sidmouth 2006

Subject: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Steve Benbows Protege
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 08:31 AM

Guys,
Having missed this years sidmouth due to getting married what is the view of sidmouth 2006? Will it be happening and who will be the new organiser?

I hope someone can help?

Regards.

Pete.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 08:52 AM

Emphatically yes, Pete.

No details as yet, but I would think same organisers as 2005.

sidmouthfolkweek website will keep you informed.

Don T.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Steve Benbows protege
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 05:39 PM

was a date advertised on programmes like when mrs casey ran it?

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Snuffy
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 06:44 PM

It always starts the weekend before the first Monday in August, so from Friday 4th to Friday 11th in 2006.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: My guru always said
Date: 30 Aug 05 - 06:05 PM

Congratulations BTW SBP :-)

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 04:14 AM

How silly of you to arrange such a trivial thing as a wedding at the same time as Sidmouth.... (mind you, I know someone who arranged it so Sidmouth was their honeymoon, as they'd met there some years previously. It was not a successful honeymoon....)!

I might try and persuade Manitas to try this next year... especially if Albion Morris decide they won't go to Dranouter any more. (Hint to organisers - Albion Morris are pretty good still even if the youngest is just a couple of years shy of 50, they need some bookings in Britain!)

LTS

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,The Barden of England at work
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 04:54 AM

LTS - Ian Cutler was at Sidmouth this year along with the rest of the Hot Rats, and I expect they'll be there next year if Gordon Newton has anything to do with it, so part of Albion Morris were there. Just get the rest to sort it with the Sidmouth Steppers and there you go.
John Barden

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Aimee
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 11:04 AM

Nothing wrong with weddings at Festival time.

If you'd gone to the Eastleigh Festival instead of Sidmouth you'd have seen a couple hold their wedding reception for 140 guests on the Festival site.

It really added to the atmosphere with the men in top hats and the women in flowing dresses while the bride and groom (Andrea and Andrew Millicent) were serenaded by their favourite artists at 5am in the hotel lounge next to the Festival site.

Lovely Festival. Lovely wedding.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Adrianl
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 03:11 PM

If you'd gone to Sidmouth you could have seen a man proposing over the PA at a ceilidh in the Anchr Gardens (she said yes).

Wedding next year? Maybe

Adrian

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Adrianl
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 03:13 PM

Anchr?

Trouble with the vowels!

Try Senna pods

Adrian

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Dazbo
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 11:03 AM

I know it's a bit premature, but after the success of this year's festival (which I decided not to go to as I like the flitting the season ticket allows) is it still planned to have a season ticket next year?

I fear that if there is no season ticket next year then I will probably still go but as I'm not really into most of the bands doing concerts I will pick and chose very carefully mainly doing the odd evening ceilidh, various sessions and the Anchor at lunch time. As a result I won't be contributing much in the way of cash to the running of the festival! As many of my acquantancies are similarly inclined I would suggest that if there is no season ticket next year it is possible that Sidmouth would be full but only limited amount of money going to the festival and its organisers.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: MBSLynne
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 02:04 PM

Season tickets are one of the big issues up for discussion and as far as i know, no decision has been made yet. If you keep checking out the web site I expect they will put it on there once it is decided one way or the other

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 02:13 PM

The Anchor could also be an issue I've heard. The landlord seemed to think he earned more money from putting on a group that played rock(badly) in the garden?!?!? Oh well business minds cant stretch to every one eh? (hehehe!)

Good ol' middle bar singers did well sorry i didn't get a chance to sing.

Hope I see you all next Sidmouth and with luck they will have resolved most of the teething problems they suffered this year and gained enough good feedback to give the max pleasure in a festival.

Houston.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 02:20 PM

What happened to the plans to resume the "official" festival under new management in 2006?

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 02:53 PM

"What happened to the plans to resume the "official" festival under new management in 2006?"

I'm not sure where you heard that but according to the feedback forms given out near the end of the festival and on http://www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk/ web page you can win tickets for 2006 for feedback given.

Not sure if they are passing the torch yet again even after that but it seems dubious after talking to Alan and Gordon at the festival who seemed rather keen and geared for next year.

Houston

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Matty
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 03:46 PM

Many people who stayed away from Sidmouth this year were led to believe a 'proper' festival would be staged again in 2006.

Is that no longer the case?

If those who enjoyed the slimline Sidmouth in 2005 get their way then there'll be another slimline Sidmouth in 2006.

They'll be happy but a lot of other people won't be.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 06:04 PM

I think Matty that your comment is somewhat disingenuous.

Sidmouth 2005 was a success.

If I am reading your meaning correctly, you seem to be saying that those who stayed away, are somehow being short changed by those who actively contributed to that success.

The size and scope of Sidmouth 2006 will depend directly on the financial base built out of 2005. This would obviously have been more solid with larger attendances this year.

