Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?

Subject: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:16 AM

From Will Fly on Bellowhead thread 5th Oct 2010

"As it happens I almost never attend folk festivals, preferring on the whole to get my fix of traditional tunes from sessions which, because of the different people who attend, are each unique in flavour. "

*********

Meself & the chums do attend FF's but more on the fringes, attending sessions rather than the more formal concerts & scheduled events of the festival proper.

We also attend session only events in which there's no invited paid guests, just people who want to play music & sing together.


As Will intimates, we feel there's far more diversity of musics to be heard & enjoyed, especially in an active rather than passive 'being entertained on a plate' sort of way.


What think you?

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:19 AM

Not an either, or. They are very different and serve different functions. Different strokes for different folks. I like a mix of the two.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:28 AM

I agree with Mr Happy - except that I like a mixed participative song session and rapidly get bored with tunes.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:34 AM

We were at Ingleton FF last w/end & its a good example of the kind of fest format we prefer.

Lots of seshes in about 3 different venues.

Pay on door concerts for those who like that sort of stuff.

All other events, workshops, displys etc free.

I wish more fests followed this recipe!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:38 AM

I agree with annonymous guest - sessions are good and are the 'staple' for most of the year, but a good FF is a real treat - I also agree wth Richard, even though I am a tune person, they can get a bit much without a bit of good singing. There is a superb Irish session in Lichfield - but no songs and some sets can run for 20 min or more. You have to REALLY like Irish music to last all night!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:46 AM

When I'm referring to 'sessions' - I don't mean just tunes only, what we prefer's a mix of songs & tunes.

In music only events, there's usually a good variety of tunes, not just Irish ones but if the sesh is mainlining on 'Oirish diddly diddly' we'll intro some melodies from elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: theleveller
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:51 AM

I mainly go to local festivals where there's a good mix of artists, some of whom I know and some who are new to me - and there's also good, well-organised singarounds and maybe the odd impromptu one. Plus plenty of beer and time to chat to friends.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:51 AM

I like festivals...just can't afford to go to many. Although they work out better value for money than going to the gigs I want to but can't get to coz they are over other side of country etc.
Plus its interesting to see different sessions and different festivals.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: theleveller
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:55 AM

Oh, and are child-friendly.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:56 AM

Plus festival sessions stop my ego getting too big.
Going to the same session every month I think I'm improving and getting good. Then I go to a festival session and realize....I've got a long way to go. Last time it give me the nudge to try not to look at the written music.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 01:17 PM

Tenterden is excellent, Ryedale is good too, and not just because they booked me.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 02:49 PM

I just love all of it.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Aeola
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 03:36 PM

Some of the bigger Fests are becoming concerts and in doing so lose that little bit of intimacy, but overall a mix of the concerts & sessions is good.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Hesk
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 03:51 PM

There is nothing like the atmosphere of an old fashioned pub and lots of great singing and/or music.
Sitting on an uncomfortable seat, with little room to move, in a cold marquee listening to amplified music, comes a very poor second, as far as I am concerned.
Nevertheless huge amounts of planning and financial risk go into making a festival, and without it there wouldn't be a fringe to enjoy in the first place.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Hamish
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 04:00 PM

I'm with you, Steve Gardham: I love it all. The small, intimate, friendly, highly participative ones; the big ones with a mix of huge "names" and smaller sessions; mooching around with mates, bumping into more pals; ceilidhs.

Who needs real life, eh?

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 04:16 PM

I'm with Hamish and Steve G...a good mix does it for me.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tootler
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 04:54 PM

I mostly look for sessions and singarounds but I also enjoy w

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 05:17 PM

I used to enjoy the National at Sutton Bonnington. It was always an interesting and enjoyable mix. I haven't been to many others - but those that I have been to I haven't enjoyed very much.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tootler
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 05:47 PM

Oh dear! My recent post seems to have got truncated somehow.

I have had quite a bit of trouble with this recently and it seems to be related to my new laptop and me inadvertently hitting key combinations which do things that I don't want.

I was saying that:

"I mostly look for sessions and singarounds but I also enjoy workshops. Workshops give you a chance to improve technique or to try something new."

