Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014

Subject: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jul 14 - 08:15 AM

Any info on sessions please. I know there is one in the Balfour which is good fun and the middle bar singers at the Anchor. Any more...........................?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 28 Jul 14 - 01:12 PM

where to begin?
Volunteer singing, (poetry & Story in their garden). Mid-day at least.
Swan, inside, outside and behind sessions mid-day and probably evening.
Anchor downstairs mid-day session.
Radway English session (ish)
Bedford - session (occ song) and maybe a second session mid-day.
Cricket Club mid-day session.
and who knows what evening sessions take place but I would expect all of the above. I will be in the Blackmore Gardens or the Bulverton marquee, dancing.
Yatch Club (or wherever it is now) has a folk club - think singaround - in the evenings.
There are things in the Rugby club (collecting box), various, but Sunday 8pm is a singaround. Saturday - Irish & Scottish session. eg.
If you see me wandering around - say hello.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Rumncoke
Date: 28 Jul 14 - 06:17 PM

there are morning and evening sessions in the York and Faulkner, 10:30 and 19:30.

The 15:30 themed singarounds are usually interesting - this year at the rugby club.

There are ballad sessions (real ballads) in the conservatory at Woodlands 17:00. I promise I will not sing Tam Lin again.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Jul 14 - 08:41 PM

Gerry Milne and friends at The New Tavern (Overflow bar for Carina's)
Midday till Three Ish and Twenty Thirty till the disco gets noisy - The best Mixed Session in Sidders !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Jul 14 - 08:46 PM

Morning singarounds in the York & Faulkner start on Sunday - by which time there'll already have been evening sessions on Friday and Saturday.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Jul 14 - 04:15 AM

As you can see from the above it is hard to "not find" a session and even harder to know where they all are!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 29 Jul 14 - 04:38 AM

All - or most - of the fringe events are given on page 50 of the programme.
And please don't forget to put some money in the collecting tin - the collections in the fringe sessions and on the streets are an important part of the festival income.
Oh, and tickets are available for the non-fringe events ..... :-)

Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 29 Jul 14 - 07:36 PM

You are wasting your time Derek thinking that the majority of contributors to these threads will actually make any significant financial input into this or any other festival.

Personally I have always been happy to pay my way and always offered practical support.

I know I am in the minority but can only blame that on a working class background where we expected nothing for nothing.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 29 Jul 14 - 08:02 PM

Well, Guest, Guest, my own experience of the named people who have previously contributed to this thread is that they have contributed financially to the festival too. And we'll be putting a collecting tin round in the Royal York singarounds again this year as in previous years.

You're welcome to come and join us and put a coin or two in the tin too. (As the saying goes, notes are quieter, and don't disturb the singers.....)

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Jul 14 - 09:18 PM

Same goes for the tin in The Newt !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Surreysinger
Date: 30 Jul 14 - 06:20 AM

Guest Guest .... as Kitty said! The collecting tins are passed around in the Volunteer every day, and as far as I have ever noticed everybody usually makes a donation. The Middle Bar singers usually go all out as far as I am aware, and consistently make a fair bit of money for the Festival.

As far as the original guest's request about Sessions, please note that, despite what Mr Red has said, the lunchtime events at the Volunteer are NOT sessions/singarounds. Singers are invited to take the floor by the co-hosts of the day (normally George Frampton and AN Other),and quite often include festival guests etc, and music is provided by the designated "pit band" of the day.Doesn't mean to say that you don't get the chance to raise the rafters in chorus singing every now and then though! The evening events at the Volunteer (assuming that things are proceeding as they were two years ago (I haven't been able to go for that long, boo hiss)are of a more participative mixed song and tunes nature.Looking forward to getting back to the Volly for at least one session next week on the Friday. Hope you find what you are looking for guest!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Lee
Date: 30 Jul 14 - 11:00 AM

Thanks for all the feedback thing I will try and get round most of them.......don't look at the weather

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Johnny J
Date: 30 Jul 14 - 01:04 PM

I do hope that The Sidmouth Singers Festival will be a great success as usual.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: selby
Date: 30 Jul 14 - 01:19 PM

Is it true there is a folk festival at Sidmouth?
Keith

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 30 Jul 14 - 08:35 PM

anyone beside me going to see Ralph McTell tomorrow night?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 04:24 AM

Fri 12pm is the earliest I can get there, and probably got straight to the Anchor Gardens. Tickets & B&B must wait for a gap in my programme.

