Sidmouth Folkweek 2015

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,LynnH
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 01:38 PM

Don't forget your hard-hats..........!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 11:34 AM

Yes, well said and very well put, Henry P!
And where were you in 2005, Martin Hughes? The festival was, of unavoidable necessity, much reduced in size from the previous (50th) year, but we are indebted to those who had the faith AND took considerable personal financial risk to ensure that there WOULD be a festival that year. It has gone from strength to strength ever since.
As for the fringe, it has gained official recognition, in that at least some of the fringe events have featured in the full working programme for the last few years. The Middle Bar Singers regularly achieve the highest total of any venue for can collections over Folk Week, as well as raising amazing sums for the Sidmouth Lifeboat on their shanty night on the Tuesday evening session in the Anchor, and on the "run ashore".

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 08:31 AM

There used to be a young metal band called "Parasite". Jolly good they were too.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 07:48 AM

The festival never took a year off. In 2005 there was a marquee on the Ham, ceilidhs in Blackmore, the Manor, bulverton etc... And a thriving fringe of course... Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Mr Red
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 04:32 AM

As a ticket holder, may I point out that I do a lot of fringe stuff. Mostly participatory.
Would I go to a festival that only had concerts? ie entertainment - you know the sort of thing that can be experienced on TV, DVD, radio & CD.
Definitely not. If there were ceilidhs maybe. But to make it worthwhile there has to be sessions. And sessions are not that easy to organise, they have a life of their own, they are - er - um - don't prompt me - er - um - Folk

And then there are the people to commune with - you know Folk Folk. Talented, a lot of 'em.

AND the sweet shop sells troach - normally only found in the Black Country owr kid. Folk is not just music, don't ya know.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Martin Hughes
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 03:08 AM

How easily people forget!

The fringe element of the festival (music sessions, song sessions, dance performers) kept the momentum going when the festival took a year off. It may be unofficial but it's still part of Sidmouth Folk Week.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 05:04 PM

Amazing how many people object to the word parasite even when it is not addressed to them.

However, that is what a lot of people are.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 12:03 PM

Henry Piper ...
where's the Like button when you need it .. ! :-)
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery.
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 10:24 AM

Guest Realist, I don't think its fair to refer to visitors who don't buy tickets as " Parasites", not all of them are necessarily obsessive Folkies who want Wall to wall Folk activities, some of them may have only limited time to spend here, or be of limited means, many I know come principally for the social aspect of meeting up with old friends for a once a year re-union. And there are many supporters who, like myself live in the area, and for whom Folkweek is not a holiday but a working week, making it uneconomical to buy a season ticket that we cant make adequate use of, but still like become involved in the festival to the best of our abilities.
There are a few however who seem to want to make a virtue out of not contributing financially,who turn up year on year, spend the entire week in one (Free) venue and boast of never having paid for anything, all this despite the amazing variety of entertainment on offer.
Festivals cost money to put on, Artists, Organisers, and the like all have bills to pay and are entitled to their wages, and contrary to what you might think, the biggest costs are things like the Hire of venues,and supply of the necessary ancillary services to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable time, very little goes on "Free" or Cut price tickets for people, and many performers are willing to appear for reduced fees, some having even having performed free of charge.
However it should be obvious to all, that those who buy tickets DO subsidise those who do not, and that if there was no Festival due to lack of money, there would be No free fringe to enjoy, So please if you do come without a ticket, PUT SOMETHING IN THE COLLECTING TINS !!!

Henry Piper. Old Father Christmas, Sidmouth Traditional Mummers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 10:08 AM

I agree that if there was NOT a festival ,there would not be a fringe , but the fringe gives more opportunity for ALL performers to perform - There are a LOT of folkies who want do more for a week than watch only other performers .
And as HAS been mentioned above , the town (Pubs , Cafes , B&B's etc) do make a lot of money from Folk Week .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 09:40 AM

Whoops, sorry, but I live in the wilds of the Welsh Border country and I didn't remember that the Sidmouth Lifeboat is an Independent organisation. Please forgive me

:-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,visiting holiday maker
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 09:34 AM

Why are the people who keep the fringe sessions going in the pubs, called parasites? Surely they contribute to keeping the pubs and restaurants going. The town of Sidmouth during the festival is heaving, and local businesses must be glad of it. I'm not sure I like being called a parasite; it's a bit rude, actually. The music and song sessions are really worth going to, and are a wonderful source of traditional folk songs, music and entertainment. Not everyone wants to buy tickets to see concerts or even camp.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 08:39 AM

So that's three or is it four?

Asking the question seems to have touched a nerve with some, surprisingly those who do contribute financially.