Now to try again.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tootler
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 05:49 PM

Went OK that time,

Lesson: Compose in text editor and copy & paste to Mudcat, especially for long messages.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 06:23 PM

Miskin used to be magic!
Good Intent at Sweeps is lots of fun.
Tenterden was rain stopped play this year and it really needs more space in the Woolpack - the old venue (was it the 8 Bells?) now alas a poncey restaurant (but not as poncey as the Vine) was better but still very cramped.
Piggy is great.
About 30 years ago there used to be a range of unofficial "stages" in the campsite at Cambridge and they were great too. You could sing all night if you had the energy. But it was a folk festival then.
I've usually enjoyed Deal, at the Bohemian.
One of these years I will get a full week at Sidders - the bits I have been to are mostly excellent apart from the pissheads who ruin the Bedford and the Americana and the ARSS at the pub closer to the river the name of which eludes me.
Ely could do with more participation.
Wheaton Aston I dropped in on once and liked a fair bit.
Broadstairs till needs better to provide for participative music.
I am likely to be looking for an alternative the weekend of Chaversham.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: LadyJean
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 12:13 AM

I miss the Smoky City Folk Festival, two solid days of folk bliss, including an all day concert on Flagstaff Hill.
Then they did things with it, like moving it to Point Park, where there is no shade. Then it died.

The city's ethnic folk festival was wonderful too, once upon a time, now it's much smaller, more commercial, and a lot less fun.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tim Chesterton
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:30 AM

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is the highlight of my musical year. But our musical culture os different here in Canada and a lot of what Brits describe on Mudcat doesn't happen where I live.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: banjoman
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 07:00 AM

I always felt that Broadstairs was one of the better organised festivals until this year, when despite filling in forms advising the band's PA needs on the bandstand, the PA guys couldn't even provide enough DI's for the instruments claiming that they were needed at other gigs.
After 21 years of playing, mainly on the bandstand,and generally supporting the festival through thick and thin, and even going so far as to donate our fee back on one occasion, we were all a bit upset to be told we were no longer needed in a brief email.
No way to treat anyone so I would never recomend Broadstairs to anyone. We will be looking elsewhere next year.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 08:17 AM

I agree. The big Folk Festivals are I believe getting far too expensive e.g Moseley Folk Fest with a mostly local and vague line up on the sunday and no open mic sessions £40 for the day! While I've been to quite a few small free fests and found much more entertainments.
Some I feel are beccoming too big business, and refreshments and stalls at very unflated prices, many grass roots folk fans like myself feel priced out of the whole thing. One exception I'd make is Wickham Folk fest in Wilt's, the very best quality line ups and so well run, with good free sessions and other folk arts in the v illage. New smaller festivals are needed

Desi C
The Circle Folk Club
Coseley WV14 9JH

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 08:52 AM

I don't think many FFs are profit making concerns and if you look at value for money, you can have a whole weekends quality entertainment including camping and showers etc for about £80.00 - that is bloody good value in anyones book!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Captain Farrell
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 10:03 AM

The one big thing I dislike is when the sound is cranked up so loud that it kicks you in the chest.Folk is really acoustic that sometimes needs a hand because of venue size or background noise.I have been to see some of the biggest names in Rock and Roll that was loud but under control.I don`t want to name names but you Know who you are think of bands that have played in the last few years at Fylde and Shrewsbury when a good percent of the audience walked out not the Quality but the Quantity.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,AUNTY MAY
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 11:18 AM

Broadstairs I am afraid is slowly killing itself, it still has the "oh look at me Im important" organisation, this is still alive and well among certain "friends" of the organisers.
Many of the regular attendees both performers and general public especially those on camp site B, are treated as second class, while those on site A are the "important" people, well sorry, my partner and myself having supported the so called festival from year one wont be back. I feel for the pub performers who try to sing or play, when the chavs hit town, blocking the lower road, my partner who is in his eighties was abused jostled, generally insulted, by these yobs, in full sight of so called stewards who refused to help him , and in one case, the steward pointed and laughed at our plight, also in one pub I cant remember which, the landlord put the juke box on whilst people were trying to sing.
Broadstairs to my thinking has become a giant money machine despite the many claims to the opposite.
I hope more people vote with their feet next year.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 11:49 AM

Most of my FF attendances are as a steward, a ceilidhnaut, and sessionist.
If there were ceilidhs I would be a sessionista

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 01:16 PM

I am with Steve Gardham on this. All of it. No exceptions.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 01:25 PM

From the various descriptions I see on here the big festivals seem more of a punishment than a pleasure.
I like my music close up personal and not second hand through a P.A.
Been looking at photos from mates who went to various big fests and they mostly show huge crowd tiny stage in the distance.
For me there would be no point to going.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 01:27 PM