FWIW I never implied the Volunteer was a session, singing was stated, the format unspecified. I always tell people (for any pub "event") that the format depends on who is there and you have to try several to find the scenario that suits. Sidmouth affords a rich choice. "Invited Floor Spots" would be a better description. It didn't light my fire whenever I popped in, despite my singing pedigree. The Rugby Club (Sun 8pm) event run by Dave Hunt might be more to your liking. I have experience his organising and it is very eclectic and inclusive.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 12:48 PM

Do people deliberately misread postings?

Three singarounds do not make a majority.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Dave Hunt
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 01:29 PM

Thanks Mr Red! ...Sunday 8pm Rugby Club...   It's billed as a 'Music and Song Session', and that's exactly what you'll get! I really like a varied and lively mix of stuff, so that there is always a chance for ANYBODY to have a go,...experienced or newcomers. I always try to maintain a stress free, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, we all had to start somewhere, and this could be YOUR opportunity. Or you may be a virtuoso musician...great, come and share your expertise with us! It will be FUN!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Surreysinger
Date: 31 Jul 14 - 05:51 PM

Mr Red - sorry, but since the OP was enquiring specifically about Sessions I would, and certainly did, construe it as relating to such. !!

As to the Rugby Club - always a good one. And if it's Mr Hunt at the helm fun is definitely assured. (I'll have the Fiver next time I see you Dave).Just wish I was going to be down before Thursday to come along.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: My guru always said
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 05:01 AM

Will be there Sunday evening *hurrah*

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: JHW
Date: 01 Aug 14 - 06:30 AM

My apologies for not making the York and Faulk and Sidmouth generally again. I wish you all much enjoyment.
Poorly L (Clutch) knee this year (but I've got an auto coming next w/e)
John Wilson

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,CJB
Date: 06 Aug 14 - 07:50 PM

Brings back happy memories of the 80s/90s - but also of not so good memories such as heavy rain and strong winds resulting in a flooded campsite, almost total lack of showers, stench of chemical loos, folks shouting into the early hours, and trying to sleep on a just ploughed up muddy field.

I seem to remember that the campsite was so far out from town too.

Would love to do it all over again - but Sidmouth is now way out of my financial means. They don't want pensioners there - do they even have concessionary tickets? - its very much a young person's festival - as is made quite clear in the activities programmed.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: JHW
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 04:17 AM

Sidmouth is full of pensioners, indeed it's hard to tell the folkies from the locals.
Don't worry about a ticket, just go, but use one of the permanent campsites.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 06:10 AM

Sidmouth festival sent me an email yesterday containing a photograph of a dance - nobody in the photograph looked under 80.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Jim Martin
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 07:12 AM

'CJB' - Always used to do concessions for residents, don't know if they still do. Quite a nice gesture, I thought!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Reynard
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 09:13 AM

A "young persons festival"?! The average age when I last went a couple of years ago was easily 60+.

Perhaps the organisers realise that if they don't make a serious effort to attract younger people the festival will cease to exist within the next 20 years.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,CJB
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 12:18 PM

But I still can't afford to go: train fare (outrageous), b&b inflated prices just for the week, Festival season ticket plus tickets for extra events - eye-watering, food & beer money, incidentals, etc. Way beyond my means.

