Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: tweetiepie
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 03:23 PM

sorry about typos arghhhhhhh

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Strummin Steve Jackson
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 03:23 PM

Last year there were no MC's so it's a step in the right direction,they're still learning on the folk fest thing at Butlins.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: tweetiepie
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 03:22 PM

1....comperes dreadful
2....queing atrocious
3....Fairports cronies forget it
4....Poor steve got half his set.
5....heat terrible
6....no seats
7....Seth and Cara brilliant
8....Get someone who knows about folk to compere..have already sent a pm to Mike Harding he is looking into it.
9 ...as self catering food venues were dire.
10...open both venues and alternate so if you missed you you had another chance.
11...get up to date acts like Bellowhead and Lucy ward instead of wurzels and pentangle and peggy
12...do it at Mineyhead.
13....shoot the soung engineers
14...Rusty Shackles introduced as an unknown quantity were BRILLIANT.
15..Chumba brilliant.
16....Churchfitters brilliant.
17...Only paid £44 each..no food..brilliant.
18...Butlins staff were brilliant.
19...not going next year..queues and bad to get to.
20...great to see so many lovely folk entusiasts..well behaved and happy apart from some who did not think they needed to queue and just pushed in.

My view in bullit points....XXX

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Fran
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 01:16 PM

I thought the MC's were just fine, they are only volunteers not Butlins staff and I much prefer them than the disembodied red coat voice we had last year!

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Pulseroom
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 11:12 AM

I totally agree with you, so unprofessional. These tactics will bite them in the arse at some stage. Sound Engineers, Lighting Engineers, MC's were very poor. Butlins staff excellent. Who is trying to save /make money from this show?

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 09:16 AM

Without trying to sound to picky can someone tell me the names of the awful MC's. The lady I believe was Sue? The main objection was the man kept waffling with his back to the audiance & when the artist finished he walked on so quick he was recieving the applause not the artist.
I learnt to MC by Davy Jones & have yet to find anyone who can match him. He ALWAYS starts on time - if your late/not sound checked the audiance is let in & the gig starts- he introduces the artist with a short welcome, he waits a few seconds once the artist has finished before reappearing on stage to announce either an oncore/break/next act. Gives you some idea how long a break will be & at the end of each session thanks sound/lighting as well as the artists.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 05:38 AM

I wish I had realised that beforehand doh!

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,SiG
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 06:44 PM

They were the ones who had write-ups in the programme.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Pulseroom
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 02:36 PM

Another problem with the programme was the way they had some bands highlighted. Were they the headliners? I dont think so! If they were meant to be I wouldn't agree. Anybody else notice?

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 12:31 PM

Just thought of another gripe (sorry, Butlins!): the totally inadequate (and confusing) programme booklet. I didn't bother to see Alejandro Toledo & the Magic Tombolinos because from the name they sounded like circus clowns or a magic act (and given some of the random acts that were booked, that might have been true!). They were, however (I now discover), a rather exciting Balkan/sax/world music band, whom I probably would have liked! But the programme only included write-ups of about 9 acts out of 20+, so deciding which of the lesser-known names to see was pure guesswork.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,SiG
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 09:44 AM

GUEST,Armanaya: "I received a feedback request by e-mail on Monday and have not booked for next year as yet." & "Yes it was a personalised link just coincidance we got it at the same time as the confomation I guess."

That's not so bad, then. I retract my earlier remark about cunning Cameron-style doublethink!

Yes, the self-catering deals are extraordinarily cheap, especially if you don't mind sharing with a few friends. The party I was with took turns to provide a main meal for us all, which worked very well, and kept costs down, as we only had to find lunch for ourselves. The chalet wasn't fantastic, but I've paid a lot more for worse accommodation.

The weekend's programme included one or two acts that were hardly folk, in my book, but that's true of many festivals, and you don't expect to like everything. And there were some great sets by some brilliant performers.

Yes, the long waits between acts were irritating – and so was that ridiculous smoke they insisted on pumping out almost all the time (except for during Ralph McTell's set, he was allowed to breathe. Had he complained?) I noticed several performers having to cough discreetly off-mike during their sets.

Yes, it was far too crowded in the two venues most of the time and the swirling spotlights in Centre Stage were a pain. And the sound was inexcusably bad at times, often poorly balanced or excruciatingly loud (I've been to – and enjoyed – heavy metal gigs before; I never expected to be deafened by one man with an acoustic guitar!!!).