The silent majority will just carry on being parasites.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piperof Ottery
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 05:02 AM

SORRY ABOUT THE DOUBLE POST !! Don't know what happened there !.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 04:58 AM

Yes Tattie, its worth making the point that The Sidmouth Lifeboat is an Independent, and not Funded by R.N.L.I, although of course they do co-operate with them, They Therefore could use any donations visitors can spare.
Its also worth mentioning that a large percentage of the funds that go to keep the festival running come from the generous donations of visitors, and sponsors, as well as ticket sales.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 04:58 AM

Yes Tattie, its worth making the point that The Sidmouth Lifeboat is an Independent, and not Funded by R.N.L.I, although of course they do co-operate with them, They Therefore could use any donations visitors can spare.
Its also worth mentioning that a large percentage of the funds that go to keep the festival running come from the generous donations of visitors, and sponsors, as well as ticket sales.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 29 Jul 15 - 03:23 AM

Full season ticket bought, Realist, AND I put money in the cans, and donate to the Sidmouth Lifesaving organisation (they are not RNLI). And so do plenty of others.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Martin Hughes
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 12:41 PM

The Balfour Music sessions will be free, hosted by The Loose Knit Band.

We moved there in 2012 after falling out with the ethos of the Yacht Club.

Multi-national folk music every evening 8pm from Friday 31st July until Thursday 6th August inclusive.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 09:47 AM

Yes wev'e bought tickets!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 09:31 AM

I'll take that as a no then!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 08:06 AM

Ps: if you're a Mudcat lemonade is £1. Don't forget to mention it when you visit us
😎

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 08:03 AM

We're trading in the Kennoway gardens which is another craft fayre this week, and singing in the sailing club so not really part of the festival. We usually donate to the RNLI cos we're sailors.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery.
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 04:03 AM

I am sure that all those people who refuse to buy a ticket, donate most generously and at every possible occasion to the collections, so that they can continue to enjoy their subsidised entertainment for many years to come !!!

Henry Piper, O.F.C. Sidmouth Traditional Mummers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 08:41 PM

Is anyone on this thread - apart from Mr Red - actually buying a ticket to support the festival?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 03:20 PM

There are bus-stops in both directions just at the bottom of Core Hill where it joins the A3052. Half hour service during the day, less good as the night wears on. Timetable on Stagecoach website.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 03:15 PM

If that is the Core Hill by Waitrose the ordinary 52 bus goes every half hour to Exeter from the Triangle, via Radway, past the Volunteer, past LIDL, etc and on to Waitrose before going on to Exeter.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 01:35 PM

We're camping at Core Hill. Does the bus go there and can we ride it without a festival ticket?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 01:29 PM

Jim and I will be in the Kennoway gardens near the Triangle

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Sue
Date: 27 Jul 15 - 10:51 AM

Saturday night - The Wilson Family celebrate "40 Years Of A Unique Singing Family Tradition" at the Manor Pavilion. We have just got back from Warwick Festival where we heard the Wilsons in the packed "Living Tradition" venue (school chapel) they were Brilliant - Best at the Festival by far....
Now we have to dry the tent out ready for Sidmouth!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 07:16 AM

Yep, the Neapolitan one.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery.
Date: 24 Jul 15 - 05:55 AM

Richard,   I vaguely remember having a mandolin, many years ago, in fact I seem to remember having two, a flat back fairly cheap Romanian one, and a traditional round back "Neapolitan" style one but I don't remember what happened to either !! If I did leave one with Jacqui, and you still have it and have spent money on it, you are more than welcome to keep It. !!
All best wishes.... Henry,

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jul 15 - 05:25 PM

Essex Girl - whatever happened to your cookie?

Henry (aka Pip) - Maybe next year I will re-unite you (in the sense of let you visit) your mandolin that you left with Jacqui, which had the front smashed in by moving man, beautifully repaired to a sound like a stripper behind gauze by a man from up north whose name I forget, then I put strings on it that were too much, and when it fell off a table at a folk club it split, then I let a wanker called Andy Perkins fix it and it has never sounded the same since - but it still plays and after the money I've spent on it I reckon it's mine...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Henry Piper of Ottery
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 11:39 AM

Yes Linda, The Sidmouth Mummers will be up to their usual tricks on the Thursday Night !! "Something will Happen" and don't forget George the Sidmouth Giant will be strolling around the town accompanied by his friends from the Mummers on the Saturday around lunchtime till mid afternoon. Following that some of the mummers will be joining the Sid Vale community Players in another one of Barry's theatrical extravaganza's outside the sailing club..

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,EssexGirl
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 10:56 AM

I'll be there, not stewarding this year so that I can do more of the fringe events. See you on The Thursday night for the Sidmouth Mummers - not to be missed!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,EssexGirl
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 10:54 AM

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 05:41 AM

"On Line" finishes at page 47 ! But thanks anyway .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Mr Red
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 04:37 AM

Is there any advance info on The Fringe ?

Yup - been to the barber's to get summer plumage.