Huh - friend of mine get free tickets for taking workshops but they don't share them with me and I haven't reached the dizzy heights of taking a workshop myself. I do clogging and step dancing - and those from Newcastle always get those workshops anyway.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: RTim
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 12:25 PM

My kids (37 and 35) and their spouses, with their 4 children - go every year!
My kids have been every year of their lives (incl. in utero!), except one year when I made them go to Pinewoods Camp in the USA.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 12:32 PM

We've just got back from Sidmouth and both said the same thing, its slowly its losing its vitality. The event is changing, too many traders on the sea front, not enough dancers or performers, too many mini pa's with X Factor wannabes behind them, sessions with no umph, needs a kick up the arse.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Marje
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 01:29 PM

If most of the punters are over 60, that doesn't necessarily mean that the festival will die out. In 20 years, lots more people will be over 60 and may replace the present festival-goers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Aug 14 - 02:02 PM

Well, I'm hoping to be proper retired enough to take the week down there next year or the year after. I went down for the opening weekend a couple of times not long ago. I agree. Get rid of traders on the prom and PAs in the street, that'll give the dancers some space and those of us who want to sit in sessions can do so in every pub!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 10 Aug 14 - 04:48 AM

What a lot of negativity about! I had a wonderful week as ever! Many thanks again to the organisers. No shortage of young folk about, among buskers, sessioneers and paid performers. Lots of stuff for families and children too.
It would be good to get the Esplanade back for more spontaneous and/or arranged dancing and music, but hopefully (maybe?) some of the income from hiring out the spaces to the traders goes back into funding the festival?? Can someone confirm or refute that?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 10 Aug 14 - 06:36 AM

East Devon District Council (EDDC) hire out the spaces on the Esplanade to traders. EDDC does not give direct financial support to the festival.
see here:
http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/street_trading_sidmouth_folk_week

Write to Chief Executive Mark Williams to comment on street trading...

Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Jim Martin
Date: 10 Aug 14 - 07:28 AM

So there you have it, direct from the 'horse's mouth' - EDDC are on the make from the festival, while at the same time, apparently without realising it, stiffling the very reason genuine festival goers want to go there in the first place.

Something drastic needs doing here before the festival (& EDDC) completely loses its integrity!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 10 Aug 14 - 11:01 AM

To clarify ... Sidmouth Town Council gives generous financial support to the festival. And EDDC gives support in kind, and the festival obviously involves increased street cleaning, there are licensing issues etc... (all EDDC responsibility).
EDDC's car park revenue is probably up as well... :-)
Derek
ps I'm not the horse's mouth, by the way, and have no formal involvement in the organisation of the festival....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 10 Aug 14 - 12:36 PM

no formal involvement? all those photographs for EDS magazine and MC in the Ham Marquee. (!-)

But if you were a dancer you would have sore feet doing all the ceilidhs, or the Contra, or the Troyls from Kernow, Breton Montardes/Andros & Hantadros. Balkan Circles, and Irish Set dances. And 2 "free" ceilidhs in the Anchor Gardens per day.
If you were fans of Belshazzar's Feast, Chris Wood & Andy Cutting and a load of concerts I didn't get to (you could be on concerted overload). Talks, edifying lectures on Frank Kidson (eg),
If you were a session musician you would be spoilt for "free" choice in the Bedford, Swan, Anchor, Radway and a some official sessions I never got to.
Singers had the Volunteer, Anchor and other venues I didn't have time for.

But there is a tradition that says nostalgia is not what it was
but it will be one day and it is nice to know it is alive and well amongst the non-attendees.

As I always say "change is the only thing certain in life" and to those who point to death I say "as changes go? ..............".

The changes at festivals like Sidders that I don't like are compensated for by the yoof that like it. At my age there is a wonderful vicarious pleasure in seeing others enjoy themsleves, particularly yoof finding what I found long ago - that participation has a value way above consumption.

I am weary, tired and lost 2 weeks of hobbies, and I am wonderfully rewarded for all of that.

Thankyou Sidmouth organisers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 03:46 AM

Thanks for clarifying the street traders point, Derek.

And hear hear to Mr Red's post.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 04:17 AM

Second try at this - It seemed to me that the fringe was reduced in numbers . Nowhere near as many singers and musicians as in the past

We had some good sessions in The Newt , despite fRoots curtailing our activities as they were on at a lot of the same times

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: The Barden of England
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 04:21 AM

Mr. Red has it spot on. Nice to see you in the Bedford by the way.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: daughter
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 05:12 AM

AGREED Mr Red! What a fantastic week! I have been going to Sidmouth since 1989 and have seen many changes. I couldn't fit in a quarter of the events/free sings and sessions that I would have liked.

