Sidmouth Folkweek 2015

Subject: Folklore: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Dave Earl ( on his smartphone and sans cooki
Date: 14 Jun 15 - 11:17 PM

Apart from me that is

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 02:50 AM

got my ticket and will be at some of these ceilidhs at least (there may be more but I am not sure the information & schedule are fully programmed. But I may have a go at trawling for more today.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 10:07 AM

See you in the Anchor, Dave - and hopefully the Royal York too!
Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Jun 15 - 09:55 PM

Despite Carinas being a venue , I understand Gerry and I will be doing our thing in The Newt !

Subject: BS: who's going to Sidmouth this year?
From: freda underhill
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 11:24 AM

..I am.. and will be camping with Jennyo and Quantock..
hope to see some of you there!

freda

Subject: RE: BS: who's going to Sidmouth this year?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 11:40 AM

Yawn! (Short) thread from last week:

Sidmouth 2015

Subject: RE: BS: who's going to Sidmouth this year?
From: theleveller
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 11:59 AM

It's £292 a ticket!!!! Bloody 'ell, I could go to Cambridge AND Shrewsbury for that.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Marianne S
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 02:35 PM

Sidmouth lasts 7 days. Cambridge and Shrewsbury are two days each plus two evenings. Say 4.5 days. You'd need to go to another weekend festival as well to equal the length of Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jun 15 - 05:41 PM

Don't bother being logical, anybody who has run an event knows that folkies scream blue murder if they have to pay more than pennies regardless of quality.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: theleveller
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 04:09 AM

"Cambridge and Shrewsbury are two days each plus two evenings."

Cambridge: 30th July - 2nd August.
Shrewsbury: 28th - 31st August.

In this case your 2 + 2 = 8.

As it happens, I won't be going to any festivals this year. What with tickets, camping costs and travelling, it's just got too expensive - plus, I'm bored to death with hairy, pot-bellied whinging old folkies.

"Don't bother being logical, anybody who has run an event knows that folkies scream blue murder if they have to pay more than pennies regardless of quality."

Instead, I've taken an apartment in Florence for six of us for a week. Beautiful city, beautiful people, beautiful food, beautiful weather. Sounds logical to me.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 08:11 AM

You could try Whitby instead, tickets are £186 for the week :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Guest. Andy
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 11:42 AM

The cost of B and B with it's festival surcharge stopped us in our tracks and that was before adding Festival tickets x2, Bus Passes x 2 and Car Parking by the day. If they are finding takers at those prices good luck to them, we will be going to the wonderfull Whitby Folk Week again for a lot less money all round.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: theleveller
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 12:26 PM

I'm not saying that it isn't worth the money, I'm saying that, for us, there are better ways to spend that kind of money. A 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment for a week in the centre of Florence with a sitting room and kitchen and a roof terrace overlooking the Duomo, plus six flights, is just short of £2K. OK, there's the tourist tax and then food - but Florence is one of the less expensive cities to eat out in and, as we're just 5 minutes from the sensational Mercatore Centrale, we can buy the most amazing produce (fresh truffles anyone?) and cook wonderful meals ourselves.

And, of course, there's the 84 museums, Boboli Gardens, walks by the Arno and unrivalled atmosphere.

You pays yer money and you takes yer choice.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: bubblyrat
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 01:37 PM

What about the Dartmoor Folk Festival at the end of Sidmouth week ?? Lovely location , nice "locals" in South Zeal , and I'll be serving beer at the centuries-old Oxenham Arms Hotel ( it's a long story !!).It makes a change from Sidmouth, anyway.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: 4ADiva
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 03:49 PM

You folks think YOU'RE paying through the nose. I'm coming all the way from Western Canada to visit Sidmouth! Try those charges....
:-)

Seriously, it's part of a longer trip and I'm REALLY looking forward to all of it.