I love festivals on the whole. I go to them and then miss all the booked acts to spend my time in the singarounds and sessions. I dont enjoy big festivals except for Sidmouth where the fringe has a life of its own. For my taste Shrewsbury is a very inadequate replacement for Bridgnorth but it seems to sell tickets so there must be some call for it.
I agree with Richard Bridges Miskin was wonderful, but I enjoy Crediton, Bromyard, Banbury, Upton, Bude and this year Folk Station on the Isle of Wight was one of the highlights.
I think really among the huge number of festivals available there is something for everyone.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Santa
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 05:49 AM

I'm not a singer nor any kind of musician, so my perspective is different from that of many posters above. I go to a couple of festivals a year in order to see the best performers in the folk field. I prefer the more intimate sets but if the concert hall is required then so be it. Without the festivals it would be much more difficult to see such people, and certainly much more expensive.

I've walked out of Fylde final concerts before because of the volume, or just avoided them, but in the past two years the noise levels have been brought under control.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 06:02 AM

I suppose I get the best of both world's. By compering at Festivals I like i get a chance to see some of the main acts and still have time for the fringe and sessions. This year I have been to Doncaster,Beverley,Holmfirth,Lomond,Saddleworth,Warwick,Whitby, Shrewsbury and Bromyard. I've enjoyed them all in different ways It was 'interesting' being at a Scottish Festival for the first time in umpty years. Saddleworth is great for the singarounds and Shrewsbury for the concerts. Warwick is a good all rounder and still my number 1 but it's followed very closely by Bromyard and Shrewsbury

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: I don't know
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 06:07 AM

Prefer smaller festivals, go mainly for the concerts in the hopes of seeing somebody new. Used to love Bridgenorth but attended three Shrewsbury Festivals & have given up as it is to big & impersonal now. I try & support as much as funds will allow in the hopes the music survives for future generations.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Fran
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 06:55 AM

I too loved Bridgnorth, have struggled to like Shrewsbury but have given up now.

Have discovered loads of new artists at some of the smaller festivals this year, Roger Davies at Hardraw and David Gibb come to mind, brilliant young singer songwriters, making a nice change from all the new young instrumental trio's

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 07:28 AM

"David Gibb come to mind, brilliant young singer songwriters"

I agree Dave is brilliant..... but he's in his late '50s. I'm sure he'll be flattered though!!!

I tend to like smaller festivals..... but with quality (IMHO)guests.

I do quite enjoy singarounds but soon get bored if they are too big or with too much desperation/ hogging from some attendees to get their turn.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Betsy
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 08:38 AM

Like many occasions of its' type in the warmer months, a lot of people get to meet old friends who they wouldn't normally see. Also, performers rarely get to see each other perform so its a chance for them to get together . If you like the fringes - great so do I. The the only drawback for me would be,is, being in a massive / pop festival type crowd which I hope I never am.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Fran
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 09:50 AM

Banjiman

The David Gibb I saw this year was not yet 20, he has made the semi finals of the BBC young folk awards and has worked with Lucy Ward

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Fran
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 09:51 AM

I have seen the older Dave Gibb but David is worth investigating too.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: OlgaJ
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 09:57 AM

Saw David Gibb with Ellie Lucas a little while back. Nice to see young Derbyshire being represented.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: acegardener
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 11:04 AM

I used to do Bromyard and other paying festivals, then found I spent so much time with the fringe I sort of stopped doing the full festival. I feel I have to pay to see a concert, after all it does cost the organisers to put the festival on. But once my 'dues' are paid I'm into as many pub sessions as I can fit in. But like Happy I also went to Ingleton as it is so laid back and also advertised as free. (paid to se Mike Harding) I would like to attend a few more that are in the same format.

I never saw any dwarfs about but I think I caught a glimps of Snow White.:)

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 12:25 PM

Well it's that time of year again in Scotland when we have the nominations for the MG ALBA Scottish Trad Awards open until 22nd October, and this includes a category for Event of the Year - which could well be your favourite Scottish festivals - up to 4 nominations allowed. See here how to nominate: http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/index.htm
My favourite Scottish festivals include Celtic Connections (Glasgow Jan-Feb), Girvan, Glenfarg, Stonehaven, Innerleithen, Auchtermuchty and Dougie Maclean's Perthshire Amber (Oct - Nov) and of course top of the list is LINLITHGOW (which I help to organise - not in the least biased, of course!!)
See here for some of the fun we had this year: http://www.linlithgowfolk.com/festival.htm
and the pics and videos:

http://linlithgowfolkfestivalphotos.shutterfly.com/2010folkfestival

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 12:29 PM

"The David Gibb I saw this year was not yet 20, he has made the semi finals of the BBC young folk awards and has worked with Lucy Ward"

Apologies, I didn't know there was another!