Loads of young musicians and exciting singers and dancers along with spaces for the "older" traddies (like myself in part!).

Sidmouth remains the kind of experience where everyone can have a completely different festival - as expensive or inexpensive as suits. See Mr Red's comments for a meer glimpse of the range of pursuits, I won't list again but you get the picture.

It is some time since I returned to Mudcat and it is a shame to see that there are still so many pointless, negative musings across the threads. I'd love to see people offering ideas and suggestions for festivals/events they liked better that we all might try out instead of purely doing down other people's experiences.

Alie

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GRex
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 06:45 AM

I gave Sidmouth a miss this year, the first time in over thirty years. I'm afraid I've allowed myself to get too old and decrepit. Pleased to know that it went well.

GRex

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 07:06 AM

The reason there are no fringe players anymore is the festival/Sidmouth is just too exspensive too attend. Even taking out the ticket price I know as a local every bussiness put's a little premium on everything over that week. Compare this to Dartmoor festival where a pint costs £2.50 and a burger is a couple quid.
I personally think its on way too long as well and due to this the festival just kind of fizzles out midweek. On the first weekend we sat in sessions till 2am but by Wedenesday sessions were packing up at 9.30pm. I really think a 4 day long weekend would be the way to go as the comments on here are correct the crowd is generally 50 plus and a week is too long. This would also keep that energy level up which is lacking. I know a few people on here will say "oh I had a good time all week" but it definately dies mid week. I even spotted the organiser playing putting on the Thursday so he had lost interest as well.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 07:33 AM

Shock, horror!

FESTIVAL ORGANISER TAKES A FEW MINUTES OFF TO PLAY PITCH & PUTT!!!!

HE ONLY STARTED AT 6:30AM AND HERE HE IS LAZING HIS TIME AWAY IN MID AFTERNOON.

SHAMEFUL I CALL IT.

GET REAL PREVIOUS GUEST

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 08:06 AM

Thats it focus on 1% of post.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 11:07 AM

How do you know he started at 6.30am? and also why are you so wound up (anyone that doubts this check previous posts from guest guest). If folk music upsets you so much maybe its not for you.
You wouldnt be anouther digruntled middle aged man because my god I have seen enougth of those in the last week.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 12:27 PM

Tongue in cheek is wasted on some people!

Where on earth do you get the idea that I don't like folk music?

I am also totally unwound but then see first line above.

Most of the people I met at Sidmouth of whatever age or gender seemed to be enjoying themselves - maybe it's the company you keep?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 06:35 PM

We only did monday to thursday, so may have missed the best ie the weekend, but compared to previous years, banjo's, mandolins, melodians all well down, however, Ukeleles well up and now seems to be the instrument of choice for the average festival goer.

I think the earlier comments of the festival running out of steam around mid week is a fair observation IMHO

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Betsy
Date: 11 Aug 14 - 07:55 PM

Hi Leadfingers - lot of diesel wasted when you could have been enjoying yourself up in the North East.
Only joking .... but it IS a long ride when other things were on your doorstep.
Cheers Betsy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 03:39 AM

We had a very nice local festival - morris, a few pubs, nearby camping, that gradually turned into a giant boot fair with PA'd music from the pubs with cover bands.
Sidmouth looked as though it was going that way with all the tat on the prom.
Be warned.
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 04:18 AM

GRex - you were missed, and the singarounds weren't the same without you!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 05:04 AM

Fizzled out midweek?
Not from where I was sitting.
The people who seem to be agreeing with this comment are referring to the fringe events ... an important aspect of the overall week of events, but actual festival-wise, the events and audiences midweek onwards were as lively as earlier in the week, given that there will inevitably be extra people around at the weekend.
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 05:45 AM

