years and while she may not be fully trained I am never going to get another one to this level of resigned acceptance
But as I said it was the little one that caused the problem he would worry if I said one thing and did another.

I hope you are well I did think you were at Saltburn Festival and I looked out for you without success.

If Ray Padgett is monitoring this thread
There is a Music club covering any type of music (folk being mentioned on the poster in the pub) at the Bay Horse in Pickering every other Wed evening. The Bay horse is right in the mddle of the shopping street towards the bottom of the hill. Never been but Imight be able to get a report if you intend to visit.

Fantum

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: John Routledge
Date: 03 Oct 10 - 10:46 AM

Can't let this thread fall into oblivion without mention of the wonderful free concert in the Arts centre bar at 12.30 on Sunday.

Hissyfit, Anna Shannon and David Swann each performed a song in rotation for 90 mins and the contrast in songs and styles was fascinating.

Hissyfit perfomed at the top of their now incredibly high standard Linda making light of her "eye" - hopefully now well on the way to being sorted.

Anna Shannon was completely new to me and her songs and voice and performance really hit the button. Anna is certainly the best new (to me) performer I have heard in a long while.Looking forward to hearing more.

Dave Swann introduced humour into the proceedings as well as acting as MC and song a set of great songs all of which were new to me.

A great concert leaving a warm glow for the survivors singaround.

Thanks all.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Nick
Date: 03 Oct 10 - 11:11 AM

>>There is a Music club covering any type of music (folk being mentioned on the poster in the pub) at the Bay Horse in Pickering every other Wed evening. The Bay horse is right in the mddle of the shopping street towards the bottom of the hill. Never been but I might be able to get a report if you intend to visit.

It's a nice evening with a cross section of music with some folk and some other things. Once a month they have a performer and the other weeks are a round the room singaround. They have a web page here

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 03 Oct 10 - 11:27 AM

Glad this went well we were at the Other one at Cropton.
What a shocker for the weather eh?
I would just like to say that we have always found the folks at Helmsley to be friendly and helpful to visitors.
The only pub we have found music in was across the square from the Arts place.
There was at one time a nice open mic in the Arts center run by Stan Gee
Think we went to one of the early ones and not being local don't know if its still going.
Looking at the list of talent that was in attendance I reckon it must have been ace for the audience

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 02:56 AM

Thanks for info regarding Pickering alternate Wednesday (Ray Storrs) is the Fantum! Betsy

John Greaves doesn't live too far from Pickering

Would have loved a bit more trad singing personally but the young thrusters such as C13 (I had heard at Saltburn ff) are indeed excellent and horses for courses, C13 appealed to all

Still one or two things to sort, such as camping so lets get the festival properly established!
Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Banjiman
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 03:32 AM

Any info on the dates for next year Ray?

I'm about to schedule KFFC dates for that part of next year and would rather avoid a clash if I can.......

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: r.padgett
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 02:28 PM

Down to Kate Bramley and Jean Kershaw at The Arts Centre but likely to be same sort of dates I suspect!

Ray

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 04 Oct 10 - 06:25 PM

Ray,
I've emailed them both so watch this space.

Subject: RE: Helmsley folk weekend Sept 23/24/25/26th
From: Willa
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 02:28 PM