I'm a folk/trad singer (Vancouver Folk Song Society--yay!)and I'm interested in dropping in on sessions in Sidmouth, maybe to sing, but most certainly to listen. Any recommendations for a newby?
(No offence to the instrumental people, but SINGING is my thing and that's the kind of session I'm looking for.)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 06:54 PM

Diva - there will be lots of concerts, for which you'll need a ticket; if you want to hear singers performing mainly trad songs in a less formal setting try the Volunteer pub at lunchtime (but it gets very crowded). If you're an earlyish riser we'd love to welcome you to the song sessions in the Faulkner Bar of the Royal York and Faulkner hotel on the Esplanade, from 10.30 to 12.30 from Sunday through to Friday! There are also evening song sessions in the Faulkner, and of course the famed unaccompanied song sessions upstairs in the Anchor pub at lunchtimes and evenings.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 08:34 PM

For singing as well as the Anchor and Y & F there have been interesting themed sessions which tend to bring out some more unusual songs in order to keep on the subject for the day, and the ballad session.

The Rugby club and Woodland hotel, are the venues for those - and there is the added attraction of taking a shower at the Rugby club as a restorative either at the beginning or end of the evening, and the canteen there isn't bad.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 25 Jun 15 - 08:38 PM

4ADiva: Sidmouth has so many facets, I'm sure you'll find what you are looking for, and Kitty has given you some very good pointers there.
We are going again and will no doubt enjoy it: makes a bit of a hole in the pocket since the in-laws passed away and we no longer have free accommodation, but my husband was born and bred in Sidmouth, and tho' he does not attend much of the festival (goes out with his old buddies instead) he loves to go back there, and puts up with me rolling in after late night sessions, etc!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: 4ADiva
Date: 26 Jun 15 - 01:49 AM

Oooooo...can't wait! Thank you very much; I could have wandered the many venues for a full week and never found what I seek, but with these notes in hand, I am ready to brave the festival!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: freda underhill
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 01:36 AM

Yes, expensive for me too but I love it - Sidmouth over Florence for me,any day :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: The Barden of England
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 02:44 AM

4ADiva - The Bedford Hotel also welcomes singers, and certainly the ones that Herga Kitty mentioned. Also 'The Swan' pub too. All told there are plenty of venues. Hope you enjoy it - I'll be there.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Mr Red
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 03:09 AM

It's £292 a ticket!!!! Bloody 'ell, I could go to Cambridge AND Shrewsbury for that.

Yes, but is they Folk? And can they keep it up for 8 days?

Personally I would feel safer at Sidmouth, and my ticket didn't cost anywhere near that.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 05:23 AM

Free Stuff in pubs etc

Unaccompanied song - The Middle Bar in the Anchor

'The Irish Tune' - Front bar of the Anchor

'The English Tune' - The Radway

Old Timey - The Bedford

Mixed songs and tunes - Main Bar in the Bedford

Mixed songs and tunes - The New Tavern

Singaround - The York and Faulkner

VERY Trad - The Volunteer

Not sure what happens in the Yacht Club these days OR at The Balfour
but that's most of the FREE stuff I can think of

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Morticia
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 06:34 AM

Sad to say following the rugby club cutting canping spaces, we will not be there this year. I am sure we will miss it a lot.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 01 Jul 15 - 01:22 PM

Morti - very sorry to hear that, especially as there must be a potential Doom and Gloom song in there somewhere....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 02 Jul 15 - 10:41 AM

The 'Trad' sessions will be at lunchtimes in the public bar as usual, with more informal sessions in the evening in the saloon bar.

The 'pit bands' are on call to play music at the request of the MC interspersed with turns from members of the congregation AND invited festival guests. There will be storytelling and the occasional step dancing.

Muse on this: some clever bugger must have written even VERY trad songs. Even Pink Floyd renditions have been rendered in recent years! All welcome. Please leave ego at the door if you 'expect' to do a turn without alerting the MC, as a varied show is organised (however informal it might appear!)

There will also a be a collection on behalf of FolkWeek.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,CJB
Date: 05 Jul 15 - 09:12 AM

Once again priced well out of my pensioner's means. The prices are way too high probably because so many 'staff' and 'hangers-on' get cut-price or free tickets.

AND THERE ARE NO CONCESSIONS FOR THE OLDER THAN AVERAGE - AKA PENSIONERS.

