Folk Festivals UK

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 11:32 AM

I would just like to add to 'Grab's post. Whilst I realise that his impression of Whitby festival is just that - his impression only and he has not set out to make a sweeping condemnation of the festival, I would say that I find it to be one of the most enjoyable events on the calendar, both for the mix of performers (and it has always encouraged a great many new young performers as well as supporting and respecting the older performers who are largely responsible for the scene we enjoy so much today)and for the atmosphere around the town.

Yes, there is a strong 'tradtional element to Whitby. But as a consequence there are performers there that I am unlikely to see at any other English festival in the year as it draws strongly on people from Ireland, Scotland, USA etc. The town itself provides a real holiday atmosphere and so members of the family who might not be quite so folk orientated can have a good week as well. All in all, Whitby offers something quite special.

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Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: muppitz
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 11:04 AM

Mansfield!

This year boasting - The Bushbury's, The New Rope String band, Anthony John Clarke, Bit on the Side and a host of local talent.
Small festival, but hopefully growing.

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Grab
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 07:59 AM

Broadstairs is always good. They have a great mix of music, performers, singarounds and playarounds, and the whole town gets taken over with musicians so it's a real carnival atmosphere.

If my experience last year is anything to go by, Whitby is 100% "traditional" only, and is very short on young talent (and not so long on "old talent" who were really talented, to be honest). Also you could walk round the town and not realise there was a festival happening at all. I prefer a good mix of traditional and more modern stuff, and also the whole party atmosphere of a festival. Whitby just didn't do it for me.

Cambridge is fun, but it's really a rock concert that just happens to be playing folk. There's some participatory stuff at the campsite, but not really on the main site. The Guinness tent *should* be an option, but in practise (from when I was last there) it's full of guys who are too drunk to stand, shouting rugby songs. If you're going to a festival to listen to performers then Cambridge is very good, but if you're after workshops and stuff then Cambridge has nothing like that.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 07:13 AM

There's only one, Windy Bottom get your self there the week after Otley

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 07:00 AM

Cleethorpes Folk Festival looks good this year and you are by the sea.

Cleethorpes Folk Festival

May 26th to 29th 2006

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 06:41 AM

For a great small festival with a big festival line up Moor & Coast -Whitby... www.moorandcoast.co.uk   Who would want to be anywhere else on the May Day Bank Holiday weekend but in Whitby for a great party...

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:04 PM

GUEST,Festival Organiser

I would point to Bromyard and many other festivals where you will see many sessions populated by people wearing season tickets. In fact if there were no ceilidhs my choices would be limited. I steward to put something back - but for that I use the ticket for camping, free sessions and ceilidhs (when I have the free time) - ask others and you will get a mix of free shows - cruising, schmoozing and events - rarely all ticketed. It needs the rounded list and if that means some get a free show - well the casual performers have as much say in it as organisers - don't I? Anyway sessions work best in the public domain (all meanings meant).

I do Bridgnorth - now Shrewsbury - because the organisers treat me more like folk than anything I experienced at Towersey and the two are comparable in many ways. But it has to be said - big undertakings are "entertainment". "Folk" is Joe public entertaining themselves - freely. Loose sight of that and you no longer have folk.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Pete_Standing
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:01 PM

Oxford, 7th-9th April with Bellowhead, Waterson:Carthy, Andy Irvine, Flook, Black Umfolosi, Steve Ashley with Chris Leslie & Al Fenn, The Old Swan Band with caller Dave Hunt, Chris Wood, Rachel Unthank & the Winterset, Steindór Andersen with Hilmar örn Hilmarsson, Andy Cronshaw, Magpie Lane, The Oxford Waits, Bill Caddick, Pete Cooper & Richard Bolton, The John Dipper Band, Horses Brawl, Hand to Mouth Theatre, On English Ground.....
details here

Wallingford Bunkfest, 1st-3rd September.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Mr Red
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 04:49 PM

Upton upon Severn has pronounced for this year and that is singers and musicians and two main celidhs. Plus the hoards of Morris.

Think Mayday. the whole weekend. or look on cresby.com

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 01:45 PM

Ah thowt it was AALL 'still life' in Selkirk!!!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 01:42 PM

Get yersel doon te Broadstairs Man!! If ye divvent want te gan te the concerts ye can get aall ye want musically aroond the pubs - Outstanding pubs, particularly The Wrotham Arms and The Dolphin but thor aall gud! Outstanding bands are The Phatt-B-Stards (12 years at B'stairs this year), Viagra Fools, Junk & Disorderly and just aboot anywhere Hartley Morris are deein' a 'sing-oot'.

It has te be one o' the best 'value for money' festivals in the world - If ye divvent want te gan te the main concerts there's lods of other stuff te dee.