But the Butlins staff were friendly & very helpful, and the Sun & Moon pub's conservatory proved to be an ideal venue for the informal session that we got started (and which then took on a life of its own, thanks to Ray, who kept it going for most of Saturday and Sunday, and thanks to Pete at the excellent PJ Music stand who told people about it). It would be great if that session could become a feature of future folk events at Butlins.

We even had a French dance/session in the Sun & Moon from 10.30–noon on Sunday before the mixed song/tune session took over for the rest of the day. Many thanks to the staff team at the Sun & Moon for allowing us to use the room and for being so helpful.

People obviously felt a need for these inclusive, participatory events, rather than just passively listening to the paid performers. A few more similar informal options would also help to relieve the pressure on seating in the concert venues, especially at times when only one of those is operating.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 09:09 AM

Yes it was a personalised link just coincidance we got it at the same time as the confomation I guess.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 08:34 AM

I got a feedback link and I didn't book for next year - its a personalised link

Need to see the line up - would have to be absolutely brilliant for me to go back though. Would also need to buy some noise cancelling headphones to drown out the slot machines - oh and a folding chair!

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Armanaya
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 08:23 AM

I received a feedback request by e-mail on Monday and have not booked for next year as yet.

Agree with some of the comments - improvements could be made but it is still the best value event I have been to and I and the other 5 people in our party had a great weekend.

Spoke to another friend who had gone self catering and only paid £50 per head !!!!

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST, SiG
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 08:15 AM

That's handy! So you can only comment on this year's festival if you book for next year first? Brilliant. D Cameron could learn a lot from that strategy: "You're only eligible to vote in the next election if you voted Tory last time." ;o) Perhaps @I Don't Know, or somebody else, could subvert the system by posting that email link (as long as it isn't personalised to them) here, so everyone can have a voice?

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 07:17 AM

The questionnaire came as an e-mail link with the confirmation for next years booking.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Chris Petz
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 05:55 AM

Hi I don't know.
how did you access the on line questionnaire?

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 05:10 AM

Should have said in earlier post Strumming Steve Jackson was Brilliant, everyone near me thought he was a plant- what a singer and the lady that joined in had a good time with her five minuites of fame too.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 04:53 AM

Recieved filled in and returned questionier on line last night. Wonder wether anyone will read the suggestions and act on them !

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Doug Williams
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 04:32 PM

Overall not a bad w/e -even the Butlins food wasn't too terrible (quite nice, actually -in the Yacht Club at least).

Only one MAJOR problem with the event for me -too many people queuing for far too long to get into each of the main venues, and not enough seats to go round if you were late. Wonder whether it might be better next time to charge more, have the three venues running acts for most of the day and cut the numbers down a bit? Just a thought.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Pulseroom
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 02:46 PM

That's interesting, I noticed that the Reds was closed on a couple of occasions, I purchased a skyline pass so I spent all the weekend up there, this is why I can't really comment, it would be unfair of me. However! I saw people forced into area's that were really out of the way to enjoy anything from the stage, also in area's near the toilets that were quite smelly and actually felt cold. Both my wife and I commented on what we saw. We also had friends there and I guess they only spent a small amount of time in the music venue's due to not wanting to queue for hours and therefore not getting a suitable place(and I don't blame them in those temperatures) so maybe the festival isn't as glamorous as I indicate. I felt really sorry for some people who were put in that situation0, so I hope that the real organisers can be found and some form of compensation sought.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,firstimevisitor
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 02:28 PM

I went to guest services to complain, as did many others at the same time, mainly due to the fact that on both Sat and Sun pm only one concert was on and hence not everyone could get in! We/I was told that Butlins didn't organise the event but merely hosted it. Bev and Phil Knight are the organisers and complaints should be made to them. I was also told that the weekend was a 'whole' experience and I could watch TV, watch football(in two venues) and go swimming as well as all the other things Butlins has to offer(most of it closed!). I tried to explain that I wasn't on holiday but had come for the gigs and music. Apparently this is normal procedure for all BIG Weekends...... 3287 people on site, each venue holds 2000 people - you do the maths!!
Incidentaly, B and P were on site but refused to come and discuss it with us as they were in a gig!!!