Good point Derek my original comment was only based on the fringe events as I didnt attend any concerts. The only problem is you take the fringe away and its half a festival. Imagine no music coming out of the pubs or along the sea front. I did notice a couple times the week has become so popular in some pubs there was no room for muscians which was a bit strange. I still say a long weekend would have more punch though. People turned up to Dartmoor this year looking exhausted. There is a lot of moaning locally going on now about folkies being sick everywere etcetc. I try and point out they are getting folkies confused with the homeless who make there way from all round devon (who can blame them free entertainment) and their own kids and grandkids who I saw being sick all week.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery.
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 06:05 AM

As someone who has been present at most of the Sidmouth Festivals, under their various titles since the late 60's its true to say that the first weekend has always been far busier than the rest of the week, only to be expected I would have thought since more people have time available at weekends, and not everyone is able to devote a whole week of their Annual leave to festival going.
The number of people taking part in the various 'fringe' sessions will vary on an almost hourly basis, depending on many factors including, weather, time of day, and what else is on offer elsewhere at any given time, certainly at the sessions I visited this year there were more or less the same number of participants of all ages and genders as in other years, I didn't take an audit of instruments !! so cant comment on what are the currently fashionable ones, but I saw no shortage of any, and in the main all skilfully played.
I have to agree with Derek,(see above) that as far as the official festival programme went there was certainly no loss of momentum there, with plenty of exciting and entertaining acts throughout the week, And I do find it sad that some people seem to regard the fringe activities as the be all and end all of the Festival, important though they are, they are missing a lot not attending at least some of the concerts and other performances on offer.
I do have to agree with the comments about Traders on the sea front, but as Derek explained this is largely beyond the control of the festival.
Henry Piper, Sidmouth Traditional Mummers.

P.S, why shouldn't the Director treat himself to a game of Pitch and Putt if he wants to !!!..... He's earnt it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 06:10 AM

I think the pitch and put comment has gone a bit mental. You would think if you work all year towards something you wouldnt have an hour to muck around. There must just be piles of volunteers giving up free time to help out so the people that take money out of it can play some golf.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: treewind
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 06:50 AM

I don't know. A festival director that spends his time during the festival itself rushing around like a blue-assed fly sorting problems out is one who hasn't prepared and organised properly.

Compare with Brad McEwen at the Mill Race festival (Cambridge, ON) who I saw sitting at a table at the Golden Kiwi with a beer in one hand and a walkie-talkie in the other, responding to the occasional message but otherwise relaxing in the knowledge that the the well oiled machinery is running perfectly and the properly trained and briefed staff are dealing with everything they need to.

The hard work (and he does work hard) is done before the festival starts.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 07:04 AM

To Guest above, I can assure you that on any Saturday Night in Sidmouth outside of folk week there is ample vomit generated by the younger (and not so young) Inhabitants of Sidmouth without blaming 'Folkies'
Anahata, I can assure you that in my limited experience of dealing with the organising body of Folkweek, There is a great deal of organising goes on throughout the year and I for one don't begrudge any of the organisers a bit of leisure time during the Actual Festival when it all comes together satisfactorily, (as it generally does !!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 07:36 AM

To Guest above, I can assure you that on any Saturday Night in Sidmouth outside of folk week there is ample vomit generated by the younger (and not so young) Inhabitants of Sidmouth without blaming 'Folkies'



Urmm this is what I said

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 10:25 AM

I think the pitch and put comment has gone a bit mental. You would think if you work all year towards something you wouldnt have an hour to muck around. There must just be piles of volunteers giving up free time to help out so the people that take money out of it can play some golf.

I think GUEST needs to give up defending an offhand remark that clearly didn't play well with the locals. Call it a mental health break - even with lots of planning there are always things to keep event managers moving and supervising. More power to him if he had an hour for a game of putt-putt or a nap.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 10:54 AM

what some of us did Thursday evening. Despite the richness of choice at Sidmouth and doing a lot we rake time out to socialise. It is what Folk is all about - people.
Picnic on the beach, then a boat launch. This a modelboat (Erik's 16th) that he lunches at Sidmouth FF. On it is written contact details asking for contact on how far it gets and to relaunch it.
One got as far as Calais.

