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What's happened to Sidmouth?
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,c.g. Date: 06 Mar 11 - 03:28 AM Back in 1972, when I first went, there were foreign dance teams. The song side was so small there were only a couple of venues. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 06 Mar 11 - 01:24 AM Mr Adams. Look forward to a beer and a tune in The Radway, sometime during the week! GUEST Jon. There are quiet places in Sidmouth too. It's not all that frenetic really! Us old people like a nice quiet time. I tend to avoid the Bulverton/LNE scene nowadays myself. The knees don't work as well as they used to. For me, the two jewels in Sidmouths crown, are the Radway, and Volunteer sessions. For others it would be the Middle Bar, Bedford, Manor Pavilion. etc. Thats the beauty of Sidmouth. Room for every one. 2 years ago, went to see Kepa Junkera in the Ham. sublime. back in the late 80's, managed to get Filarfolket and Trio UGB (both Swedish) booked by Steve Heap. I actually think that Sidmouth is just as international as it always was. It's just dropped the name tag. Sidmouth is a nice little seaside town that hosts an interesting festival for one week a year. With a huge and diverse number of attractions for people of all ages....Looking forward to the next one! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 05 Mar 11 - 10:40 PM As I was the only one that questioned the information. I'll assume you were addressing me. Does it really matter when it might have changed it's name? I had misread Surrey singer but with my reading, yes I thought was worth correcting rather than perhaps have incorrect information perpetuated. For Gods sake, It'd Bloody Sidmouth! It's the same town as it was last year!!! Deal with it, or don't bother coming. I think it's just fine. And am looking forward to the events that will or maybe not! occur this August. ???? Surely even the most sceptical of punter can find just 1 event out of over 600 to interest them? A pub with a reasonable session is all I need and I gather there are a few of them... I don't get on with crowds though and fear Sidmouth would be too busy for me. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: johnadams Date: 05 Mar 11 - 08:08 PM wRalphie wRote: I know damn well that the planning for the next years festival starts on the monday morning after the last one finishes. Towards the end of his tenure, Steve Heap told me that the whole lead-in time for the festival was 18 months, presumably to get the big guests that he needed. Deal with it, or don't bother coming. I think it's just fine. Amen to that! See you there. My round I think.... |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:55 PM Does it really matter when it might have changed it's name? It started as a mainly dance festival, in 1954, the year I was born. I remember hearing Packie Byrnes reminiscences of the first one (just a weekend IIRC) Over the next 53 years it has changed along with the world, and no doubt will continue to do so. I tend to agree with Sorcha. If people don't like it, get involved and change it, if you can. I know damn well that the planning for the next years festival starts on the monday morning after the last one finishes. From sorting out camp-site/lavatory problems, dealing with hiring marquees/PA requirements/dealing with the local council/Health and Safety concerns et al. It's like painting the bloody Forth Bridge....It never ends. Booking the artists is the least of the problems it seems to me. Providing the depth and variety of entertainment for 7 days in the height of summer is no easy task, and takes a lot of person hours to do. We as punters turn up with our own expectations, but, personally, I have never been dissapointed. For Gods sake, It'd Bloody Sidmouth! It's the same town as it was last year!!! Deal with it, or don't bother coming. I think it's just fine. And am looking forward to the events that will or maybe not! occur this August. Surely even the most sceptical of punter can find just 1 event out of over 600 to interest them? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:43 PM Jon - no problem! I see our posts crossed :-) |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: s&r Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:39 PM You're right about the dates Jon: the point I was making was that for many years it had made a virtue of its international character and appeal, with a wonderfully cosmopolitan programme in the Arena. To return to the original post I think that the organisers should be congratulated on taking on a mammoth task and responsibility. Joan has responded in a measured way to explain her take on the running of a festival. "In the Bulverton we have a programme that has tried to provide some of the international focus and flavour that the festival has become known for: hence Nidi d'Arac and Anxo Lorenzo. These are fantastic artists with international reputations. The Yiddish Twist Orchestra and Moishe's Bagel are great examples of what happens to international music when it comes to Britain and takes on new influences and styles." Well done for this Joan et al Stu |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:37 PM By the way, if Tiger Moth are even half as danceable as they were in 2004 they will be worth waiting for. Tiger Moth at Sidmouth LNE 2004: the evidence for the prosecution or defence, depending. Can I be the first to say they're too loud?