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Strummin Steve Jackson
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 12:39 PM

Agree there's good/not so good aspects. It really is great value if you opt for the premier catering & the accomodation is good. The event is not dependent on the weather condition and it is a holiday camp so you need to accept that. I don't understand the soundcheck scenario,those staff need to get their act together,when you've got all day the least you can expect is for the musicians not to have to contend with last minute soundchecks & for the start times to be roughly accurate,plus I found the lighting in the centre stage areana to be a bit much at times & it was dificult to actually watch the stage. Thought Martyn Joseph was superb,Matthews Southern Comfort,Kanda Bongo Man,The Dylan Project, Bob Fox and Anthony John Clark also did it for me. Special mention for Chumbawamba who were something of a revelation & on a special personal note(for my musical development) I was the guy who sang Ring Of Fire with them! Anne & myself have booked again for next year,so they are moving in the right direction.Please don't book the Wurzels again and I also noticed they mimed to a backing tape on that remixed Combine bloody harvester number. Now that is a serious offence at a folk festival.....

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 12:36 PM

What a bizarre place Butlins is - stick in the 1970's - it even has its own institutional smell which taints everything.

Some great music though - new discoveries for me Joe O'Donnell (incredible fiddle player with superb band), Jane Taylor (powerful blues voice and another great band) and Alessandro and the Magic Tombolinos (high energy Balkan sax player and yet another excellent line up). For the first time I 'got' Seth Lakeman - not sure if he has changed or I have - a brilliantly tight ensemble. Chumbs were great as always, Peatbog Faeries mainly tedious but things picked up towards the end and Steve Gibbons was the worst hour I have had in a concert for as long as I can remember. Cara Dillon was the absolute highlight - enjoyed her even more than at Shrewsbury.

Was thinking of going back next year if line up was good but people started queuing over an hour before the gigs which meant you had to join the queue not too long afterwards to be sure to get a seat. An hour of standing next to slot machines is not a great experience!

Also, as already commented, they need to get their sound checking sorted - sometimes the sound was very good but at other times eg Kanda Bongo Man it was dreadful. Some of the artists were obviously having a lot of problems with the sound. Perhaps those who had great sound had their own engineers?

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Chrispy
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 12:35 PM

Does anyone know why Peggy wasn't playing in the Dylan project? I thought it was the gig he was looking forward to.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: RamblinStu
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 12:31 PM

Just back from this weekends adventure in Skeggie

Blood cold

Sound engineers did their best to mess up everyones act

Saw some great acts, drank some "so so" beer and ok wine

Food was Butlins

I'm sure Butlins have never has such a peaceful weekend, if that's ok with you!

For me, the Fairport Connection set was the highlight, brilliant. Also The Churchfitters shortened set, is worth a mention   

Overall I enjoyed the event, and I'm not put off going again

Wishes for future events
1    Proper sound crew
2    Proper Ales
3    Move to a warmer climate

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Pulseroom
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 11:24 AM

After reading your comments I agree and disagree but I'm not going to speculate with responses to them. I will however add my twopenneth for what it's worth.....

I was happy in general but I had a skyline pass so a bit unfair of me to comment on some subjects. I thought the artists were short changed with the sound engineers, somewhat disgraceful, however due to the professionalism of artists, the end result was good. Richard Digance spoke out and I thought that was brave of him, I also enjoyed his performance. I think the Fairport Connection/Dylan Project is a good idea, but I didn't enjoy the Steve Gibbons acoustic set, I think he belittled himself, he was fabulous ending the show in the full band line up. Bob Fox as good as always, Chumbawamba, Cara Dillon, Peatbogs, Martyn Joseph, Churchfitters, Steve Tilston (short set) and 3 Daft Monkeys all did it for me, the young band as stand in (Rusty Shackle) were very entertaining and good luck to the young boys, all in all good value for money. Steve's short set, well! What a cock up, admitted by Dave Pegg, he gave Anna Ryder more than he should which resulted in the set running out of time. I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy Anna's set either.

I would agree that the organisers (Butlins?) still have things to do if they expect the success to prosper. My comments are my personal feelings of the festival, I really had a fantastic time, good food, decent accommodation and fantastic entertainment resulting in a brilliant weekend so no complaints overall and I must point out that the staff were absolutely fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, we met some nice people and made new friends. So! I have purchased tickets for next year including skyline pass on the strength of it

……Bring it on……

Rusty Shackle: http://www.rustyshackle.com/index.php?id=24

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 10:38 AM

.... ".. but at least the fringe sessions are to be commended for being relatively friendly and inclusive;
welcoming onlookers and open to participation for new & inexperienced performers..."

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 09:59 AM

..and it wouldn't be to far fetched to imagine this kind of post at mudcat
in the not too distant future


I tried dogging for the first time this weekend

It was held in an appalling dingy little car park hidden away miles from anywhere.