The launch and picnic

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 11:12 AM

Does anyone even know who runs the festival or were the money goes? I know its set up as a charity which is pretty strange

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 14 - 12:26 PM

No answers?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 05:10 AM

I went to the wash-up session last year and chipped-in with my twopenneth, and thanked an organiser after personally. I meant to go this year but got sidetracked by some folk workshop or other - imagine that - at a Folk Festival!
They are brave enough to invite comment, and humble enough not to argue when things are said - usually constructively. Nothing is perfect and opinions are cheap. But having said that most comments started with the amazement what such a small and dedicated team can achieve. Bus troubles, and the like.

It has to be said that Sidmouth, as a town, do exceptionally well at keeping the bland, supra-national, aggressive (I didn't say Tesco) samenesses in keeping with the nature of the town. A living urban environ, with a beach & tourist and NO SLOT ARCADES!

How long would the Festival survive if they dominated?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 05:26 AM

charitable status is itself a tough one to adhere to, there are constrictions on what you can trade, no profit, and the records you keep in addition to Companies House accounts. What charitable status brings is a wider range of grants that can be sought and granted. The grant organisations have rules and give according to their own peculiar remit, many won't give to non-charities. It may be tuition for the young, Shooting Roots or promoting Balkan music in the UK (eg), it may be a Folkie who won the lottery and wants to be anonymous (in my dreams). There is a legend that a Canadian left a Million (GBP maybe) to Sidmouth to ensure that the character of the town was preserved. If so he is achieving that well.

Having served on a Community Radio I saw a lot of these musing and we weren't a charity. The Station folded through lack of money. Charitable status was pursued but we ran out of money before that was enacted. It limited our range of grants achievable.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 07:54 AM

The promotion of Folk music too the middle and upper middle class white people of Britain at £280 each.....a noble cause. Someone is making money from this. I used to work for a charity and it was the most corrupt place I have ever worked.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 07:59 AM

to the pure all things are pure.
to the misogynist all things are a conspiricy.

AND ANOTHER THING...................

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 08:10 AM

I just noticed there are a lot of GUESTs. that last on was mine.
I think Max must have done some maintenance because a post I remember doing with a link disappeared. Worse, I e-mailed the Boat Builder and he may have looked and not found my post (re-instated now, maybe too late). Also, I just had to log-in again.
Max comes in for a bit of stick (by inference) sometimes and just like the Sidmouth organisers - we have little idea how much time goes into making these things work. My website give me clue but it is only a small clue.

Thanx Sidmouth FF & Thanx Max.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 08:25 AM

I suppose really we should all be gratefull that the coutnry is running so perfectly and we have so much money that the govenment can hand out cash to the impoverished of Sidmouth for a folk festival. We have never had it so good...or the bloke from Basingstoke with a Jag that runs it...........................

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: The Barden of England
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 02:20 PM

If £280 is too much, then don't go. Pretty simple really. If it prices itself out of the market then it will die. All very obvious really. Knocking it just doesn't work.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 04:18 PM

Trolls are given a healthy diet by their keepers, please do not feed!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 04:25 PM

So anything negative at all is trollling....grow up

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 04:54 PM

The Festival is slowly changing as the next generation rolls around, and a good thing to, everything needs to be reinvented from time to time. However, some changes are not for the better;

a) Too many mini pa's with X Factor wanabes behind them.
b) The dancing on the promenade has more or less disappeared.
c) Pop music in many Pubs
d) Less fringe musicians, for example The Bedford now only seems to have a session in one bar, a few years ago it was min of two sometimes three.

I'm uneasy.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 13 Aug 14 - 05:56 PM

Bignige ... you may be uneasy, but all 4 things you comment on are nothing to do with the festival (assuming the mini pa's are on the Esplanade). I've already commented on the Esplanade stalls (that prevent the dancing) .. though the traffic free Port Royal turnaround has absorbed dance displays. But yes, it was a good atmosphere when dancers and (unamplified) music were along the Esplanade.
The festival itself has no control over how many people choose to play in pubs...