The older Dave Gibb will be upset that it is not he who you were describing as young!

I'll check out the younger one.

Lucy Ward is OK.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 12:48 PM

I think when good small festivals get popular, committees and sub committees get formed, and the only good thing a committee ever did was..nothing, but then 'events companies' come in and it's n o longer the event that made it popular in the first place.

And if 'green' and 'healthy eating' people etc really want to convert us, why do their stalls at festivals charge such high prices, £6 at one fest for a rather small 'veggie' burger. £12 for a little enamel thing on the end of a piece of string!

At Moseley Fest recently I had my wristband checked every time I moved a few feet, going to the toilet, coming out of the toilet, Leaving the ground, and coming back in one time, guy at the gate checks my wrist, 5 yards further on another guy actually snatches my wrist without even asking, I glared at him and said "let go or I'll have you for assault. All bags searched for booze, I just thought "mothing really festive about this.

Finally I must mention A festival in Southern Ireland, The Kilkenny Rythym & Roots Festival eary May each year, 3 days of 90% free shows in lots of little and big venues throughout the town, very friendly people and not a veggie burger in sight

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: selby
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 01:30 PM

Im with Mr Gardham, enjoy all of it
surely without a festival be it good or bad the frings cannot excist
as it becomes a session or a festival.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 15 Oct 10 - 06:38 AM

How can we say like/dislike when they are so different.
There's Whitby - such good value for money if you buy a ticket, with loads of official free stuff and unofficial fringe all through the town. And the emphasis on participation and improving what you do, rather that on 'big names' or loud concerts.
Chippenham - whether you dance, play, sing, watch displays or listen to concerts theres loads of traditional stuff. Another good value festival.
Bromyard where you need a season ticket as it's mostly on site. We go there to catch up on some of the act we would otherwise be too busy dancing and playing to see.
Some local festivals seem like a concert series in the main marquee, with some free fringe stuff - no point buying a ticket for that, we'll join the fringe.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Fidjit
Date: 15 Oct 10 - 04:18 PM

Not been to that many.
Did Cambridge in '72 when it was a Folk Festival and got to sing in the club tent. Also joined in on some sessions.

Performed at the first Skagen, Denmark'72. When it was small. Been back several times lately. To big now and getting samey. Although there is a lot going on. Best to do all the free stuff.

It depends on what you like. For me there have to be fringe events.
I don't do many concerts as I want to take part myself. So mostly do the fringe events.

I'll follow the Morris sides. Join in the Music and song sessions. Do the sing around even though I might only get to sing one song throughout the whole evening.

Towersy three years ago was Ok, as once you'd paid the £80 ticket you could wander and enjoy everything. Concerts all day long. Dancing all night long. And even join in. Which I did.

Broadstairs I liked at the same time. With all the, "meet the artists gigs" during the daytime. Got close and intimate. Been back twice since, again just doing the fringe. (cheaper)

Did Sidmouth two years ago which I enjoyed immensely. Getting involved with Herbaceous Border. Again I only did the fringe.

Did a wet Dartmoor at the same time. Bought a ticket £30. Small and good but the barn dance on grass was a No, No. Again the fringe and Morris was good.

Have been to Cheltenham and enjoyed that. Enough of everything.

I think we are mostly participants than just listeners. Therefore we like the Miskin style of FF.

White Horse is a good little one. Enough of everything for a weekend.

Folk Station is on my list as I know Andy does a good job. (Re Miskin)

Was at a wet Tenteden for the first time. Good enough, but as Richard says above, Woolpack too small. Music session in the Lion bit better.

Plan to be at Chippenham next year 2011. And hopefully many others. Like Upton and Bampton, where I've heard good reports.

But You'll see me mostly at the fringe events.

I'll get me coat.

Chas

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 Oct 10 - 04:28 PM

I like the festivals who ask me to pay 10-15% of my takings. I dislike greedy festival who ask extortionate pitch fees up front and don't spend the money wisely on advertising. It's the 'we've got your money, we don't care now' attitude.
I vote for festivals in back gardens; small, intimate and back to their roots. To quote the Aviva advert 'you need to take out a mortgage to buy tickets there days'
Sal

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 Oct 10 - 02:22 PM

Up one more time I think!