festivals with Unaccompanied singing

Subject: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 01:57 AM

advice please - we are coming for 4 mths - struggling for JUNE festivals that focus on Unaccompanied singing sessions?
We want to steward if possible; but not a deal breaker.
Anywhere in UK - so suggestions please?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 02:57 AM

Ireland

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 02:59 AM

PS
Be careful where you refer to 'Ireland' as being in the UK though !

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: The Sandman
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 03:00 AM

www.fastnetmaritime.com

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Mr Red
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 03:24 AM

Wareham Wail Sept 4-6 Now called the Wail, cluette as to the unaccompanied genre.

Pennymoor Song & Ale June - it can sell out so be quick. Stewarding unlikely.

see See my festival list. with links

Chippenham is almost in June - the stewarding has contacted me already so contact them now.
Upton will be 4 days though the Bank Holiday Monday isn't (a BH). Towersey is a big festival and has moved, they do work stewards pretty hard, but as a steward you do get to arrive early.

I am sure we will bump into each other somewhere, you will spot me.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: The Sandman
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 03:41 AM

i would prefer to describe ireland as geographical british isles

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 04:06 AM

"i would prefer to describe ireland as geographical british isles"
Officially no longer the case apparently (latest statement)
Read your Irish Times
Jim

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 04:10 AM

In case anyone needs their memory jogging these are the folk festivals listed on 'uk folk festivals'

Taking place in June

Gate to Southwell - 4th Jun 2020 - Southwell, Nottinghamshire

Wirral Folk Festival - 4th Jun 2020 - Ellesmere Port, CH65 6QF, Cheshire

Blowout - 5th Jun 2020 - Polesworth Abbey, near Tamworth,, Warwickshire

Strawberry Fair - 6th Jun 2020 - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

The Eden Festival - 11th Jun 2020 - Moffat, DG11 1HQ, Dumfries and Galloway

EdleFest - 12th Jun 2020 - Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival - 12th Jun 2020 - Falmouth, Cornwall

Gower Folk Festival - 12th Jun 2020 - Weobley Castle, Llanrhidian, SA3 1HB, Gower

St Neots Folk Festival - 12th Jun 2020 - St Neots, PE19 2BH, Cambridgeshire

The Doolin Folk Festival - 12th Jun 2020 - Doolin, County Clare

TMSA Keith Festival - 12th Jun 2020 - Keith, Aberdeenshire

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival - 12th Jun 2020 - Wimborne, Dorset

Leamington Peace Festival - 13th Jun 2020 - Leamington, Warwickshire

Grand Northern Ukulele Festival - 18th Jun 2020 - Huddersfield, Yorkshire

Towerfest - 18th Jun 2020 - Drax Nr Selby, YO8 8PJ, Yorkshire

Beardy Folk Festival - 19th Jun 2020 - Cleobury Mortimer, DY14 0EF, Shropshire

Beverley Fringe Festival - 19th Jun 2020 - Beverley locations, Yorkshire

Lichfield Folk Festival - 19th Jun 2020 - Borrowcop Hill, Lichfield, WS14 9DE, Staffordshire

Moor and Coast Session - 19th Jun 2020 - Whitby, Yorkshire

Solas Festival - 19th Jun 2020 - Errol Park, Errol, PH2 7RA, Perthshire

Unearthed In a Field - 19th Jun 2020 - Solva, Haverfordwest, SA62 6YE, Pembrokeshire

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival - 20th Jun 2020 - Portsoy, Aberdeenshire

Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival - 21st Jun 2020 - Ballydehob, County Cork

Gobefest - 24th Jun 2020 - Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG, Lancashire

Leigh Folk Festival - 25th Jun 2020 - Leigh on Sea, Essex

Exile Music Festival - 26th Jun 2020 - Sabine Hay, Darley Dale, DE4 2LN, Derbyshire

St Albans Folk Festival - 26th Jun 2020 - St Albans, Hertfordshire

Bury Folk Festival - 27th Jun 2020 - Bury St Edmunds, IP29 5LU, Suffolk

Folk in the Field - 27th Jun 2020 - Shiptonthorpe, Yorkshire

Ukelele Festival of Wales - 28th Jun 2020 - Gower Heritage Centre, Glamorgan

Keynsham Music Festival - 29th Jun 2020 - Keynsham, Somerset
http://ukfolkfestivals.co.uk/viewall.php#June