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!!!!!

Then there's the usual profiteering by b&bs who put a hefty festival surcharge onto all bookings.

And all this is to say nothing abut FGW's outrageous train fares from London.

My estimate is that the week - including food - would come to about £1,500+ !!!!!!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,big al whittle
Date: 05 Jul 15 - 01:26 PM

fifteen hundred - not bad between thirty of you.....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,blll mitchell
Date: 05 Jul 15 - 07:38 PM

I'm THESE DAYS very much a folkie,but I tell you nothing in your enclosed world will match me and my gang's experiences at Lord Montague's Bieulieu Jazz festivals in the 1950's/60's.
I do hope that he gets to read this and will accept our grateful thanks !

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 06:21 AM

CJB ... I think you've mis-interpreted the ticket structure ....
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Jim Martin
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 08:54 AM

I don't think he has!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Yorkshireman
Date: 06 Jul 15 - 09:46 PM

Hate to disagree with you Derek but Sidmouth is quite definitely expensive for all sorts off reasons.

I would say that most folk festival goers are prepared to pay what ever the economics dictate in order to enjoy their particular hobby / interest but there are limits.

I have just attended the second Yorkshire Folk Dance Weekend and a couple of people who are obviously dance devotees felt that what is on offer at Sidmouth for serious dancers is certainly not good value. When I enquired in what way they both said that the current online programme seemed to indicate only one workshop and one dance a day that would interest them.

I pointed out to them that that was by no means the full programme and that a further investigation in a few weeks might be more revealing.

You (we) do your (our) bit but obviously the BIG names that cost the most are given the most puff.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 12:14 PM

Trying to understand the byzantine ticket structure:
1. The ticket that CJB refers to appears to include all concerts. There is a cheaper ticket that excludes the Ham events.
2. The all in one ticket suggests that it should include everything other entries on the same web page suggest that workshops are extra. Somebody with inside knowledge will have to say if that is the case or if it is just a bit of crap copy writing.
3. A season works out, pro rata, more expensive that Towersey but not by much. Day tickets are the same price for both.

I have heard from other sources that the social dance side is a shadow of what it used to be.

Prices aren't bargain basement but look reasonable if you are going to take full advantage of the ticketed events. If only part of the programme appeals then that is another matter. Not that it matters to me, Sidmouth isn't on my list of festivals this year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 07 Jul 15 - 03:23 PM

I'll be in the Kennoway Gardens (used to be Church House) by the triangle.

See you there?

Sal

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!

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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Jul 15 - 07:32 PM

Is there any advance info on The Fringe ?

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: 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: 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: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Jul 15 - 05:41 AM

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

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

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,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: 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: 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: 24 Jul 15 - 07:16 AM

Yep, the Neapolitan one.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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,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: 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: 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: GUEST,Realist
Date: 28 Jul 15 - 09:31 AM

I'll take that as a no then!

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,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: 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,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: 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,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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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,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: 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,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: 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: 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: GUEST,LynnH
Date: 30 Jul 15 - 01:38 PM

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

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Martin Hughes
Date: 31 Jul 15 - 09:20 PM

In 2005 I was in Sidmouth co-running the Sailing Club sessions as part of "Terry Pearson and Friends". I was there!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Aug 15 - 09:17 AM

Pout. So sorry to miss it this year. Been too unwell to risk having to cancel stewarding duties mid festival. Fingers crossed I am better for next year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 05 Aug 15 - 05:23 AM

SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK

For sessions players and singers: another venue is at KENNAWAY HOUSE CELLAR BAR--- All welcome during the day

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 09:08 AM

Well that's it for another year: brilliant as ever, though didn't manage to see all that I'd have liked to: could have been enough to keep me going for at least another month! Compliments to all involved in organising, stewarding, and local businesses for sponsoring events, as well as the performers and amateur participants who all contributed so much. No it's not a cheap week, but it was a main holiday for us. Back next year!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Liz the Squeak at home
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 12:44 PM

So.. apparently someone sang 'The chocolate's no for you' in the Middle Bar at the beginning of the week. Does anyone know who that singer was? It wasn't me, and I'm interested to see if it is someone I know or if it has finally done the folk process and made it into common usage. Plus I need to know who to send the bill for royalties to!