Guest: (whatever happened to the rule that people couldn't post as simply "Guest"?)
Not so sure who the bloke in the jag from Basingstoke is.

To clarify a few things:
None of the directors of Sidmouth FolkWeek Productions Ltd take any fee, expenses or profit (ha!) from the business. they regularly visit Sidmouth at their own expense.
All those directors - if they drive jags or any other car - have earned their money from their other, non-folk professions.
Check the accounts on the Companies House website ... any suggestions that anyone from the festival board is making money from this is very wide of the mark.

Derek Schofield
writing in a personal capacity, but a board member of Sidmouth Folk Week Ltd (the charity board that is not the same as the production company).
ps anyone wishing to suggest that this particular charity is corrupt should stop posting as "Guest"....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 05:50 AM

profit (ha!)

So they've lost money again this year?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 06:10 AM

Sorry Derek - I'll explain why one day if ever we meet.

There is a well known homily that the best way to finish up with a small fortune from folk music is to start with a large one!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 09:44 AM

Derek, I understand where you are coming from, but to ignore the enormous contribution of the Festival Fringe is in my opinion a big mistake. If it were it not for the Festival Fringe, the only evidence of a festival would be the Ham Marquee, and the Blackmore Gardens, not exactly the whole town. It is the Fringe that first grabed me and many of my friends, its direction now may be doing the same to the next generation, I just worry about that direction.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 09:53 AM

Bignige ... I don't think I suggested that the Fringe was being ignored. Indeed, when we relaunched in 2005, the Fringe was an important part of the full Sidmouth experience (and continues so to be). At tha stage, the Fringe was included in the programme, and continues to be included. What I said was that the "official" festival ha no control over who plays (or not) in the pubs.

I think the evidence of the festival extends beyond the Ham and Blackmore ... the Bedford, the Manor, Carinas, Arts Centre, the church halls, Anchor Garden, Port Royal dancing....   

Truth is that the festival means different things to different people - for some the pub events, others the concerts, others the workshops .. the children's events, Shooting Roots, ceilidhs, country dace, contra, choirs, bands..... Celebrate and applaud that diversiy!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 09:54 AM

Guest:
"I'll explain why one day if ever we meet"
That may be difficult as you are hiding behind anonymity!
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Rumncoke
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 10:31 AM

I manage to fill my days at Sidmouth Festival without having a ticket for everything.

I bought one workshop, and put money in the tins, paid for parking on half the days.

I did cut it a bit fine though.

When returning the van I had to fill up the fuel tank. I had 55 pounds and the bill was 54.36.

I usually have 'emergency money' but put it into the last collections at the York and Faulkner.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 03:12 PM

Sorry if I misinterpreted your post Derek, but you did say all four things I mentioned had nothing to do with the Festival, which from your follow up post may not have been exactly what you meant.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 05:35 PM

Thanks to everyone who supported the morning fringe event in the Faulkner bar of the Royal York and put money in the collecting tin - I'm just glad that Rumncoke Anne had enough fuel to get home!

I think the symbiotic relationship between the festival and the fringe is demonstrated by the continuation of what used to be a programmed festival singaround as a fringe event, after the new management at the Manor Pavilion decided they didn't want singarounds in the cafe bar. Thanks also to the Royal York for accommodating the relocated singaround!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 14 Aug 14 - 07:17 PM

Bignige: I meant that the festival does not organise or arrange the fringe events. That's a statement of fact I think.
And when I said that the fringe was included in the programme ... I meant there is a listing in the printed programme of where fringe events are expected to take place, rather than including them in the actual schedule of events, with numbers by the side, stewards etc, and formally arranged by the festival!

Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Rumncoke
Date: 15 Aug 14 - 05:35 AM

I always did sail close to the wind - literally as well as metaphorically. I'd have gone to 54.99 if the pump had not stopped automatically and then hoped that the gauge would show 'Full' when I got the van back to the hirer's office.

There have been several people who I recommended to go along to the Y & F sessions, who have said what a good atmosphere there is, and how fair the selection of singers too.