&,
[happened 2019, not updated yet for 2020


Arran Folk Festival - 7th Jun 2019 - Arran, Ayrshire

ObanLive - 7th Jun 2019 - Oban, Argyll and Bute

The Canal Boat Crew Sessions Festival - 1st Jun 2019, North Wales and North West England, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Shropshire & Cheshire

Bay Folk Weekend - 7th Jun 2019, Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire

Barking Folk Festival - 8th Jun 2019, Barking, Greater London

Middlewich FAB Festival - 13th Jun 2019, Middlewich, Cheshire

Folk at the Boat - 15th Jun 2019, Ipswich, IP2 8HW, Suffolk

Lymm Festival - 20th Jun 2019, Lymm, Cheshire

West Somerset Folk Festival - 20th Jun 2019, Carhampton, Somerset

Teignmouth Folk Festival - 21st Jun 2019, Teignmouth, Devon

Jim Dowling Uilleann Pipe and Trad Festival - 20th Jun 2019 - Glengarriff, County Cork

BuskFest - 22nd Jun 2019 - Banbridge, County Down

Stogumber Festival - 22nd Jun 2019, Stogumber, Somerset

Dentdale Music & Beer Festival - 28th Jun 2019, Dent, Cumbria

NormaFest / Elephant at the Castle - 28th Jun 2019, Mulgrave Castle, Whitby, Yorkshire

Folk on the Quay - 29th Jun 2019, Poole, Dorset]

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 05:11 AM

Portsoy in the North East of Scotland, is a mainly traditional festival, most sessions are unaccompanied, and it's a nice wee town, by the sea, pretty harbour and all that sort of holiday thing.
(It's 5th/7th June this year.
https://salmonbothy.org/event/11th-haal-music-festival-2020/

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 05:12 AM

The original question has been ignored. Unaccompanied singing is probably present at many of the above, but some are much better but as an infrequent festivalgoer I'll leave it to others to advise on that.

Also, Ireland is not in the UK (except for Ulster) & the question was about the UK not Ireland.

Am sure the originator of the thread is aware of the differing meanings of Britain, GB, UK, England etc & if not, I'd advise him/her to brush up on the sensibilities here!
I agree, Jim C, the BRITISH ISLES is not an acceptable term as they aren't all British.
Mind you, if that's so, surely the IRISH SEA should also be an unacceptable name?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Modette
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 07:23 AM

Three counties in the province of Ulster are not in Northern Ireland (Cavan, Monaghan and my own Donegal)! I do despair when people use the province's name erroneously.

The last-named, of course, hosts the wonderful Inishowen song festival.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Modette
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 07:24 AM

Insert 'county' after 'last-named'.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 08:08 AM

Yes Modette you are quite correct- I was using shorthand- wrong maybe but what's the alternative?
NORTHERN IRELAND is anathema to republicans - maybe the SIX COUNTIES might be OK?
   I am well aware of the three counties in question- I lived for several years near Dowra in Cavan & played music in the Melrose pub there a few times.
   I'd certainly support your recommendation of the Inishowen weekend in Ballyliffin in March for unaccompanied singing, having been a guest singer/musician there a few years ago.

However there is a BIG BUT- INISHOWEN is not in the UK!!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 08:20 AM

"Mind you, if that's so, surely the IRISH SEA should also be an unacceptable name?"
Moot point
How about the English Channel Jim
I didn't wish to make this an issue, but it became one recently in the Irish Press
It remains to be seen if the UK K survives into the near future
Jim

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Michael
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 08:51 AM

Whitby Folk Week is mainly traditional, so plenty of unaccompanied singing there.

Mike

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Brian Peters
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 09:21 AM

Cullerlie in July? Or does it have to be June? And are looking for solo unaccompanied singing, or choruses, Shez?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 11:49 AM

Whitby Folk Week is mainly traditional, so plenty of unaccompanied singing there.
I hope that you are wrong Michael, my B&B is booked for August.

(The thread is about festivals in JUNE)

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 12:34 PM

June 26th-28th is Hull Folk and Maritime Festival. The weekend before already posted is Beverley Fringe (8 miles away). Both have ample opportunities for unaccompanied singing, but not exclusively of course.
Both are mainly free events and the singarounds certainly are free.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Modette
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 12:36 PM

Yeah, Jim,

I know that.

But Clonmany (where the Inishowen event's held) is less than thirty miles from Derry.