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Liz the Squeak at home
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 12:44 PM

So.. apparently someone sang 'The chocolate's no for you' in the Middle Bar at the beginning of the week. Does anyone know who that singer was? It wasn't me, and I'm interested to see if it is someone I know or if it has finally done the folk process and made it into common usage. Plus I need to know who to send the bill for royalties to!

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 12:46 PM

Just wondering if 4ADiva found what she was looking for, and if we perhaps saw her somewhere, but thanks to our pseudonyms, we didn't know it was her!?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 05:29 PM

Tattie B - you beat me to it.... I was also wondering if I might have encountered 4A Diva without knowing it, and hoping the Sidmouth experience proved enjoyable!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 08:10 PM

LTS, I was there when the chocolate song happened: wracking my brain to remember who did it. Would a big bar of Dairy Milk do as royalties?
A friend of mine in Scotland has also written another parody, much on the same lines re calorific values : the tatties're no for you.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 08 Aug 15 - 09:01 PM

Not sure parodies qualify for royalties.

Les Barker will probably know.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 03:43 AM

The tune is traditional so is a free for all, but the lyrics were mine (I did have help from another 'Catter, but I tend not to sing his verse as it's country specific) so I WANT SOME ROYALTIES!!!! :-P

LTS - now properly logged in!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 04:03 AM

Is that a "tongue in cheek" sign? Hope you're flattered that someone would want to sing your song!
If every copyrighted song that was sung last week in sessions was subjected to royalty collection, the bill would run to millions! Different story if you're doing it on stage for oayment!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 06:57 AM

The venue has already paid for royalties through the fee it pays to PRS for a live music licence. The festival will have had to pay PRS for licences, and will make PRS returns for the larger concert venues at least, and based on these the composers will eventually receive some payment. Of course this doesn't cover what goes on in sessions, but the better-known material may get picked up anyway via the PRS's sampling. If your compositions aren't sufficiently well known the best way to receive royalties is to claim through the small gigs scheme (if you're a PRS member).

If a composer isn't a member of PRS then in theory a performer should seek their permission and agree any royalties direct with them. In practice that is unlikely to happen, if only because of the practical difficulties, which is why there is the PRS to administer this, which for all its imperfections does succeed in returning some meney to folk composers.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 09 Aug 15 - 10:50 PM

Shame about the local Council attitude to this festival re parking.
Perhaps they don't want the festival at all!
Megga no parking on all streets not done before to visitors.
Locals cant even park outside their own house!

This Council attitude is detrimental to the festival and local business as well.

Other festivals provide a welcome in the town

Winge done R

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 06:25 AM

I think you will find that most if not all Councils have clamped down on street parking in recent years.

Partly as a means to ensure access for emergency vehicles but mostly as an income generator.

Sidmouth is especially problematic because of the preponderance of narrow streets and roads.

An all the year round one way system would help and also allow more kerbside parking but Councils do not necessarily go for the sensible option.

It will not be too long under the current government with its cut backs on Council funding or a future Labour government (ho ho) with its dislike of private transport before just owning a car even if kept off road will attract local taxation.

You read it first here!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 06:41 AM

I am not sure there are many areas of the town where parking is only prohibited in Folk Week. Some examples might convince me otherwise.
Sidmouth is 'governed' by 3 separate councils. The Town Council which is very supportive of the festival. East Devon District Council which is less so.... And Devon County Council. Which one has responsibility for parking restrictions?
Derek

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Rumncoke
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 06:42 AM

Having thought that I was being clever by using my bicycle to get around the town faster than I could ever hope to go on my own two feet, I had to avoid hitting a car which up High Street at stupid speed. I had come along Radway and was on the roundabout turning right onto All Saints.   

My feet, joints and muscles are still screaming at me, I have some rather startling bruises, but I think that the jolt to my brain has resolved itself.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Realist
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 08:03 AM

Some specific to Folk Week parking restrictions do happen.

