Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05

Subject: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Mr Happy
Date: 24 Jul 05 - 06:17 AM

Our band of musical fiends are considering going - anyone else?

http://www.bridgnorthfolkfest.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Chris Murray
Date: 24 Jul 05 - 08:13 AM

I'd love to go. Unfortunately the Festival once more coincides with our holiday so I've got to miss it yet again. If I was going, I'd most like to see Bellowhead and Kristina Olsen. Lots of others too numerous to mention.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: muppitz
Date: 26 Jul 05 - 10:47 AM

I'll be cookin' as per!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 07:05 AM

See you there!

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,muppitz at work
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 09:16 AM

I've said it before so I'll say it again, any catters please come and say hello while I'm slaving over a hot fryer!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Alan S
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 09:38 AM

I'm going, if only to buy the organisers a pint. I would encourage everyone else to do the same.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: rhyzla
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 09:49 AM

Guest Alan S - you crafty bleeder!!

Is that the only reason you are 'going'?




Barry Hunt

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Alan S
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 09:58 AM

Well it was worth a try Barry

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Green Man
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 11:28 AM

I would go but I got the sack from the festival and no-one gave me a good reason. :-(

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Gillie
Date: 27 Jul 05 - 04:59 PM

I would go to but I don't think I'm allowed - I have to work!!!

Gillie

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Mr Happy
Date: 03 Aug 05 - 10:15 AM

anyone kno if its possible to camp nearby without having to buy a w/end ticket?

we would be happy to pay for camping only.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Snuffy
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 08:18 AM

Looks like it's your last chance, because according to BBC Radio Shropshire it will be in Shrewsbury from 2006 onwards

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Sue Wilcock
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 08:25 AM

We'll all be there as usual

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Mr Red
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 03:54 PM

They are looking for stewards still its one way to work yer ticket and as Sandra says - they don't work you as hard as T*w*rs*y.
There are camp sites, one just across the river heading south. - but a fair walk. Not sure about tents. PM me Mr Happy

Green Man - thems the breaks, I didn't MC at Chippers this year -

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Kampervan
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 04:21 PM

I'm coming up to Bridgnorth for for the first (might be the last if Snuffy is right)time. Been a regular at Beverley for many years and decided to branch out a bit.

Got a ticket and will be camping. Anything i should look out for?
I like informal sessions/singarounds plus the occasional concert.

Is the official camp site OK? Any inside info welcome.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Bizibod
Date: 04 Aug 05 - 04:47 PM

Order your programme in advance,you need time to work out your best plan of action as there's SO MUCH! to choose from.If you've never seen Kristina Olsen before,make a point of it - if you have then you'll know what I'm talking about.

No worries about the campsite,clean,secure,well-regulated- you're going to have a lovely time!

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Alan S
Date: 05 Aug 05 - 07:08 AM

A few Stewards are still needed for Bridgnorth.
The deal is 12 hours work over the four days of the festival. You get full weekend pass with camping.
There are very few alternative campsites. The nearest official site is Stanmore Hall but at £21.60 per night it would be cheaper to buy a festival ticket [Now at £60 plus £6 per adult (juniors and children free)camping for the entire duration of the festival. 4 nights]
Bridgnorth TIC (tel: [phone])may be able to advise on other campsites but I'm sure there are none within easy walking distance. Your best idea would be to find a friendly farmer in Oldbury (across the Bridgnorth By-Pass but just over the footbridge).

Snuffy: is correct, this years festival will be the last on the Oldbury Wells site, in fact the last one in Bridgnorth. Shrewsbury will be our new festival home. It has a superb site (the Quarry)and fantastic camping facilities. The pubs are good, road and train links are good, more dance sites, unfortunately no steam train but we are negotiating for a large boat for Shanty sessions.
More news on the Bridgnorth web site shortly www.bridgnorthfolkfest.co.uk.

Timothy Taylors is my drink, please don't feel embarrased about buying me one at the festival.

All the Best...Alan

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Sue Wilcock
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 04:07 AM

speaking of camping- can anyone help?i'm going to Burntood this weekend and Bridgnorth the weekend after, I was thinking of staying around the area but don't know of any cheap sites- anyone any ideas?

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 11:52 AM

As there are three levels of campsite (quiet - notso and noisy) you can choose to party or poop. I always camp in the quiet and party if I want round the food.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Sue Wilcock
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 12:59 PM

Sorry my fault, didn't explain myself properly. I meant somewhere for inbetween festivals. have found somewhere now thanks.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Edain
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 03:05 PM

Anyone know if they;re still after stewards? The plans I had for that weekend are at the point of falling through and slipping in another festival is never a bad thing.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Fliss
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 08:09 PM

I will be in Ireland at the FLeadh in Letterkenny.

Went to Bridgnorth Fest in 2000 and enjoyed myself very much. Shame its the same weekend.