Some of us tend to regard a lot of Norn Iron (and parts of Glasgow) as Greater Donegal.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 01:25 PM

I think we're mostly agreed about geographical terms- a real minefield.

Jim C, the English call it the English Channel- the French call it La Manche.

My Grandad didn't talk about the North Sea- he called it the German Ocean!
Shez- a few festivals DO describe themselves as Singing Festivals- look out for them rather than just folk festivals- or you could be very disappointed- inly there are plenty of singing events (mainly informal sessions) in Ireland as well....you have 4 months

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 02:49 PM

Most/all of the festivals in Durham and Northumberland, including "The...Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering"

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 03:13 PM

"Jim C, the English call it the English Channel- the French call it La Manche."
By the French - the English tend not to foul their mouths with foreign-speak
The Irish Sea is also referred to as the Celtic Sea, of course

It doesn't matter, of course - I rased the question because I felt that visitors should be forewarned of the prevailing 'Little England-ism' on the rise at present
I think that's about enough, don't you ?
Jim

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 05:39 PM

Any folk festival has unaccompanied singing if I go to it.

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 05:42 AM

Jim C- you're dead right about the terminology, but I'll have one more go- it's good to agree with you about SOMETHING anyway!!
Ignorance of anything outside England (or part of it?) has been well demonstrated for many years & especially today
When we did B&B in West Cork, we had English visitors who brought their own stamps for their postcards. And quite annoyed to be told they'd need to buy Irish ones!- how long has Ireland been independent?

Originator of the thread hasn't clarified what he/she really wants and Aussies are probably better probably better informed, but hopefully someone can give more specific advice to make the best of the trip...

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 06:27 AM

Just a wee reminder of the OP, as we seem to have got sidetracked into semantics, and struggles with the calendar.


"Subject: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie - PM
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 01:57 AM

advice please - we are coming for 4 mths - struggling for JUNE festivals that focus on Unaccompanied singing sessions?
We want to steward if possible; but not a deal breaker.
Anywhere in UK - so suggestions please?"

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 06:50 AM

Dead right John- back to the subject- there have been a few mentions of specific festivals & sessions - there have been a few useful suggestions, yours among them.
You know as well as I do that many listed UK festivals would be a bit short on unaccompanied singing?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 08:07 AM

It might help if the originator identified the four months he will be right way up.

Or, as I learned only today, the antipodes (they are for someone in Oz)

cheers or good on yer mate

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 08:21 AM

"it's good to agree with you about SOMETHING anyway!"
It is indeed Jim
For me, the limit of ignorance of all things foreign was reached by a customer who told me, "we have Irish neigbours so we always check under the car before we drive off in the morning"
Jim

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 02:00 PM

The three Scottish ones where you will find the most unaccompanied singing are as follows:

Fifesing Traditional Singing Festival - May 15th-17th 2020 - based in Freuchie and Falkland (in Fife, of course!)
Fifesing Traditional Singing Festival

Cullerlie Traditional Singing Weekend: July 24th-26th 2020 - at Cullerlie Farm park - a few miles west of Aberdeen. Apart from teh singing there is a chance to learn rural crafts!
No other details of this year's event yet, but worth bookmarking the website:
Cullerlie Traditional Singing Weekend

Then there's Falkland Traditional Music Festival (also in Falkland, Fife, which took a break last year, but is up and running again this year: it has gone back from June to August to the same weekend that used to be the one for the long-running Auchtermuchty Festival, 7th-9th August:
Falkland Traditional Music Festival

And if you like a bit of Scottish history, no better place to be than in Falkland: see the Palace, including Real tennis court where Maty Queen of Scots might have played!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 03:19 PM

Shez, apologies on behalf of Catters who cannot read four-letter words!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 04:10 PM

JUNE is a four-letter word, but Shez said he/she was coming for four months (unspecified which months and has not replied to request to be more specific)), so not unreasonable to mention other good festivals any time between March and September - 4 months before and after, but including JUNE! I kept my list to those that I know do have a large proportion of UNACCOMPANIED singing!! (Which was also requested).
Or did you have some other 4-letter word in mind, Steve?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 06:17 PM

Wonder why Shez specifically mentions JUNE then.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 08:12 PM

And FOUR MONTHS! Shez may not have already filled every waking minute of the other three months with festivals, and/or might be able to take in some of those in other months, plan a route around those that sound as if they fit the bill the most closely. I know I would if someone told me about something really good.
Why so critical of people trying to provide helpful advice, Steve? It took me a while to get all the info/create the blickies. Please don't be so patronising or apologise for me!! Preferably apologise TO me!
And other people read the posts and might be interested too: we're not using private messaging!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 03:50 AM

TB, humble apologies! I was only trying to be helpful and others have also pointed out that JUNE was being emphasised.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Johnny J
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:42 AM

There's Keith Festival on 12 June - 14 June.