If I had known the question was to be asked I might have noted them down.

Google would probably find them.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 08:17 AM

Visitors to the festival are encouraged to park at the Bulverton and take the festival bus. Campers are likewise encouraged to leave their cars at the site and take the bus.

When a town faces such a large influx of visitors then some parking restrictions and road closures are necessary to prevent the place from seizing up. Some of the parking restrictions are put in place to allow the festival bus service to operate without being obstructed. Others are in place to allow festival visitors to move around more safely.

For most visitors to the festival it is not necessary to drive into town, and it could be argued that keeping vehicles away from the town centre benefits the festival rather than detracts from it, by creating an environment where people can wander around enjoying the music without worrying about traffic. Of course this is inconvenient for residents, but any public event anywhere is likely to cause some disruption.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 09:53 AM

Yes, it was 'tongue in cheek' and I am extremely flattered that someone else sang my song (I'm still trying to find out who), because that was partly why it was written... but a bar of chocolate never goes amiss!

LTS

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 10:23 AM

I have seen parking get out of hand in Sidmouth (quite a few years back now) and more than one driver lost a wing mirror as a result.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 04:13 PM

To answer Derek's question, all three councils have a hand in deciding or proposing traffic restrictions but traffic orders are done by DCC as far as I know. The control of Traffic Wardens has also passed to DCC from EDDC.

As for road closures and extra parking restrictions, very little is done in FolkWeek that is not essential - for example the ban on parking on the narrow road leading to the Bulverton car park. It would be chaos if this was not kept clear. Sidmouth is choked with cars all summer - indeed in FolkWeek perhaps less so than normal because so many residents stock up with what they need and don't come into town at all!

Dangerous driving causes many near misses in the narrow roads but that is the same everywhere in old towns that have not banned traffic from their centres.

The only stupidity I saw was the temporary road closure for 15 minutes at the end of Blackmore Drive (by the Cc-op) to allow the procession. It would have been far more sensible to have closed the road at the mini-island by Tesco (bottom of All Saints Road). That would have prevented drivers entering what had been made in effect a dead end. The steward on duty agreed it would have been more sensible - but the Traffic Order permitting the closure specified where the signs had to go. So blame the Council (DCC) for that one.

My own preference (going back many years to when I was a Town Councillor) would be for a largely traffic free town centre and Esplanade in summer. Chippenham centre is closed to traffic in daytime and is a pleasure to walk around during their folk event.

There are local arguments about parking meters etc and sometimes one council strongly disagrees with another - there was a proposal to install parking meters in Sidmouth's High St but the idea was quashed (for now).

The most common complaint I heard was that the clean and convenient toilets at the St John's Ambulance centre were closed all week. It was a staffing problem as I understand it. Several dance partners used to change clothes there. This year they had to make do with the area around the chemical toilets in the Blackmore Gardens - which was apparently revolting.

There was the usual farce of too many amplified bands around town and along the Esplanade, with amateur folkies being squeezed out.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 04:26 PM

This might work:

Traffic orders Devon County Council

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 10 Aug 15 - 09:13 PM

Hi Steve thanks for the link more money to Devon council then to set up.
My previous winge covered the fact that no one could park and walk in to town from the East side where the houses are more expensive.

West side no problem used Radway road for two days, and yes I drove into town to do that.

Perhaps people should write to the Sidmouth Herald. A proper Park and Ride service would help local business all summer.

Thinking of doing so myself

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 03:57 AM

A permanent park-and-ride might well bring benefits to the town but as well as requiring a suitable out-of-town site would also necessitate permanent parking restrictions in the town itself. However this is outside the scope of this discussion. What is relevant is that a park-and-ride is set up for the duration of the festival. For most people, there is no need to drive into town, and if despite this you choose to do so you shouldn't be surprised that it is difficult to park.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 04:40 AM

Park and ride schemes for Sidmouth have been debated for as long as I have lived here (nearly 20 years) and likely long before that. The latest proposal is a scheme to the west of the town along the A3052 where large areas of land have recently been developed for housing (and with more to follow?). The festival operates a park and walk scheme but it is a long and potentially muddy walk! It could be argued that it is a park and ride scheme if you count the festival bus as the ride into town. But the service is not what people expect of a proper park and ride - a proper car park and a short walk from their car to a frequent service.

