Festivals for getting involved

Subject: Festivals for getting involved
From: GUEST,Fyldeplayer
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 11:12 AM

Visited Sidmouth 2011, really good lots of performing opportunities. Looking at Broadstairs or Wadebridge for 3 day drop-in. What's the playing/singing sessions like please? We are duet concertina/guitar + vocals and really enjoy a good singaround. Thanks all.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Girl Friday
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 11:36 AM

Never done Wadebridge, but am an old hand at Broadstairs. Not a lot of pubs without guests playing at lunchtime and evening. Your best bet is probably The Woodshed sessions every afternoon at The Wrotham Arms.

There's an evening singaround in the Yacht Club, and an afternoon folk club there too.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: GUEST,Tootler
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 02:31 PM

Lots of participation opportunities at Whitby.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 04:14 PM

Whitby yep.
Solid playing, dancing, singing from about 9 o'clock in the morning to at least midnight every day in a wide variety of venues. You could even do it without buying a ticket.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 04:50 PM

The few main Broadstairs opportunities are rammed so you won't get much of a go, and the Woodshed if running is for joining in so don't do anything in 6 or 7 sharps or flats. The Yacht club is more for listening respectfully even to the rare people who do come with recorded accompaniment.

There are some shanty sessions, notably on the pier - but also often very rammed, and if you even open a guitar case to get a start note you will be FIRMLY scowled at, but you might escape with your life if using a threepenny bit to accompany a forebitter. The Sunday morning session in the Neptune is for God-bothering and ungodly songs are very sniffed at. There is diddly and humpty I believe in the Nelson. There have been some singarounds up past the Nelson on the right - it might be an adult education centre or something.

I don't know about this year but there have in the past been WONDERFUL sessions in the School on the official campsite if you can get in to the campsite, but there was a clampdown so that only the main hall could be used. It is a big gymnasium and getting any atmosphere going in there is hard, and gradually formal presentations of music hall song and so on have taken over.

Camping is expensive and limited to those with full season tickets of performing or playing or dancing with a side. Even so smoking is ABSOLUTELY banned on the campsite so if you have a midnight fag in bed in your tent you may in theory find a large person throwing you offsite in your nightie at 3 am. Most of the campsite, nighttime noise is banned - I was once cautioned for talking too loudly at 1 am.

There have also been some off-programme mixed sessions in the first pub going downhill on the right from the Pierremont Hall but it all depends.   Sometimes there are evening ones in the Albion, not far from the campsite.

Or you could ask for busking permission and take a tin around and see what you could get going in a side street.

Parking is a nightmare, and don't even think about popping a tent somewhere out of sight or sleeping rough with a bivvy bag in the allotments. Official transport (minivan) has much improved and taxis are cheap at least as far out as the school.

There are some nice campsites out near Manston, but it is a long way in in a taxi or on a bike and out again.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 04:53 AM

The Wadebridge sessions were not large but I was impressed by the quality of the singing when we were there 2 years ago. The evening concerts were impressive, less so the afternoon ones. However, they sold the best pasties I had ever tasted at a festival and the best PA I came accross that year.
If you want a day off you can hire a bike and go down the Camel trail.
The camp site is about a mile walk but you can find parking in the town centre near the venues.
FloraG

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: banjoman
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 06:35 AM

I second all that Richard said about Broadstairs. Its fine if you are booked there-otherwise forget it.
We are giving Whitby a go this year as we are celebrating our 40th Wedding anniversary at the same place we spent our honeymoon. 40 years it was a small fishing village but I have been told that its now got traffic lights and is more like Blackpool. Still if the sessions are good who cares.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 06:49 AM

I went to Whitby for my honeymoon in 1971. It was horrendous. The whole town was swathed in a freezing sea mist in the middle of August. The digs were cold and damp, the cafes in the town served food that could only be described as revolting. All the holiday makers were huddled - to shelter from the biting cold, and freezing rain.

Nowadays Whitby is quite nice - quite up market and arts centre-ish. Much nicer. i don't know what they were fishing for in those far off days. but believe me, you missed nowt.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Mo the caller
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 07:11 AM

The Whitby weather can be unpleasant if you want a seaside holiday. But as long as you can get to a Folk week venue with your instrument or dancing shoes/clothes dry - who cares?
The venues are quite spread out (horizontally and vertically) and parking is impossible.
There are all sorts of sessions both official and unofficial for varied abilities.

But it wasn't Whitby you were asking about.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: theleveller
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 08:11 AM

"Nowadays Whitby is quite nice - quite up market and arts centre-ish."

Eh? Much as I love Whitby town (and I've been going there for over 60 years) we tend to avoid it these days as it's usually jam-packed with Middlesborough chavs. We dropped in on the festival a couple of years ago because we know quite a few people who go there every year and love it, but we found it too traddie, too old and too cliquey. Maybe I'm just not folkie enough these days.

Moonbeams Wold Top Festival is still our favourite - it's in the heart of my beloved Yorkshire Wolds, has a great variety of acts, all in one place, its own brewery, brilliantly organised and it has the best singaround tent I've ever come across.

Never been to Sidmouth (too far and too expensive).