Most of the singing there is of the unaccompanied variety(and there's lots) although there is also a musical(These days, dominated by SDBs unfortunately) side as well.

It's friendly and welcoming though.

The website seems to have gone as it used to be linked to the TMSA site which has now ben revamped.

Ah, I found something.... http://tmsakeithfestival.blogspot.com/

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 08:34 AM

Maybe Sheezinaussie doesn't exist?- no response anyway, although some useful info here

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Guest Tim
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:03 PM

You could do a lot worse than Falmouth International Shanty Festival, a cracking weekend of mainly unaccompanied singing, fantastic atmosphere and Cornwall, what more could you want?.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:18 PM

Pax then, Steve: I was also trying to be helpful, and of course I had had read the word JUNE! But not knowing when Shez's 4 months starts and ends, it still seemed worthwhile to highlight other festivals within that period. (And the first 2 I mentioned really do specialise almost exclusively in unaccompanied singing.)
Agree with Johnny J that Keith is a nice festival, and IS in June!

And Guest Tim, when is that Falmouth Festival?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 09:24 PM

Thank you all
Yes, I did mean England & Scotland & Wales - did not mean to include Ireland (sorry)
Yes, I am aware of the 'lists of festivals' but I don't know which ones are predominately unaccompanied English, which is my love - so that was what I was looking for - recommendations of festivals that focused 'A LOT' on that genre!
If I could figure out how, I would have responded to a few of you directly.
Yes, MR RED - I will recognise you :)

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 09:29 PM

Hi Brian - singing in general - session singing, including chorus & leading a song!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 09:40 PM

and yes, I do exist - I was in UK 25 yrs ago, worked on The Widows Uniform - Brian Peters can vouch that I am real! so could have Johnny Collins, but sadly no more! I was also around 10 & 9 yrs ago - did 3 mth stints over there.....Mr Red may remember me also - I am there from May till mid September - already locked in about 10 festivals as a steward!
Looking for a van still - under 10,000 pounds - bed above the cabin & one or two in the back - filling it up with Aussie for 3 of the months; and with my dear UK mate the other 2 mths - so beware, we are real, and we are coming to create havoc.....sorry, I mean coming to SING!
and I didn't know there had been any responses till I came and looked today - so need to check how I can be advised when there have been responses ......

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 10:14 PM

and I am NOT a choir singer - I am talking good sing around stuff - 'give it Wellie' was a good description for a great sing!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Brian Peters
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 05:23 AM

H Shez, thought it might be you, but didn't want to assume. So I guess good singaround sessions are the priority? Possibly Moor & Coast, though I really don't know what it's like these days.

Others will have suggestions now we've refined the search!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Guest Tim
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 05:58 AM

Falmouth International Shanty Festival

June 12th to June 14th inclusive

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,crumbly
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 07:11 AM

Shanty festivals are very popular & great for participation, but not comparable to some of the generally solo singing at many festivals' - they tend to be very different animals...

Shez may be aware of this- matter of taste really- listening to a full weekend of shanties would be MY idea of hell, but heyho

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 10:30 AM

Can you still hear diddling anywhere? Last heard it at Muchty, years ago.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 10:50 AM

I think they still have diddling competitions at some of the TMSA festivals.

Worth saying too, that both Fifesing and Cullerlie, though happening in Scotland (and not in June!), don't confine themselves to Scots songs: there are usually guests from Scotland, England and Ireland (N and S), and sometimes from N America, as well as loads of enthusiastic singers among the general attenders. And they both have facilities for camping, whether tents or motorhomes/caravans.

Cornwall or Keith for that weekend of June 12th-14th? What a choice - and a distance between them!
You may need the wellies at Cullerlie!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 12:07 PM

>>>>>listening to a full weekend of shanties would be MY idea of hell<<<<< Fair dos, but not many people go to listen, they go to sing and participate!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 10:14 AM

According to the website of the Paimpol Festival of "Chants de Marins" in Brittany, 130,000 people go!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 10:27 AM

Wow! Presumably not all singers then.