There have been large changes in 'Sidmouth politics' recently as a spin-off from the Save Our Sidmouth campaigns - centred upon EDDC's scheme to leave Sidmouth and have their present Council offices (the Knowle, site of the old Arena showground) redeveloped.

save our sidmouth

The website is a little difficult to navigate, unfortunately.

A park and ride just for the festival could only be a temporary affair (much as the festival bus is now) - a more user friendly arrangement would require a large area of all-weather hard standing close to a major road. Sidmouth was (once again) lucky with the weather this year. Yesterday morning we had a severe rainstorm.

Transport issues in small towns that were never designed for lots of traffic are usually problematic. The idea of moving the festival to a 'all-in-one' site had to be abandoned owing to transport concerns:

Proposal to move to Salcombe Hill

My understanding is that festival may still seek to move out of Sidmouth to a 'all-in one' site much as Shrewsbury and Towersey have done, but for different reasons. Costs may reduce, fewer stewards would be needed, but Sidmouth as a town would lose some of the festival atmosphere.

Like Park and Ride, no one answer will suit everybody.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: 4ADiva
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 10:59 AM

YES, YES, I was there!
I had to curtail my musical activities to work around my non-musical family members' ideas of fun, but thanks to help from you Mudcatters, I was able to find several sessions to visit.
I was at the ballads session (I think it was Monday--remember, I was on vacation, so the days of the week are kind of blurred....) and sang "Spare Me the Life of Georgie." I was impressed at how many people attended that session. Traditional ballads don't get much mileage in my neck of the woods.
I also visited the morning session at the RY&F on Thursday when many people did songs in honour of Hiroshima Day. I sang a Canadian standard "Song for the Mira" and was surprised how many people knew it well enough to sing along.
Finally, I attended the Comic Songs and Parodies session, which was great fun. I sang a parody of "Memory."
I saw one of the big Morris showcases at the Connaught and walked along the promenade to view the booths and listen to the buskers.
I also saw a street parade led by the Spooky guys.
I wish I could have done more, but was happy to have sampled what I did.
A future visit may need to be arranged, but there are so many other festivals to visit! :-)
Thanks for the hospitality, everyone!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 02:48 PM

Glad you enjoyed it 4ADiva! So you might well have met Herga Kitty at the RYF session.
"Song of the Mira" is quite well known over here, perhaps even more so in Scotland where I live; it was introduced to a singing group I used to go to by our tutor who had been to the Celtic Colours festival.
Do come again!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 04:37 PM

Thanks 4ADiva for your song at the Royal York and Faulkner - I suspected it might have been you singing "Song for the Mira" but I wasn't sure!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,moira(flyingcat)
Date: 11 Aug 15 - 05:59 PM

Hi 4ADiva for singing at the ballad session and so glad you enjoyed it. They were very well attended this year and we really enjoyed them
Hope to see you back sometime

Moira

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 15 Aug 15 - 06:34 PM

Large amount of coverage in the Sidmouth Herald this week, much of it criticising the number of traders on the Esplanade and crowding out acoustic musicians and other amateur performers. Includes a letter from Derek Schofield. The newspaper website these days doesn't seem to include letters so I've reproduced them, together with a couple of articles.

My own (draft) coverage of the festival starts at many and varied tickets!

the articles and letters start here Article criticising the number of traders on the seafront in 2015

People I have spoken to locally agreed things got out of hand this year - the more letters that are written to the Herald the better! try to keep within 250 words - difficult I know!

You can submit letters online via the Sidmouth Herald website - with an address and phone number or they likely will not get used. Or use this email address:

[e-mail]

If anyone has a couple of photos of the excessive trader activity on the seafront that I could use, please let me have them. I didn't take any photos myself this year.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 21 Aug 15 - 11:00 AM

More coverage in the local paper this week including letters about the Anchor Gardens and funds raised for the Sidmouth Lifeboat.