There were no facilities to speak of;

where were the food and crafts stalls ?

where were the workshops on traditional dogging methods ?

and absolutely no activities available for families
with small children.

The music was dismal, just muffled rythmic banging and grunting from random parked cars.

The organizers were completely absent and unavailable
to listen to my advice on how this could all be better managed.

Then when any stewards did show their faces,
it was not until near the end of the proceedings
when they arrogantly insisted
I get in their van and accompany them to the station.."

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 09:57 AM

Just returned from a good weekend of entertainment. I did not enjoy 3 Daft Monkeys that much but you can't all like everything.
Heared Friday eve that rebooking for next year was already well underway and if you wanted the sky seats you neededd to hurry and book, I did just that, by saturday afternoon all skybar seating was taken. This morning there were three ladies still taking bookings for next year, one member of management said out of 6000 punters this year they have already taken advanced bookings of nearly 2000. Something must be right.
I spoke to several people and the main topic of complaint was the change over times between acts and the fact Reds (the second venue) stood empty both sat and sun afternoon when maybe they could have had reversal of acts so you could have seen everyone.
Yes the sound was dodgy at times and as Richard Digance said " I only have one guitar can't you even get that ....right!!!!"
All in all very good accomadation and friendly staff.
Looking forward to seeing next years lineup.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 09:31 AM

Prior preparation and research may be in order for some mudcatters contemplating
any future Butlins Folk Weekender..

It appears "Lonely Planet" and "Rough Guides" do not publish
any books on visiting the Traditional Great British Holiday Camp

but these DVD's may serve as reasonable alternative contextual material
and an insight into what to realistically expect:

Carry on Camping (1969)

Holiday on the Buses (1973)

Confessions from a Holiday Camp (1977)

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Mikey D
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 09:27 AM

It was my first visit this year, and I thought it was OK but could improve. The only act I caught that I didn't like were the three Foolish Monkeys, who were much too loud, especially the percussion. But on the whole I thought it was OK. I did enjoy the informal session, which was all the better for being informal; If Butlins had organised it thay would have employed a professional and it might not have been as good. Chumbawumba were terrific, inspite of being greeted by some very noisy audience members.

So all in all not a bad weekend.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 09:14 AM

oops... talk about culture clash !!!???

..some folks just don't understand the concept of a Holiday Camp !!!!

Butlins entertainments promoters probably never anticipated this extent
of inflated unrealistic middle class alternative lifestyler expectations and over sensitivities
when they took a gamble on the 'Folk' genre of themed music nostalgia market weekenders
to try out on their regular
'get away from the family & kids for a couple of nights and let your hair down
with a crowd of away from it all binge drinking swinging adults' punters......


I bet they don't get all this complaining from the 'Soul & Disco' and'Heavy Metal' weekender ravers...

Now if only The Fairports could muster their investments to open up
a speciality all year round Cropedy 'Folk' Holiday camp
just to cater for the over demanding whims of
'our kind of people'...

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Chris Petz
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 08:32 AM

Now returned from the Butlins Big Folk Festival at Skegness.
Hmmmm.
Not really a folk festival – just one long weekend series of concerts.
There were no music or sing around sessions, no dance sides, a few stalls but, sadly, no dance venue!!
A visit to the "pub" and a chat with the management, who'd never heard of a session, but liked the idea, agreed to make their conservatory available. This proved to be a winner and was well supported through the weekend – why didn't the organisers know about this kind of thing when the punters did? Hopefully, they will learn and take it on board for next year.
Yes, there were two "Open Mic sessions" but a chance to showcase for a couple of minutes and strut your stuff isn't quite a session is it?
My personal suspicion is that the tried, tested and proven formula for 60's/70's/8o's/Rock 'n' Roll weekends was applied to this weekend in the naive belief that it would work in the same way – I lost count of the number of people who commented that "this weekend seems to have been organised by someone who doesn't really know very much about folk festivals."
Two giant arenas with state of the art sound systems should have been ideal for presenting the acts but, again, so much was poor. I could see and hear performer after performer frantically signalling to sound engineers for a good 15 minutes into their set before the sound, even on stage, was acceptable.
Why did it take 30-45 minutes for each change over when temporary set-ups at other weekend folk festivals (whether huge, like Shrewsbury or smaller, like Ely – equally good, by the way) manage it in less than 10 minutes?   My evil mind says that if you are going to hang on to your seat for half an hour between each act change, in a very warm arena then there is only one thing to do – buy another drink
With so much permanent equipment, why was the sound quality and mix so abysmal when, again, these other festivals do so well?                                                                                          
So, what was good?                                                                                                              As always, a chance to meet up with chums and see a variety of good folk acts at a very good price but that doesn't make it a Folk Festival.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Chris Murray
Date: 05 Dec 11 - 05:56 AM