Gerramonxtit man!!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 12:45 PM

Glad to hear there's still life in Selkirk.

You can't keep a good festival down!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 12:25 PM

Check out www.selkirksessions.com for news of the above. It seems the good folk of Selkirk so much enjoyed having us there that they want to keep it going....which is what happened in Innerleithen after they hosted BSOTT for 2 years, and subsequently developed their own festival after BSOTT moved on to Eyemouth.
TB

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Diva
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 10:00 AM

Aye I know Bob that it isn't officially on but there will be sessions and such in Selkirk to keep the momentum up until Hector gets back

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 07:13 AM

Glen Farg for the World Puff-A-Box Championships.

Orkney for the late night singarounds

Middlewick Folk and Boat for Fun.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:58 AM

Sorry Diva but I think you may find the excellent 'Both Sides of the Tweed' isn't being staged in 2006.

Like you I keep going to my old favourites but am thinking of trying one or two new ones this summer, Beverley perhaps, the new Wickham Festival in Hampshire looks promising, Shrewsbury (ex-Bridgnorth) most certainly.

All other recommendations considered.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Aelfleda
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:49 AM

Thanks Villan - Been meaning to post something about Moor & Coast on this thread but other things have kept getting in the way.
But yes - Moor & Coast offers a wide range of concerts, ceilidhs, singarounds & musicians sessions. Set, of course, in the beautiful backdrop of Whitby where the sun always shines and the beer it is free (well, actually, I lie but don't let that put you off).
hope to see lots of you here this year
Cheers
Jude

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Diva
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:36 AM

Girvan and Moniaiave in May, Newcastleton, Rothbury and Cullerlie in July and Authermuchty in August....ohh and Both sides of the Tweed in October and Denholm in November. I think its about time we started going to a few "new" ones, one of these years we are going to go to Whitby!!!!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 10:11 AM

Chippenham has everything - Socialdance/ceilidh/concerts/music sessions/sing arounds/displays. And all within easy walking distance of each other via a chippy.
All it lacks is time to do all these things at once.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Rasener
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 08:34 AM

Is ther soemthing wrong with the Moor & Coast Festival at Whitby. Nobody seems to mention that one. 28/29/30 April 2006.

moorandcoast Whitby/

I like that one because of the variety of musicians.

Good line up this year
Waterson Carthy
Vin Garbutt
Last Nights Fun
Jez Lowe
Sid Kipper
Marie Little
Widdershins
Hall Brothers
George Papavgeris
Copper Kettle
Ember
Derek & Dorothy Elliot
George Welch
Something Nasty in the Woodshed
Ruth Price & Sadie Greenwood
Geoff Turner
Sheila Lum
David Livingstone
Coblers Monday
Judie Knight
Jim McDonald
Ken Johnson

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Carol
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 05:49 AM

Plus we're not puting them at risk because we don't go to that type of folk festival but if we are allowed to join in the fringe perhaps we do add to the festival. By the way I'mot talking about a few pence in the collecting tin - I try to contribute al least £10 towards a fesival that will allow me to go into singarounds.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Carol
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 05:45 AM

Yes, I agree with your last sentence but contributing to the festival doesn't mean paying the full amount for a season ticket which we only use to go into singarounds.
I do think that there is enough scope within the festival 'genre' to cater for all tastes and personally prefer the smaller festvals that don't have marquees and PA systems etc.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Festival Organiser
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 05:34 AM

It's people like Carol and jojofolkagogo who are putting the very future of folk festivals at risk.

If you "object to paying at folk festivals" then how on earth do you think the festival organisers are expected to pay for the festival itself?

It's not just the concert artists who have to be paid, or all the infrastructure (staging, marquees, PA, lights, electrics, toilets, fencing, matting, dance floors etc.), it's also all the security, staffing, insurance, health cover, risk assessments, room hires, transport, administration costs and, of course, advertising, marketing and promotion to let you know the festival is happening in the first place!

A few pence in a collecting tin doesn't begin to cover all these costs.

I'm all for singarounds on the 'fringe' of festivals but if you don't contribute to the core costs of the festival then you will soon find there is no festival to singaround!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Carol
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 05:13 AM

Sorry but if you want to know more about free weekends trhttp://www.retailfranchise.co.uk/music/ Glynn has a list on this page

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Carol
Date: 11 Feb 06 - 04:57 AM