Also a proposal to introduce a bylaw to prevent parking of motorhomes on public roads during FolkWeek - and I'm not sure it would work!

The Herald article and some discussion here:

A new bylaw for Sidmouth?

None of the references I have found on this topic appear to have much authority - does anyone know what exactly is the law and who can apply it? Some references are on the above webpage.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 21 Aug 15 - 11:23 AM

Another possibly useful reference - just seems to confirm that there is no legal reason not to camp out for one or two night, except if there is a bylaw. If it is a whole group of 'connected' people who are doing it, the law may be different, as indeed it is in respect of trespass on land.


camping out in Cornwall

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 27 Aug 15 - 06:37 AM

I had a tremendous week in The Volunteer, with many festival guests arriving unbidden - as 'twas always the way!

One thought about amplification at concerts. Who decides when it's needed and how loud it should be? This sounds like a symptom of me getting older, but I'm still left with the gripe as to why The Wilsons needed a sound check at the Manor Pavilion at all. The sound man himself is one of the Volunteer regulars, but had to be away earlier so he could conduct this.

Another situation was at Carinas for Rob Heron and the Teapads, who I've seen acoustic before this occasion. Not only were the relatively small audience kept waiting outside till ten minutes after the scheduled starting time, but for the small venue used, the bl**dy sound man was forever up and down coming from the back to stage right to twiddle this and that with little discernible difference to volume or quality - which was adequate.

... and then the beknighted performer feels forced to applaud the sound engineer for their work at the close!

Shurely shomething wrong??!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 27 Aug 15 - 07:19 AM

I quite agree with the complaints about traders on the Esplanade. Walking along the Esplanade, with its sea views and buskers, used to be one of the pleasures of the festival. Now it is best avoided.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,Howard Jones
Date: 27 Aug 15 - 08:00 AM

I assume the decisions about where to use PA is made by the festival organisers, who arrange for it to be provided.

In a small venue like Carinas it is perhaps debateable whether PA is necessary. I have been to just to provide volume, but to provide balance between instruments and to allow vocals to be heard. When the place is full it can be difficult to achieve this without a PA, especially with several musicians. There again, having PA may encourage some people to chat, whereas in an unamplified concert they might be more attentive. It is a difficult balance, but on the whole I would say it is better to have PA than not, provided the overall volume is not too loud. It should be there for reinforcement and balance, not volume.

A sound check is absolutely essential. This is when mics are set up, technical glitches sorted out, and the sound balanced and EQd before the audience arrives. Equally important from the performers' point of view, it is a chance to get the foldback mix right so they can hear themselves. Sometimes this takes longer than planned, but its better for audience and musicians alike if problems can be sorted out before the performance starts, even if this means a delay. Sometimes things go wrong during the performance. Ideally the sound engineer shouldn't be too intrusive, but sometimes mics have to be repositioned or faulty gear replaced.

To complain about someone having to leave an event because they have a job to carry out elsewhere on behalf of the festival seems to me bizarre. The festival could not function without a large number of people - musicians, stewards, administrators and sound engineers, among others, who are willing to give up their time, and in doing so perhaps miss events they would like to attend. Some of them may be paid (probably not much), most do it for nothing more than a festival ticket, which they won't be able to take full advantage of because they will be working. If you spend most of your time in places like the Volly or in pub sessions perhaps that won't affect you, but the main festival couldn't function without them.

As for thanking the sound engineer - the first rule for musicians is "don't piss off the sound guy".

As someone who performed at this year's Sidmouth, I can say that the sound engineers worked extremely hard, in some cases covering several different venues between 9am and late at night. For my band anyway, our soundie did a great job - thanks Tom!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,JHW
Date: 30 Aug 15 - 11:44 AM

Does someone have the Sidmouth 2016 dates please?