Interesting that it will be in SHrewsbury next year. As a Shrewsbury lass I have long wondered why they dont have a festival, especially as there are a couple of good venues. Wonder what the Burgers of the town will think of it all!!

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Mr Happy
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 10:32 AM

Anyone know which will be the best pubs for sessions & singarounds?

Fiends have contacted organiser & response being 1 pub for English tunes session & i pub for anything goes sinaround.

Will there be any other places/pubs/venues where singing/music sessions can happen?

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Shropshire Lad
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 12:45 PM

Edain, if your plans have finally fallen through, stewards are still needed. Phone [phone].

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Vince
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 01:26 PM

I'll be there and am looking forward to it, I've been going to Bridgnorth since 2000 ( I think?) and have loved every one.

The campsite is on the school playing fields so it's lovely and flat, and well equipped, there will be sessions near the food stalls 'after hours' each night, and in addition to the session room on the school site, there are a couple of pubs that have sessions over the weekend (unfortunately I forget their names, but I know how to get to them!)

The move to Shrewsbury for next year looks particularly exciting, as most of the people I meet up with at Bridgnorth are from Shrewsbury (including Dan the fiddler discussed here (message 8/8 @08:48) ) and it has a number of session-friendly pubs (including the New Year's Day session at the Loggerheads)

Look forward to seeing you all there in a week's time (oooohhh! Only a week to go!)

Vince

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Gillie
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 02:33 PM

Stewarding duties duly booked amd will be on my way on the Saturday along with Col K.

Thanks to John & Chris for offering to look after Magician and he Watering Hole while I escape, for well needed R & R. Yerrrrrr...

Counting now :-)

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: running.hare
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 02:46 PM

I too shall be wandering about, all a bit vauge but at least I think I know the plan! ohh well I'll just follow the B.friend, simple.

*Lizabee*

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Dave Hat
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 03:22 PM

I'm going again. Always a lovely atmosphere at Bridgnorth. Having already enjoyed a couple of days at Sidmouth plus a whole weekend at the wonderful new Eastleigh Festival and a day at Cropredy, August is proving a magic month for Festivals.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Trevor
Date: 19 Aug 05 - 01:36 PM

Enjoyed Bridgnorth over the years but looking forward to the move to Shrewsbury. Alan S, have you heard of Rapsquillion - they're supposed to be brilliant, and on the doorstep for next year!!

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Chris Green
Date: 20 Aug 05 - 11:46 AM

Myself and Fiddlem will be there for the weekend, and moonunit will be there for at least a day!

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 21 Aug 05 - 07:25 AM

I'm thinking of coming over for a day (maybe Sunday) for some of the sessions. Is there anywhere to park the car for the day without exorbitant cost? And I'm sorry, but I can't afford three day tickets!

epn

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Top Cat
Date: 21 Aug 05 - 03:25 PM

Punky - you can always find somewhere to park O.K. without paying a wicked fee.

I just drove into the front of the school grounds last year and parked on the grass like many others. Nobody charged me. Nobody towed my car away.

Unlike at Sidmouth the local populace don't seem so determined to bleed visitors dry at Bridgnorth.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Wuzzle
Date: 21 Aug 05 - 03:31 PM

Are there any sings or such on Thursday night as we will be in Bridgnorth a day early?

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 22 Aug 05 - 09:30 AM

Sad to hear that the festival is on the move. A pint of Bathams (or more) in the station on a warm late summer's afternoon watching the old puffas coming and going was always brill.

Elfcall

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Mr Red
Date: 22 Aug 05 - 09:58 AM

THE venue is the Castle near the er um castle. If you drive up the side of the hill it is the first pub on the left.

English sessions till you get fed up and then they might play Horses Brawle (In the key of GG) - English for 400 years. Thursday bash in the Castle is the only one that works. Be there or be - er - ...

I will be escorting a little old lady Thurs night - be prepared - she is no shrinking violet.

I am sure other venues have sessions - like the Shakespear but Thurs I know of no other. The grapevine may tell different but look in the Castle first.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,McFall
Date: 22 Aug 05 - 10:19 AM

Like Elfcall I'll miss the steam railway at Bridgnorth.

I always liked the 'Folk Special' steam train. You could sit in the station bar and wave as the train drew out taking with it all the rotten singers and musicians who you were glad to see shunted down the line for the night while you got happily sozzled on decent beer.

Bridgnorth has been a damn good festival in recent years but I can't help thinking the attractive town and specialities like the steam railway helped make it what it is.

There must be a risk that the special atmosphere will be lost in the move to Shrewsbury though I suppose the same rotten singers and musicians can still be loaded onto a punt and rowed down the river for the night.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Wuzzle
Date: 22 Aug 05 - 02:16 PM

Thanks Mr Red      
I will definitely look in the Castle then :-)

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: danensis
Date: 22 Aug 05 - 05:46 PM

Tim and I will be going, but its the first time since Sue died, and Beverley quite upset me as I was so used to her being with me.

Where do I find the frying person? And is the lady with the brilliant lemonade stand going to be there?