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Mr Happy
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 08:21 AM

If you want the most sessions anywhere, come to Bull Bay, Anglesey at Easter - 5 full days of singarounds, music seshes - real ale, free camping

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Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: GUEST,FyldePlayer
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 10:31 AM

Lots of useful info - thanks all. We know Whitby from way back when my good lady wife was booked, I spent week with new born!! I should have mentioned my thoughts were for a southern, weekend fest. I have located well placed B&B in Ramsgate but am reconsidering after this feedback, might try Warwick or Furnace, but I'm tempted by Wadebridge pasties and cycle rides along the Camel.

Enjoys yours wherever you go.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Feb 12 - 11:15 AM

Do I know you? I've been at Fylde quite a few times. I live near Weymouth now and the Wessex FF in the first week in June at Weymouth is a lot of fun. Takes place all round the harbour.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: GUEST,Fyldeplayer
Date: 29 Feb 12 - 06:09 AM

Prob not Big Al - it's a guitar maker rather geographic reference -although the Fylde is resting now in preference to a louder guitar for work with duet concertina and melodeon. Will look into Wessex FF, some good walking to be done down there as well.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: GUEST,floraG
Date: 29 Feb 12 - 06:51 AM

Don't forget Dartmore immediately after sidmouth. Its a weekend vilage festival with extras. Weve enjoyed it in the past.

If you manage Wadebridge I hope you get the lovely weather we had.
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 29 Feb 12 - 01:48 PM

We know a very good little event that is all DIY by whoever turns up.
There are basic camping facilities and it is in a pub.
Excellent company. good variety of music and great range of real ale..

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 24 May 12 - 04:25 AM

from Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th July 2012

The New venue for 2012 is the Fox Inn, Roxby, North Yorkshire. TS13 5EB. Tel [phone]

Set in picturesque countryside on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors

A field next to the pub will provide camping for caravans motor homes and tents.

Flush toilets, washroom and shower available 24 hours a day for the duration of the festival.

Camping available from Noon Wednesday 25th July to noon Monday 30th July.

Camping is £10.00 per unit per night, caravan, Motor home or tent for up to four people.

For anyone staying three nights or more the cost will be £25.00 per unit.

Single occupants will be charged £7.00 per night or £20.00 for three or more nights.

Awnings / Gazebos will be charged an additional £5.00. Free if booking is paid before 1st July

Caravans and motor homes can ONLY access Roxby from the A171 Guisborough to Whitby moor road, about one mile east of Scaling dam reservoir, signposted Roxby Borrowby Staithes

No dogs and no Fires allowed anywhere on the camp site.

Static Caravan Available, £25.00 per night. Book through Carl at the Fox Tel [phone] ()‎

The Fox Inn will be serving Pre Booked breakfasts from 8.30 am and meals from 12.00 to 3.00. Sandwiches and snacks will be available all day. As The Fox Inn will be busy and serving meals it is not suitable for dogs during the festival. No Children under 16 yrs in the bar after 9.00pm.

This festival is based 100% on audience participation. There will be a number of recognised stars joining us. All events are FREE so no one gets paid. Every type of acoustic music will be welcomed and encouraged. You cannot book a spot. Everyone who attends just turns up when it suits them and takes their turn .It's just one song at a time for everyone. There are no electrics, so it keeps coming round fairly quickly.

Sessions start Wednesday & Thursday from 6.00pm until midnight. Friday Saturday & Sunday will run noon until mid night. A selection of reasonably priced ales and home cooked meals will be available throughout the festival period.

Basic groceries are available from the Fox.

Booking is advisable, and will be on a first come basis.

Cheques for full amount to be made out to L.A.M.P.

Send Payment to L.A.M.P. 52 Micklow Lane, Loftus, North York's.TS13 4JE

Please indicate caravan or tent etc and dates of arrival and departure.

Please include your vehicle Reg No and a contact No or email

We are looking for a Morris / Folk Dance Group to join us


Anyone interested or for any further info please

contact me [e-mail]



Thanks Tony Leonard

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: GUEST,Square The Circle
Date: 24 May 12 - 05:13 AM

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Alcester Festival in a couple of weeks time, right in the middle of the UK and one of the best singers festivals in the country, always a singaround or folk club on, plenty of opportunity to perform.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: RWJ
Date: 24 May 12 - 09:11 AM

and this year Alcester is billed as a fully acoustic festival

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Mr Happy
Date: 24 May 12 - 11:30 AM

Best go to gatherings, no concerts, no guests, all sessions & signarounds, yippee!

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 May 12 - 07:14 PM

If I didnt know you , I woukld have suggested White Horse !

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Tootler
Date: 25 May 12 - 04:48 PM

Best go to gatherings, no concerts, no guests, all sessions & signarounds

Not necessarily: Hexham Gathering

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Mr Happy
Date: 26 May 12 - 07:12 AM

......hmmm, should've added 'no tickets needed!'

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 26 May 12 - 01:12 PM

It's rather a long swim for Uk 'Catters, but I highly recommend the FSGW Getaway a a participant festival.

Subject: RE: Festivals for getting involved
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 May 12 - 02:47 PM

I'll second Dick's suggestion ! The Getaway IS a fantastic weekend of Involvement !