(yes I've tried the Sidmouth site but it keeps wanting me to download something so I don't know if its genuine)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 15 - 11:59 AM

29th July - 5th August

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,JHW
Date: 30 Aug 15 - 12:05 PM

Many thanks - I didn't know how far it would slide into July before leaping to the next week

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Aug 15 - 12:39 PM

JHW - it's always around the first Monday in August, because when the festival started, the Bank Holiday was the first, not the last, Monday of the month!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Leadfingers
Date: 30 Aug 15 - 07:44 PM

The Festival ALWAYS starts on the Friday before the first Monday in August , though there are things hsppening from the preceding Wednesday

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Sep 15 - 04:52 AM

I thought the sound in the Ham Marquee this year was exceptionally good: all very clear. And there was a brief sound failure during the "Show of Hands" concert: Steve and Phil just stepped up to the front of the stage and carried on regardless for the whole of the next song like true professionals. By then it was fixed, but during the acoustic interlude, you could still hear them perfectly. (Just as well the lights didn't go out too!)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,JHW
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 04:11 AM

The sound in the Ham is usually pretty good if one is sat on the river wall outside. This avoids the queues and the sweaty interior. Mightn't be so good if the PA goes down. Credit to these two though. Far better for folk music to be heard live than via any contraption.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 03 Sep 15 - 08:23 PM

Yet more coverage in the local Sidmouth Herald - and quite a lot of praise for Social Dance in the latest issue of STS magazine.

No-one has a good word to say about the conditions along the Esplanade these days.

All collated and starting here,

Further coverage in Sidmouth Herald, followed by that in STS magazine.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: GUEST,prmartinuk
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 01:43 PM

The traders on the Esplanade were really bad this year, not just the number of them but their attitude. I was watching three morris sides dancing in one of the few spare spaces without a stall, one of the sides went up to dance and a trader instantly started setting up a stall table in the space where the morris dancers had just been standing. Once his assistant had put a couple of items on the table he then went up to one of the younger morris dancers and complained loudly that they were dancing in front of his stall.


George, with respect to why The Wilsons needed a sound check; it was really needed for that particular concert because they were celebrating 40 years of singing publicly together and so the first half was a lot of them chatting about their songs and influences, which is obviously a lot quieter than the five of them in full voice. They also had put together a slideshow of photos which needed the projector, screen and computer setting up.
None of the Sidmouth venues need massive amounts of amplification, but virtually all of them need some PA to balance and reinforce, and save the performers from killing their voices and instruments after a couple of days.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 04 May 16 - 08:54 AM

Update on traders along seafront.

Article in Sidmouth Herald, May 2016.

Click on the link.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 04 May 16 - 11:06 AM

Still no room for lemonade though

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 07 May 16 - 03:49 PM

There are changes to bus schedules and numbers in the Sidmouth area, effective from 8 May 2016.

Services 52A and 52B (Exeter to Seaton and Honiton) have new routes and are extended to serve as far as Lyme Regis. The new route numbers are 9 and 9A.

Services 52A and 52B from Exeter and Honiton no longer exist.

There is a new X52 service operated by First Group which supplements the altered X53 service. Basically the X52 and X53 operate as a pair of routes the X52 serving Exeter/Seaton/Bridport and the X53 further east.

The new X52 has nothing to do with the old 52A and 52B routes.

new 9 and 9A service, frequent buses from Exeter to Sidmouth

Bus timetables for Jurassic Coast services including X51, X52, X53, X54 and X55 can be found on first group website.

First Group website for X52 X53 etc.

A useful UK travel aids is traveline.info

travel website

There are dozens of apps of course.....

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 07 May 16 - 08:53 PM

,Useful info, but better to start a 2016 thread, maybe?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folkweek 2015
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 08 May 16 - 03:43 PM

I forgot to mention that route 899 has also changed a little and (as with all other routes and services I mentioned) there are a lot of obsolete timetables and routes still on the internet - some of them several years old. Obsolete information may continue to be available for some time.

The 899 service uses quaint old buses and is operated by Axe Valley Travel. You are recommended only to use the schedules on their own website.

Service 899 is listed in three different sections with three different timetables.

Basically it goes between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth via Seaton (and some interesting small villages inbetween where larger buses might not fit). The routes are recommended for a few hours tour of the countryside on a fine sunny day!

Axe Valley service 899 link

I'll maybe repost all this on a 2016 thread sometime.