I've persuaded Sue's brother and his wife to attend for the first time, so it had better be a good one - last time I spoke to them they still hadn't sorted out the camping, 'cos they didn't realise it wasn't included like Beverley.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: John J
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 04:15 AM

Me and my significantly better half will be there, arriving late Friday evening.

We're both very much looking forward to our first festival in some years.

John

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Moses
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 06:25 AM

Sorry to hear that it is the last on the current site. I, too, liked the steam train - I always went all the way you know! To Kidderminster, that is. Book tickets early - missed out last year as left it too late.

Excellent fish n chips just down the road from the pub in Kidderminster.

Back in Bridgnorth, take the cliff railway from High Town to Low town just for the Hell of it. Or you CAN, if you want, do all the steps. On second thoughts do the steps down and take the railway back up - much more sensible.

Particularly looking forward to meeting Nicole and John (Cloudstreet) again.

Christine

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: John J
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 11:19 AM

I haven't received my programme yet, they've been posted out today apparently.

Can anyone give me an idea of what the campsite is like, and also how far it is from the various festival venues? (My wife struggles walking any distance at the moment).

Ta,

John

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Snuffy
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 12:00 PM

The campsite is on school playing fields. Washing and showers etc at the school.

Some events are in the town - long walk with steep hills up and down to get there, but much (most?) of it takes place in the school or large marquees on the playing fields

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,Guest Ian
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 02:50 PM

Interesting comment from McFall!!!
I bet there would be numerous regulars longing to hear the said guest sing and pass judjement.
Aren't we all lucky they stayed in the bar after all who needs a miserable self opinionated critic to spoil the fun.
Roll on Saturday night.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Kampervan
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 03:37 PM

I agree with Guest Ian, although we might hope that Mr McFall had his tongue in his cheek when he made those comments.

Anyone who has the guts to stand up and sing or otherwise perform deserves a little respect.

I'd rather have a night of mixed quality live music than listen to a pair of speakers.

If you don't like the performer who's on then just wait a couple of minutes and there might be someone you like.

Looking forward to a great weekend.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: RWJ
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 04:44 PM

Mr McFall must be so perfect with those comments

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: GUEST,McFall
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 07:42 PM

No - I'm far from perfect and Yes - I did have my tongue in my cheek when I made the comments about "rotten" singers.

What I should have said is how wonderful it is to have so many fine singers and musicians occupy the steam train and how sad it is that my own singing voice is so rotten that I have to stay in the station bar drinking their fine range of ales.

Sorry if I offended anyone. I actually think the steam train full of singers and musicians is one of the things that marks Bridgnorth out as a Festival - it's not something you find at many (any?) other Festivals.

I like Bridgnorth. I like the Festival. I like the town. I like the steam railway. I especially like the railway station bar.

The Festival may move to Shrewsbury and I hope it retains its very friendly and relaxed atmosphere but personally I'll be sorry to leave Bridgnorth and the preserved railway behind.

Looking forward to the weekend and I'll happily buy Kampervan, Guest Ian and RWJ a pint on the platform.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Snuffy
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 08:00 PM

Is the ban on singing still strictly enforced in the station bar?

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Moses
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 04:32 AM

John J

If memory serves me right, there is a festival bus that goes into town every 20 minutes or so during the day and evening. (If it doesn't serve me correctly then last year I got on a local service without paying).

The bus timetable is usually in the programme. Hope it is still running as it IS a long walk up that hill. Lots of venues at the school though, so even if you don't make it into town there will be more than enough to keep you busy the whole weekend.

Check out the "open mike/showcase". If the tent is still in the same place you can listen to plenty of new talent while you're waiting for the bus.

Christine

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: Mr Red
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 07:58 AM

Mrs Lemon is expecting to be there, not sure if for the whole weekend but I suspect that is the case. If you want a bit of sport just ask her about the songs wot they write about her lemonade (there are several - the brew is so famous).

There is a designated area for disabled campers - ask at the gate, it is just downhill of the gate - less walking to the bus & school buildings.

AFAIK the station bar don't welcome singers. The first year I was there we had the Thursday bash, and the regulars didn't like it. And it has never been back. But if you are walking, the trot to the Castle is not that much further anyway.

I have always opted for the ceilidh on the Saturday but the "Folk Rattle and Roll" is always oversubscribed on two venues and sold-out completely by 6pm. A definate DRAW. But then so is the way Alan and Sandra run the festival. They are folkies first and business people second.

Maybe, in the fullness of time, they will have a river-boat shuffle, not sure how big the boats are that high up the river Severn.

Subject: RE: Bridgnorth Folk Fest Aug Bank Hol.05
From: John J
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 08:19 AM

Christine & Mr Red: thanks for the info; we'll try for the camping area for the disabled. The only problem with camping there is that it'll look a wee bit odd when I go out for my 10m run on Saturday morning!

I look forward to seeing you all at the festival.

Cheers,

John