I second jojofolkagogo - I object paying for tickets when I don't go into concerts ( much prefer singarounds) That's why I've stopped going to Bedworth, even as a retired early booked ticket was £19, a lot of money for a weekend of singarounds and no I havn't ever stewarded, I don't want to loose any time in the singarounds. There are lots of festivals where you can't camp without season tickets and you can't find reasonably priced places to stay and even some like Bedworth where you can't go into a singaround without a season ticket.
I have ran singarounds and do think it's funny when 'only the favoured few' end up running them. They've told me that it's work, running singarounds that is, well all I can say is why not share the work among more people!!
There are several song weekends which are free or nearly free, Barnsley at Easter comes to mind as the first one and of course Denaby on the weekend of the 8th - 10th September the only charge is for camping with quite a few in between!!!
I don't object to paying towards folk festivals and either make a donation or buy lots of raffle tickets because I do understand that things have to be paid for but still don't see why singers in singarounds or even musicians in sessions should susidise concert goers. There I feel better for that now!!!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Dead Horse
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 09:05 PM

Broadstairs = August Friday 11th - Friday 18th
Many good groups/acts in many good pubs.
Concerts with same (most charge admission, but not all)
Many workshops (admission)
Sessions in pubs (free)
Huge campsite (please god with school facilities this year)
with lots going on in school (campsite fee)
I just got the draft programme and it looks to be as good as ever, but alas, no Alaska Mike this year.
Oh yes, and there is the beach and the sea too, with ice-creams and beer and chip shops and take-aways and circus for the kids and every other person knows every other person and somebody always knows who does massage raki shiatsu open heart surgery etc.
AND gloriously friendly drunk folkies like me.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Me
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 08:13 PM

Just off to Cheltenham for the day, then Gainsborough, Gosport at Easter, Chippenham, Wimborne, Warwick, Eastleigh and Broadstairs finishing-up at Bromyard in the autumn.

What a lovely summer to look forward to.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,BanjoRay
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 08:07 PM

Everybody seems to think festivals start at Easter. The Foaotmad annual Gainsborough old time music festival is next weekend 17-19 feb. We have it in february because it's the time when the best Old Time musicians have nothing else to do, so we get 'em for not too much money - and it's great having a fest when there's nothing else going on.
Check out our website and do yourself a real favour - the standard's amazing.
Ray

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Sooz
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 12:36 PM

Jo-Jo, the freebies are fun and have a great atmosphere but we can only afford to run festivals if people are willing to buy tickets.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 10:31 AM

Aquick check and I see the St Valentine's fest has concerts where there's an admission charge too - sorry if I gave a wrong impression - but all the free things going on around most fests are allus great fun!! cheers! - HFA

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 09:11 AM

Hello, there, 'catts

I like a FREEBY, too, I NEVER go to a concert (sorry - but cannot afford it) I go to festivals that have plenty of FREE singarounds, now Towersey as far as I know, only has ONE, which is on at lunchtime and then again in the evening, which is enuf for me !!
but its only one pub and its only a weekender - I usually sleep in the car Sat night and stay for Sunday and then go home ...

When I first came onto the Folk Scene somebody said "if you ever want to go to a festival, go to WHITBY its the best" and he was NOT WRONG
its a weekly, has about 20 pubs, all free, lots of singarounds, plenty of diddly diddly sessions too, and you can "drown" in the music - however, its a long way from London !! but well worth the journey.

Tony and Pearl run the singaround in Towersey, and they also do a great job at CHIPPENHAM, which is also a weekender, with only the ONE singaround - but its good, the day stuff in the street is fantastic but evenings are poor - again I dont go to ceilehs or concerts, just the FREEBIES !!!

I would be VERY interested to know of any other freebies like WHITBY - w/end or weeklong, that has LOTS and LOTS of pubs which are FREE
anyone know??? be very greatful to hear
Many thanks, best regards to all
from Jo-Jo
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 08:12 AM

'How about some dates for 2006 spring/summer festivals. If anyone knows any'

First up for me is a FREE festival....

St Valentine's Festival, Sutton Coldfield
Week end 17th-19th Feb 06
Not quite 'spring' but what the hey.....

Later, attending Holmfirth, Chippenham, Masham,, Glasson, a 'Beer Fest' just outside Sheffield, Hardraw, Sidmouth, Otley (of course!), Gainsborough, Ingleton - but unfortunately not a personal fave of mine Alcester!
PM me for dates if you like.
Hope to see some Cats! - Cheers - HFA

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: The Unicorn Man
Date: 10 Feb 06 - 07:29 AM

How about some dates for 2006 spring/summer festivals. If anyone knows any.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: skipy
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 03:04 PM

Kitty "LF" was for "Leadfingers" for giving me a plug.

Young Guest of post above:-
I am sure that you are welcome at ALL festivals! Like a lot of things in life you need to prove yourself & then you get work, sitting back & moaning that you are not getting a chance will not get you one!
No names no pack drill but we have put a couple of young names on that are now stars in their own right (& now we can't afford them!)

Skipy

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 11:15 AM

Far too much of the same old farts doing the same old songs.