Any more reports from the festival? I loved it last year. Wanted to go this year but couldn't.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Dennis the Elder
Date: 04 Dec 11 - 12:51 PM

Pointless exercise, why bother turning up, they could have sent cardboard cutouts.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Roger Clayton
Date: 04 Dec 11 - 11:08 AM

At the GBFF 2011 on Saturday.

The Wurzels. Miming part of their act! Yes, miming to a backing track of music and vocals.
Love to hear comments and opinions.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 04:51 PM

Thanks Fran - I first realised my confusion when I noticed they were down the list of artists - thought it was too good to be true - haven't seen Fairport for years - not a huge fan now but would have liked to check them out - the Connection line up sounds potentially interesting though - mind you Bob Fox is in War Horse unless this is one of the few gigs he is still doing

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Fran
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 03:54 PM

They had one venue running afternoon concerts and two venues running in the evening, sound was great in Centre Stage, never went in Reds so no idea.

Don't drink so don't know about the beer.

Fairport Connections is a project with Dave Pegg and Dave Mattacks from Faiport and some of the previous Fairport Supports including Anna Ryder, Steve Tilston, Bob Fox and Anthony John Clarke.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: RamblinStu
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 03:32 PM

Looking forward to this weekend.

Hope to see you there

Stuart Pendrill

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 03:30 PM

Thanks Fran - that's useful to know - those who have been before do they have all day concerts on Sat & Sun or just evening ones? Is the sound ok - and what real ale do they usually have - I gather there were long queues for it last year!

Is the Fairport Connections band actually Fairport - I am confused!

Looking forward to seeing Churchfitters for first time - as well as lots of others

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Fran
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 01:31 PM

Friday
Quill
3 Daft Monkeys
Ralph McTell
Chumbawamba
Peatbogs
Emily Smith

Saturday
Richard Digance
Cara dillon
Steve Gibbons acoustic
Matthews Southern Comfort

Sunday
Seth Lakeman
Martyn Joseph
Pentangle
Dylan Project
Churchfitters
Fairport Connections ft Anna Ryder, Bob Fox, Anthony John Clark, Steve Tilston
Jane Taylor
Alejandro Toledo & the Magic Tombolinos

Could not find out which day the Wurzels were on but would guess Saturday.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,GUEST - Nick
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 11:59 AM

Why don't they ever show a timetable, anywhere?
Some of us can't make it for the whole weekend.
All I've found out so far is that Seth Lakeman is on Sunday.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 11:16 AM

I will start a new thread.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: Banjiman
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 09:55 AM

I'm with The Leveller on this....... I can't go because my kids would want to be there as well.

I wonder if there would be any interest in a child focused weekend gathering/ small folk festival. We'd love to help pull one together if there is?

Probably the wrong thread to ask this question on though!

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,I Don't Know
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 09:23 AM

Really looking forward to this weekend - great time last year & expect it will be this time.It is nice not having the kids for one weekend.
Why does some one not come up with a festival for kids - all performers could be under 25years old & workshops, dances ect could be arranged to suit diffrent age groups & abilities. Parents could be bystanders & helpers.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Chris Murray
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 08:47 AM

If the clicky doesn't work - I tried!!

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: GUEST,Chris Murray
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 08:46 AM

I would have felt sad that I couldn't take my daughter to Butlins when she was younger but I wouldn't have felt discriminated against.

Butlins do dozens of these "Big Weekends". I don't think anyone at any stage said, "Let's not include kids". Actually, it would be quite interesting to know what the people who attend the other weekends think.

It is nice to attend a festival which focuses on the music only.

http://www.bigweekends.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_term=Butlins%20big%20weekends&utm_campaign={Big_weekends}&ito=1

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: theleveller
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 03:34 AM

Oh, and have a bracing weekend in Skeggie, everyone. I don't begrudge anyone a good time - just would have liked to be included.

Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011
From: theleveller
Date: 30 Nov 11 - 03:26 AM

...ooh, and the incredibly lovely Lucy Ward - it's in the diary!