Perhaps I don't understand what some folks think of as proper dancing. Sounds a bit snobbish to me. I see free(ish) ceilidhs in the Anchor twice a day, including Blowzabella one afternoon. Irish Set dances, Euro Bal, contra (yes but is that proper dancing?) not to mention myriad workshops on same. Then there are all those erudite thingies on something called Folk whatever that is. Free(ish) sessions and singarounds. And all those people (are they folk?) to meet & greet. And there is always the option to steward, for those who like talking to people.

So - tell me, if I went to Ibiza or Costa del English - how much would it cost me? And how much in self esteem? Having never been on a package holiday. I will - one day - do Dubrovnic or Barcelona, for personal reasons, but while I have feet that will rant, or hornpipe - it can wait.

True the ceilidh on Friday that never happens is not in the programme (;-) - now tell again - if that is not Folk what is? Spontaneous fun, ad hoc partisan musicians, and so free anyone can af-ford it.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 05:34 PM

Oops, apologies to Mr Red, who alREDy put up the whole programme, and for uncapitalising The NEWT!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 Jul 15 - 05:32 PM

Just got my "Working Programme" in the post a few days ago: Folkweek Fringe gets a whole page of coverage on p50, and hooray, Terry, the newt gets a mention, as well as the illustrious Middle Bar Singers.
The programme is also available online:
Sidmouth Folk Week Programme

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 07:32 PM

Is there any advance info on The Fringe ?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 03:40 PM

Whitby this year - cottage between 6 of us, will get tickets if needed and mostly be in the pubs.

Maybe Sidders next year.. (I've been saying that for years, I've made the opening couple of nights twice).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Mr Red
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 02:59 PM

Full programme on-line now. I have summarised the Ceilidhs here

There are two workshops on Gregorian Singing - I thought I might take a chants!




I'll get my monks habit................

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Bignige
Date: 09 Jul 15 - 05:10 AM

Every year I say "maybe give it a miss next year", but something just keeps dragging me back.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 08 Jul 15 - 06:36 AM

CJB wrote:
"And unlike in the 1970s/80s now-a-days a 'season ticket' only gets you into basic events. Concerts, LNE, and special events, etc., still have to forked out for at the astronomical rates of £25 per event!!!!!"

Jim Martin - CJB has misinterpreted the ticket structure, as has "Guest" 7 July 12.15.

An "All in One" ticket gives admission to all events, including evening Ham Marquee concerts.
A "Week" ticket gives admission to all events, except evening Ham Marquee concerts ("Week" ticket holders can buy individual Ham evening tickets at a discount).
There is also a Weekend ticket (same conditions as Week).
And a Bulverton in One ticket which gives admission to all Bulverton events, camping, bus ticket and some workshop passes).
There is also a family ticket offer.

If you have All in One or Week tickets, there are no supplements for workshops, LNE etc.

The reason for this variety is that it tries to cater for people with different interests.

Some people can't or won't buy "season" tickets, so individual event tickets are available - some in advance. And the campsite is available to non-season ticket holders (unlike the 1970s/80s). But of course without "organisation" - marquees, guests, staff who work all year round, and volunteers who work during the week - there would be no festival and therefore the fringe might not exist.   

Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Jul 15 - 06:26 AM

well okay. you have to spend some money on getting there. and if you have to camp cos you live a long way away - well theres that you have to pay for.
but apart from a concert i paid ten quid to see Wizz Jones - most of the other concerts have been a bit rubbish. very stuffy rooms - i've walked out of a couple. long queues to get in the tent.

the joy of the place is the music and buskers and dancers on the sea front. the sessions. the fringe concerts that are often free. the sheer beauty of your surroundings and of course seeing old friends.

the vegetarian food is awful - bloody beetroot burgers. i was farting like a buffalo for three days. they should flog a concession to macdonalds or greggs. take a flask and sandwiches.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,JHW
Date: 08 Jul 15 - 05:21 AM

You can't go to Sidmouth and not spend any money.
I camp, never buy a season ticket and rarely any other but am back at the Hole in the Wall every day. It's good though.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 08:37 PM

you can go to Sidmouth and just go the sessions and hang out and not spend any money. watch the dancers in the public places.etc.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: SunrayFC
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 07:36 PM

Will be there again if only to see Lord and Lady Burgess.......

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 07:10 PM

There may be a Friday evening session at the Newt - I will posy in here either way !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: JennyO
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 03:47 PM

We'll be there from Friday afternoon or evening through to the Saturday after it finishes - except for a quick dash home on Tuesday to water the garden and pick rampant vegetables. We aren't buying season tickets because we don't take advantage of the concerts enough to make it worthwhile. Realistically, we spend at least roughly 80% of our time in the Middle Bar or just wandering around the stalls and the streets and bumping into folk. That's what we like to do most. We MAY buy tickets for the Spookies but not much else.

As Freda Underhill said, she'll be camping with us - at Kingsdown Tail Caravan Park. Looking forward to it!