I hope that I can get to Sidmouth in future - my husband's business in electronics is now unable to pay him a salary, so finances are going to be difficult.

I do understatement quite well too.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 15 Aug 14 - 09:03 AM

OK Derek slight misunderstanding. However, for me the Fringe has always been heart of the festival. I have always thought that if there were no organised Festival, half the people would turn up anyway, I know I would.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 15 Aug 14 - 12:14 PM

And if there was no Fringe, people would still turn up for the organised festival as well ... hee hee :-)
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 15 Aug 14 - 12:39 PM

My mate Tony attended this year. He said he had a great time.
I just thought you might like to know!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 15 Aug 14 - 06:18 PM

Derek, an organised festival, with no fringe, ermm I don't think so.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Aug 14 - 04:06 AM

d) Less fringe musicians, for example The Bedford now only seems to have a session in one bar, a few years ago it was min of two sometimes three.
I saw a serious session in the back room of the Bedford. Not sure if it was totally open to all, but there was a second.

These fringe things are at the whim of folkies, there are episodic. They are fringe. They are folkie for heaven's sake.

The fringe and the festival are symbiotic. As a ticket holder I avail myself of the free sessions. It is all part of the craic. But it has to be said, that without the festival the fringe would roll on in diminishing intensity until it fizzled-out, whereas the festival would not. It would be impoverished and smaller but would continue IMNSHO.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 16 Aug 14 - 04:19 AM

In many cases, some of the people taking part in fringe events are members of booked bands or booked Morris teams - how many of them would be there if they hadn't been booked by the organisers?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 16 Aug 14 - 04:22 AM

... and booked dance teams of other kinds, of course ...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Aug 14 - 06:01 AM

i was so uncomfortable in the tin chair and very overcrowded tent, that i didn't stop for the Ralph McTell concert - despite having paid as much as i would have to have seen him in a nice comfortable theatre.

Pity! i hear he was very good.

Sidmouth has changed. i think there was atime when you had to be a bit of a folklorist to enjoy it fully. in latter years - there seems a lot more of the open mic crowd -they've definitely invaded the bailliewick of the traddies.

i'm sort of strangely in sympathy with traddies.

Sidmouth was their thing originally. other folk festivals were always less conservative.

Ithink maybe Sidmouth has lost its way. perhaps it needs to regain some of its earnestness by booking drama groups at the theatre -giving it a more Edinburgh vibe. perhaps looking for for visual artists -painters, photographers -with folkie themes.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 16 Aug 14 - 06:30 AM

I tend to agree with you Big Al, losing its way is a good way to describe it. Only a few years back there were dance sides every 50m on the promenade, now its almost exclusively Traders. It follows from that, that if fewer dance sides are now coming to Sidmouth, (maybe Derek could tell us that), there will be fewer muscians in the sessions.

I know the Bedford had a second session in a back room, but the door was closed it was pre-agreed by the participants, and to some extent that always happened. However, in previous years there was always a Folk type session in the left hand bar, and a Old Time American session in the right hand bar, as far as I could see only the left hand bar has survived.

I have been going to Sidmouth for many years and have had some of the best times there, but I feel the Festival is moving away from people like me, towards to the next generation, which in some respects is ok, but the danger is it becomes stuck between the two, and is a bit of everything and not much of anything

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Festival 2014
From: GUEST,Cllr
Date: 22 Aug 14 - 05:20 AM

The sessions in the middle bar especially the afternoon were very well attended.
Middle bar singers won the Bill Rutter award for the fifteenth time in thirty five years ( and we didn't compete for about 15 of them!)
Festival Director was brilliant and deserves praise for getting involved in fringe by taking a day to sample different aspects and not just visiting but actively participating.
He allwod himself to be dragged in to the sea by the MBS and was not allowed out till he sung a shanty.
He also competed with his family in the Doom Gloom and Despondency competition   coming a very creditable second.

oh and the shanty night in the Anchor combined with Exmouth Shanty man run ashore raised £1226.61 for the Sidmouth Life Inshore Boat.
It was a great festival