Festival directors want to give new and YOUNG acts more of a show otherwise we will kill off festivals. Either that or go to one video it and then just sit and watch the re-run when you want.And in the comfort of your own home instead of some smelly mucky farmers field.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 08:33 PM

Tattie- No offence intended - Merely commenting ! As a Gigging muso , the time I take off from paid work matters a bit more than it did when
I just had to book a few days paid holiday ! The last time I was in Bonnie Scotland my time did not coincide with any festivals at all !

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Tubby
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 07:52 PM

Well I'm from the south and always enjoy Chippenham, Cambridge, Larmer Tree and Gosport / Fareham at Easter but I've also headed to the wild northwest of Scotland for 'Drams in the Field' and had a wonderfully wacky time.

I like the look of the new Eastleigh Festival in early August. Got a leaflet from them today along with my Beverley Festival mailshot.

Good to see Steve Heap is now helping to organise Beverley.

Sidmouth's loss is Beverley's gain.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 07:47 PM

Sorry I spoke: I only recommended those I had actually been to as well. The name of the thread was "Folk festivals UK" after all!
You can now fly to Scotland from most parts of the south of England on budget airlines for less than the cost of petrol to drive up, so give it a try!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Leadfingers
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 07:12 PM

Tattie Bogle - I am West London so a Scottish Fest is a week away from home , so I have never actually got to one ! And there is NO way I am going to reccomend a Festival without experience !! Friends have 'Done' Shetlands as a booked duo and had a great time !!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 07:05 PM

UK-wide????
So far nearly all in England, largely in the south, one in Wales.
You can get details of most Scottish festivals via www.tmsa.org.uk
I haven't been to them all yet by a long chalk, but my favourites so far are: Glenfarg, Linlithgow, Lomond, Stonehaven, Girvan, Innerleithen and Both Sides the Tweed (which will be in Selkirk this year; it moves around every couple of years) All of these are weekend festivals in lovely locations, with very friendly natives. I gather Orkney and Shetland festivals are pretty wild, and it helps if you play fiddle at frenetic speed!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 05:55 PM

Gosh, Skipy that was a bit cryptic.

Grove (which you organise)is a good festival, OK?

Kitty

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: skipy
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 06:16 PM

Thanks LF
Skipy

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: GUEST,Tobermory
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 02:17 PM

Indoor festivals - warmer and more comfortable - so:

Gosport & Fareham March 24-28

Wimborne in June

Then I'll brave the outdoors for Trowbridge, Cambridge, the new Eastleigh Festival and Bromyard to finish the summer.

Both the Gosport & Fareham and Wimborne festivals also have comfortable hotels nearby and some excellent pub sessions for singers and musicians.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Menolly
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 01:56 PM

Covering my head in shame - I admit to never having been to Towersey, but I love Warwick for taking my whole famuly to. However, can I put a bid in for Chippenham, as a festival involving all sides of folk music, best combining the dancers with the musicians. My main interest in the singing and it is not the best festival for this, but the town is so involved and the market on Bank Holiday Monday is great, even if it has seen better days! Lovely town if the music & dance overwhelm you - downside - virtually no accomadation if you don't camp!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 12:31 PM

Miskin FF on 25 - 28 March

National FF on 8 - 10 April

Upton on Severn May BH W/e

Wheaton Aston 3rd w/e May

Chippenham FF on 27 to 30 May

Bishop's Castle FW on 10 - 12 June

Alcester FF on 17 - 19 June

Chorley FF on 24 - 26 June

Kington FF 1st - 3rd July

Bromsgrove FF on 8 - 10 July

Warwick FF

Sidmouth FF

Dartmoor FF on 5 - 7 August

Burntwood FF

Saltburn FF on 12 - 14 August

Whitby FF on 20 - 26 August

Towersey FF on 26 - 29 August

Bridgnorth. 26 - 29

Otley FF on 16 - 18 Sept

Bromyard FF

Well some of these have freshly squeezed lemonade!

Sal

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: s&r
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:51 AM

Fylde.

Stu

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Scintilla
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:35 AM

Towersey and Bromyard from experience, and I hear Chichester is good too. Not sure about Caversham, it was cancelled last year I think but I played at the one before that and although it was nice and sunny and some good names booked there weren't that many people there, could be a grower though.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Mr Happy
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 07:37 PM

There's a 'happenin' this w/end iN Derbyshire- 3 Stags Heads, Wardlow Mires.

Mr H + fiends wil b appearin Fri afternoon, nite. Sat afternoon+ nite+ Sun lunchtime for freestyle + all-in folking about events.

See here http://www.greatbeer.co.uk/derthst.htm


We'll b there Fri pm 5ish onwards.

Campsite adj pub 5pounds 4 w/end.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals UK
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 07:23 PM

Definitely Warwick, and Saddleworth and Beverely

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals
From: John Routledge
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 06:38 PM

A third for Alcester in Arden.