Thanks. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:34 PM Actually I wasn't being snappy - you really shouldn't read things into it which aren't there. I was actually mildly amused and bemused. And I was referring to the fact that the changes in the festival occurred in 2005 after the first 50 years of the festival's existence - a fact that is unrelated to the festival's change of name. You misread it I'm afraid, although I will admit it was slightly clumsily worded. :-) |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:31 PM Ah. perhaps I can see the confusion now... I'd read it one way and you meant another.. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:28 PM Not sure why you are getting snappy Surreysinger. And please note you had said 2005 (after the first 50 years). |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:25 PM Errrmm ... ... yes? I think 1986 WAS before the changes in 2005 wasn't it? And it was the International Festival. I think that's what I said!! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:10 PM The official title of the festival before the changes in 2005 (after the first 50 years)included the words "International Festival", if I recall and am correct. I don't think that's right, Surreysinger. I believe "Sidmouth International Festival" was a renaming by Steve Heap/Mrs Casey in 1986. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:02 PM Stu - you just pipped me to the post while I was composing that!! LOL |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:01 PM >>> to help fight the good fight against the performance of Mowtown (sic), disco, etc., at what was traditionally an English folk festival - with some guests performing the folk music and dance of their nations,>>>as well...that's how it seemed when I enjoyed the BBC's (both radio and TV) 50th Sidmouth highlights, anyway I hate to disillusion you WAV. The official title of the festival before the changes in 2005 (after the first 50 years)included the words "International Festival", if I recall and am correct. I only started attending in 1990 but to the best of my knowledge the content has never by any means been specifically and exclusively been English. Much as I love English traditional music and song, long may that remain so. As to the so-called "intrusion of Motown or disco" ... I think that may be precisely one event out of hundreds in a whole week - and it's for fun! @Ralphie - Judging from the photos of you in Mr Schofield's book, I rather think that you were attending Sidmouth Festival. Interestingly enough, although I recall quite a bit of discussion at the time that Mrs Casey Music took over the reins of the festival from the EFDSS, I don't recall that anyone considered that that change of management and organisation made it a different and "new" beast then, did they? I think it's called continuity .Sidmouth Festival is dead, long live Sidmouth Festival ??? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: s&r Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:29 PM Here you go again WAV with another attempt to hijack a thread with your bizarre pronouncements about what should be allowed in England, the country of your birth if not your education. The attitudes that show in your posts are so negative as to beggar belief. For a number of years the Sidmouth Festival was named Sidmouth international Festival. I had hoped you had reformed. Stu |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Sorcha Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:29 PM You jack off jadrool mamaluke dick weed with your head in your behind...(oh, sorry, just channelling Spaw there) Go bug the BBC again whydontcha |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Jack Campin Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:23 PM "West Country Cream-Guzzling Pasty Head" has potential as a t-shirt slogan. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Sorcha Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:19 PM So, Mr Porter and Ms Lizzie, if Sidmouth doesns't suit you, how about step up to the plate and DO something? As in volunteer to deal with something real? Now, I know that as a Yank/Yooser, I shouldn't really comment, but this getting ridiculousl Seems to ME that Ruth Archer/Joanie is doing a fab job. Either support her or offer to take over. Like that will happen. Put up or shut up comes to mind. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Jack Campin Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:59 PM A few years ago at Sidmouth there was a mechanism for 'fast-tracking' Dukes open-mike artists onto a concert platform at the Bulverton each day during the week ... You mean something like the Danny Kyle open stage events at Celtic Connections? I liked that when Danny was alive (it worked thanks to his infectious unpredictablity), but it rapidly turned into a promotional scheme for the RSAMD's production line after he'd gone. Not a mechanism I'd like to see adopted elsewhere. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: WalkaboutsVerse Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:57 PM Oh, yes we do, BTNG: to help fight the good fight against the performance of Mowtown, disco, etc., at what was traditionally an English folk festival - with some guests performing the folk music and dance of their nations, as well...that's how it seemed when I enjoyed the BBC's (both radio and TV) 50th Sidmouth highlights, anyway. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:55 PM Intrigued by the comment "The first Sidmouth festival in 2005" Well what the hell was I visiting since 1974? And I suppose all the photographs from the 50's and 60's are fakes too? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Old Grizzly Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:49 PM wonder if this has anything to do with it ?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I9kyJ6ZYHw&feature=player_embedded D |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: BTNG Date: 05 Mar 11 - 03:06 PM "we need positive English (NOT British) nationalism" no you don't. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: WalkaboutsVerse Date: 05 Mar 11 - 01:33 PM As I've suggested here, we need positive English (NOT British) nationalism - and the fact that the Welsh have just taken another step towards independence (re. setting laws, i.e.) may help a bit. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 05 Mar 11 - 01:11 PM By the way, if Tiger Moth are even half as danceable as they were in 2004 they will be worth waiting for. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 05 Mar 11 - 01:05 PM An alternative perspective: open for discussion! Discussion of folk dancing in the UK, including at Sidmouth. By the way, nice to hear from you again Lizzie! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: johnadams Date: 05 Mar 11 - 12:54 PM mattkeen wrote: Just very underwhelmed by the line up Wow! And there was me thinking what a great and diverse line up was being put together. Just goes to show .... er... something. Go for it Joanie! It's hard being an artistic director at the best of times and Sidmouth is a really difficult balancing act but I'm looking forward to my few days there (even if Old Swan can't hack it at the LNE!). I want to see Genticorum (love quebecois), Freya:Abbott:Ferguson (great new album), Show of Hands (if just to see what Ms Cornish is always on about), my old faves Home Service, - and Anxo Lorenzo sounds like an act to check out! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,mattkeen Date: 05 Mar 11 - 12:25 PM We have gone every year for the last few years but wont be going this year - just cancelled the holiday cottage let in Branscombe Just very underwhelmed by the line up |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Mark Stevens Date: 05 Mar 11 - 11:28 AM I can't be bothered with Sidmouth' anymore .. there's too many 'folkies' ... |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Bonzo3legs Date: 05 Mar 11 - 10:47 AM http://www.4shared.com/photo/meQr_Lky/dogs_Plaza_San_Martin.html Dogs being looked after in Plaza San Martin, Buenos Aires! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Howard Jones Date: 05 Mar 11 - 09:28 AM Of course some ceilidh bands are more danceable than others, but that's not confined to the "big name" bands you seem to be demanding. But even danceability is a matter of taste - I think a lot of people might disagree with your dismissal of Tiger Moth. As for collaborations, again these are part of what makes festivals different. I rather dislike those festivals where an artist drops in, does a single spot, and disappears. The great thing about festivals like Sidmouth is that the performers are often around for several days, doing different things (often appearing in informal sessions as well as programmed events) and getting a chance to play with other performers which otherwise may not arise. Of course, there's no guarantee that these collaborations will work, or even if they do that they will suit your tastes, but at a week-long festival offering hundreds of events isn't it worth taking a risk occasionally? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Chris Porter Date: 05 Mar 11 - 09:10 AM Ah ... The Cresby has awoken! Mmm I think that some if not many, have got me and the point I was trying to make all wrong. I am not citing that the old days were any better as I have not made any comparisons with 1954 or otherwise. My comments were purely based upon my observation that there is a creeping towards bulk buying of artist's time which in turn leads to 'contrived' collaborations, not the spontaneous crazy stuff which used to happen. I just maintain that you cannot run a festival such as Sidmouth with its amazing reputation by using and re-using the same artists over a number of different formats. There is a danger that the perceived 'celeb' status of some artists seems to enable them to turn everything they touch into gold which in all honesty cannot be the case. We cannot lose sight that the ticket price is high enough without now having to compromise on the quality of what the offer is. I, along many others admire the creative work of artists such as Jon Boden, Jim Moray, Simon Care, Sam Sweeney, Eliza Carthy and many many others but just to offer them bookings for themed 'fun' events does no justice to their creative music which I would rather listen to. The future does lie with the young and last weekends IVFDF was brilliant for just that reason, so I have no problems with youth focused events but you must also remember the more longer lasting artists who have many, many years of performance under their belts but who appear to be missing this year?? With regards to ceilidh bands, I did not intend to dismiss their music as non-creative. Indeed, it is their often wonderful creativeness which does indeed make them all different ... but some are more dancable than others ... I am sure you would agree? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 05 Mar 11 - 07:53 AM And to answer the OP's question. Nothings happened to Sidmouth, it's just evolved into a new era...you could always revert to the 1954 version...comfy shoes walkies dancing, and no singing at all. doubt if you'd get many ticket buyers. If you don't like the present version, and how it is organised, don't come. There are plenty of other festivals around the country. I'm sure there will be somewhere that you would enjoy. But, I think you are alone. I'm sure that Sidmouth will be a success again this year as it has been for decades. As Mr Red says. You don't have to like it all......I personally avoid anything that says "Bodhran Workshop".....but I'm strange like that. Not being a singer, I never visit the Middle Bar, or indeed the Bedford. But, I'm glad that they are there. It wouldn't be Sidmouth without them. And to finish. What other festival could/would put on a concert for Nic Jones with a stage full of noteable musicians and singers including Nic. 1000 people in the Ham, some of whom had been queuing for hours beforehand? And this year, they intend to re-create Peter Bellamys "Transports" Whats not to like about people who have that sort of vision? And make it work? Worth every penny. nd family friendly too. (That Andy Cutting nicked my pint once....I think he was 10...He hasn't done that badly has he?) |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Mr Red Date: 05 Mar 11 - 07:05 AM baby? bath water? I am told there wasn't much of that in the early years of Sidders. I wasn't part of the new guard that shocked the EFDSS of the 60's with it's new fangled ways and where are those newbies now? Could they be the new old guard? And as for yoof - "why can't they be like we were, perfect in every way, what's the matter with kids today?" as the song goes. I am not a fan of the LNE and all that yoof excess but the Folk world and Sidmouth particularly is a conveyor belt with old fogies stepping off (or falling off) and new fogies coming on board with new fangled ideas and worst of all - they are being so young. Damn them. And talented in many cases. Double damn them. There is only one thing certain in life - CHANGE. and if you cite death - consider the change there! It is the job of us oldies to tut, how else can yoof find what is worthwhile and be themselves? I don't have to like all they do - but I would be less of a man if I couldn't quietly envy them. And accept that to get yoof on board we have to meet them half way. My hope is that there are enough sessions and ceilidhs extant before my legs give up. (or my brain). And can we expect that the ceilidh that doesn't happen in the ford will not happen this year too? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: VirginiaTam Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:54 AM Bonzo - that is a brilliant idea. However, there is an operation in the area which provides Alternative to a Kennel, Holiday Care with a Host Family http://www.animalsathome.co.uk/exeter/dogcare.php Richard, there were dogs aplenty on the camping field. Some on leads attached to caravans. Would Benjamin be ok in this situation, especially if you have an awning for him to shelter in? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Howard Jones Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:52 AM Successful ceilidh bands, no less than concert bands, "deliver a style of music/song which they have created, want to deliver and are at home with for their own esoteric reasons." Of course, to be succesful the resulting music must be danceable, but the creative process and motivation are similar, which is why the bands all sound so different. The point of a festival, to my mind, is not just a chance to see the artists whose work you know and are familiar with but also those who you may not have come across before. In these cases you do have to put some trust in the organisers' taste and judgement, and there will inevitably be occasions when these don't coincide with yours. However to expect a festival to book only the big-name ceilidh bands seems to me to rather miss the point. A festival provides an opportunity to come out of your comfort zone and dance to many different bands, both familiar and unfamiliar. In the case of ceilidh bands, even more so than concert artists, not being a big name is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Most ceilidh bands are not full-time musicians and there are a great many excellent bands who are not widely known outside their local patch because they prefer not to spend their weekends touring the UK's motorways. Scratch bands are always an unknown quantity, but when they are made up of exoerienced and creative musicians there's a good chance something interesting will come out of it. And when they make up only a tiny proportion of the programme it hardly seems worth getting upset over - there are plenty of other things to do. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Bonzo3legs Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:49 AM I dare say that a number of ladies and gentlemen who go to the Sidmouth festive have their glasses permanently half empty!! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:23 AM The artistic director is not a dancer, but she speaks to and consults dancers regularly, just as she consults others with expertise on various aspects of the programme. She consulted last year with Cat Kelly, for example, who has rejuvenated Oxfolk ceilidhs. Her partner is Derek Schofield, who also has substantial experience of the English dance scene, and in fact of Sidmouth. The "scratch band" format will be applicable to two events, out of almost 30. As I say, we also take the feedback forms we receive very seriously. Hence the changes to the social dance programme (which your initial post accused us of "axeing"). If substantial numbers of people had responded negatively to the ceilidh programme, or if numbers for events were falling, we would take action. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Chris Porter Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:21 AM Yes Ralphie, I am all for collaborations and fun fun fun, but these collaborations were always the added value events which helped make the festival unpredictable in many ways. It was a successful formula. However, what has happened is that these collaborations have become more 'professionally' contrived, less spontaneous and at times the main focus for the festival programming and ... ticket sales which they were never intended to be in years past! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Bonzo3legs Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:21 AM "I really think I should try to find more Sidders time this year - but I have the problems of an elderly dog who needs dogsitters and a one-man practice with clients..." That is a problem. In Buenos Aires' Plaza San Martin, which is a park near the city centre, there is an area where folks leave their dogs with a band of dog carers whilst at work or maybe just shopping. I tried counting them once and gave up at 100! My point is that maybe some enterprising people could arrange something like this for Sidmouth or even other festivals. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:16 AM Jim makes a very good point. Sidmouth has always been an event for performers to move out of there comfort zone, and try collaborations and experimental endeavours. The thursday night Drill Hall ceilidhs for instance. The ceilidh under the sea...The Rock'n Roll one..(Brylcreem was in short supply!) The LNE boxing match between Packie Byrne and Fred Jordan! Yes, silly of course, but, indicative of the sense of humour that is a vital part of Sidmouth...The Dead Sea Surfers providing the entire audience with brown paper bags designed like ukeleles, and making them do a solo! Jim's silent disco, is just the latest in a long tradition of lunatic activities. Long may that continue.... As has been said. If you don't like Sidmouth, either don't bother coming, or find your own town, and start your own festival. It's nothing that will cost you less than 50 grand. Easy! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Chris Porter Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:16 AM Mmm Oh dear ... Mr Jones has a valid comment but it is only relevant for those people who only have folk music in their lives and therefore seem to think that Sidmouth, or indeed folk music should be the centre of the universe ... how very sad. If I choose not to go to Sidmouth, I will not be sad nor grumpy, I shall be diverting my time and energy into new and different experiences which will enhance my life, rather than bore me. Virginia Tam is quite correct regarding the need to showcase new and emerging talent. A few years ago at Sidmouth there was a mechanism for 'fast-tracking' Dukes open-mike artists onto a concert platform at the Bulverton each day during the week ... has this creative thinking been disgarded? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Chris Porter Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:08 AM Ralphie, I am believe it or not a very keen supporter of Sidmouth FW having spent good money there for 37 years. I am just expressing a concern on behalf of others with whom I have had many conversations, especially from the dance world. Dancers unlike concert audiences are not a passive group of festival attendees. For them to exercise and express their passion for music, they do have certain expectations with regards to those bands who perform for them to dance to. The balance is different from concert formats in that ceilidh bands have to perform in a manner and style which make people want to participate by dancing. If they don't, then people won't dance. Concert artists deliver a style of music/song which they have created, want to deliver and are at home with for their own esoteric reasons. The resulting creations are an expression of their own passions and hope that they develop a following and fan base for their music. Therefore, so called inspirational 'one-offs' are untried and tested, have no track record of popularity and by and large will be using Sidmouth dance audiences as guinea pigs for their own self indulgance. All too often these 'scratch' bands hardly ever surpass the sum of their parts and leave the audiences gagging for 'no more'!! Don't forget, dancers want to dance to a full sound of dance music, not to drool over so called 'dance music stars'. Mmm I am beginning to wonder what personal experience of hard-core ceilidh dancing the artistic director has ...? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Continuity Jones Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:00 AM I'll be at Sidmouth and I'll hopefully enjoy it. Certainly I'll go along with the intention of enjoying myself. Those who want to stay at home with the intention of grumping and grousing and generally being miserable should do just that. Or maybe they could divert their energies into putting on their own perfect festival? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: VirginiaTam Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:48 AM Even if you only fringe, no one can deny that some of those sessions are made more special by the dropping in of "big time" artists. I love the workshops and if having high profile acts which sell tickets help to pay for these, then more power, I say. I don't know if I could cope with a week of just tune sessions and sing a rounds. I can't dance, so I would get bored pretty quick at ceilidhs. What is wrong with catering to a variety of tastes? Because of the variety, I discovered artists and styles I never would have considered by name or youtube video only. Live experience is a great teacher. I would like to see some lesser known artists get a chance at more recognition and some earnings. And I suspect that this is a big bone of contention among some Sidmouth detractors. It is unfortunate that due to the size of the festival and limited venue slots, this is difficult to address. However, there are busking spots dotted around town, a few places not being used to capacity by the festival (pubs, halls, sports club, etc.) might provide stage space, and the Hub outside the Ham provides high visibility. So they are not on the official programme! They would still be part of the scene contributing to the richness of the festival and getting some dosh and recognition to boot. @ Spleen Cringe There is plenty to see and do around Sidmouth reachable by public transport for your other half. The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth Museum, Norman Lockyer Observatory, number of railways and railway museums, houses and gardens like Sand in Sidbury and Cadhay in Ottery St Mary's. In Sidmouth town there are historic sites, gardens, esplanade, Jurassic coast, and loads of interesting shops. Not all that is going on is folk music either. I have heard blues, jazz, classic rock, world and popular music coming from buskers and out of pubs and clubs and churches. Variety of non music street performance and street vendors too. She shouldn't be bored at all. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:45 AM An interesting, illuminating and (mainly) a good natured thread. I feel that anyone who takes on the task of organising such a diverse and large operation like Sidmouth, deserves applause. Of course, not all elements of the week will be applauded by all, there are parts of the festival that don't appeal to me at all. but, actually thats not the point. I can always find enough things to keep me occupied, whether it be a session, a workshop, a concert, whatever. Joan will correct me I'm sure, but something like 600 plus events over 7 days? Well worth it, and all taking place in venues within walking distance. Pretty good value for money if you ask me. Plus all the kids events.....(who will become the artists of the future after all.) Good luck to the organisers. I've enjoyed the 30 ish Sidmouths I've been to. Will be back this year. It will be different as ever, but nothing stays the same does it.. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Chris Porter Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:36 AM I think that John has made a good point. Firstly, you can see many of the 'household' names at many other festivals across the country. Eg I was very much entertained by Jim Moray's huge input and hard work into the recent IVFDF weekend in Bristol but ... do I really want to see him at Sidmouth with Mowtown, Transports, Privateers etc etc. Diverse and creative programming vs saturation has to take into consideration the national picture with regards to performance. Sidmouth cannot just rely on 'the lambs' going to Sidmouth purely because it is 'Sidmouth' ... that would be taking a very arrogant viewpoint. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,JM Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:34 AM "I love Jim Mory but I don't want to see/hear him providing Mowtown, Tribute music, silent disco etc at Sidmouth 2011 he's too good a creative musician for that." On a serious note, I've been booked as a concert artist for the last few years and I'm sure people would be bored of me if I was booked again this year. But the Silent Disco is a highly successful event that was originated at Sidmouth in 2009. I don't think I'm imagining it to say it was the busiest LNE of the week last year. It was a very creative piece of programming by Joan as a way to get round noise restrictions that paid off enough to become a regular event and I'm really proud of it. Through the Sidmouth silent discos I've been offered DJing slots at Cambridge Folk Festival, Bristol FF, The Bellowhead New Years Eve event etc - its something that all the other festivals wish they'd thought of and want to copy... The Motown Ceilidh is a repeat of something that has happened successfully at Whitby for the last few years - and its actually the Eliza Carthy ceilidh band, I'm just the guitar player for that one. If you look in Derek Schofields 'Sidmouth at 50' book there are some wonderful photos of Nic Jones and Martin Carthy in fancy dress playing at "50s rock and roll" night at Carinas in the late 70's. Sidmouth has always had an element of that kind of silliness. And actually, at the core its only a Motown ceilidh in the same way that Steamchicken do "ragtime ceilidh" or Tickled Pink do "80s rock ceilidh" - we still take the danceability of the music seriously and have Martyn Harvey calling. It's not a throwaway event. And that's not mentioning the hundreds of other serious events programmed over the week, a lot of which is totally unique to Sidmouth (the major new production of the Transports for example). The accusation that it "is born from someone of little creativity driven by money and not by artistic direction" is totally untrue and amounts to a personal slur against someone who is doing a great deal for the festival, and the folk world at large. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,JM Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:35 AM I've got an idea. How about Sidmouth getting rid of all the "big names" AND the ceilidhs, workshops, dance displays, morris, LNEs etc. That would leave just the fringe which I'm sure would put the festival in a better position financially, wouldn't it?.. |
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