So it may be that, if the festival lacks some features next year, a measure of responsibility must rest with those who withdrew support.

By what process of logic and rationality do you conclude that any shortfall will be the fault of those who worked to keep it going, rather than those who abandoned it. And what is your rationale for demanding that their wishes should be paramount.

I have frequently said that I hope to see the festival return to its former prominence, but this is unlikely to be brought about by sitting on the sidelines waiting for others to achieve that result.

I have spent one whole year being reviled for my positive support of Sidmouth 2005, and if half that energy had been directed toward support, it is possible that what you ask would already be assured.

In short, get behind us and push. Then you will have earned the right to a say in future festival programs, and we will all benefit from that.

Don T.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Houston_Diamond
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 06:36 PM

What do you mean by 'Proper'? If you are referring to the years Mrs Casey's Music were in charge you must remember that they only held the reigns for around 25 years give or take 5 years.

The Sidmouth folk week 2005 was a huge success even though every organiser involved were on a learning curve that most would have difficulty dealing with and in my opinion have created a wonderful atmosfear that has been absent from the festival for around a decade.

I know (because I saw it myself)that my great friends who have worked hard for Sidmouth festival in previous years pull out stops that never even existed before just to make a great emulation of previous festivals.

Next year I would be shocked if it didn't equal or surpass the previous (<2005) Festivals. There were rumours that the Arena event should be held in 2006 (it was wierd seeing the Knowl empty) which I would love to see.

Please get there even if you think it rubbish as critism teachs.

Thnx peeps
Houston

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Matty
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 06:58 PM

Perhaps Sidmouth 2006 can include pronounciation and spelling workshops for Houston Diamond!

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 07:03 PM

And a PRONUNCIATION workshop for you Matty

LOL
Don T.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 01 Sep 05 - 07:55 PM

Don T.
Congratulations on your comment re. spelling and pronunciation. It is a shame that Americanisation afflicts those who purport to speak English!!
Well done, also, on your comment about Sidmouth 2005 and the proposed 2006 Festival.
As a matter of interest, in 23 years of attending Sidmouth Festival there have been at least four organisers, of which Mrs. Casey's Music was the third. Each Festival has been "proper" in it's own way, each different from all the others.
Presumably guest Matty would be prepared to finance any events in the Knowle Arena, for it seems that it is the arena shows that he misses.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Matty
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 04:45 AM

Mine was a deliberate mistake Don!

I wanted to see if Houston Diamond noticed it or not.

As for Colyn's comments I have already helped finance events in the Knowle Arena through buying tickets over many, many years.

No Knowle means no ticket income from me.

No campsite income either.

Or income for traders.

I'm less interested in the song sessions and ceilidhs. It's the international dance displays and concerts that attracted me and if they are no longer part of the Sidmouth Folk Week then I'm afraid there's little else to draw me back.

Sorry. Attack me if you wish but I'm not alone in regretting the demise of the Knowle Arena shows. They were the central focus of the Sidmouth International Festival. You can still have a 'fringe' without a central focus but it's not as attractive to me.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 05:48 AM

It was never my intention to attack you, or anyone else, in any way Matty.

I have consistently avoided attacking anyone who chose not to attend Sidmouth, to the extent of expressing my wish that they should enjoy whatever alternative they took.

I was merely trying to point out, perhaps rather clumsily, that the way back to the Arena shows might be to support the current organisers and the festival, in order that the funding for Arena shows would become available.

This is still my position, as it is clear that no assistance from local government is likely to be forthcoming, and, with the best will in the world, collection boxes will only work if a sufficient number of people are there to fill them.

The loss of the Arena devotees is, in point of fact, a serious blow to hopes of achieving what we all want. We need them, and this is why I campaign for them to join us, and fight for their festival at our side.

Don T.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Matty
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 06:34 AM

Thanks for that apology Don. It's appreciated.

I recognise there's a 'Catch-22' situation with the Knowle Arena:

* It was the central focus of the International Festival, the showcase venue that attracted huge crowds on sunny days, the main attraction for many people like myself

* Without the 'International' element to the Festival and without the Knowle Arena many of the daytrippers and weekend season ticket holders didn't attend Folk Week 2005 or contribute to the Festival finances

* Without their income the Folk Week cannot afford to stage shows at Knowle Arena again even if the committee want to

* Without the Arena and the 'International' element to the Festival individuals like me are unlikely to return.

Easy to see the problem. Hard to see the solution.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: MBSLynne
Date: 02 Sep 05 - 08:18 AM

On the other hand, I WILL Attack you Matty. How DARE you criticise Houston's spelling?!? He made intelligent, rational, well balanced comment and all you can do is have a go at how he spells it. Not everyone can spell brilliantly. Not everyone has had the benefit of a good education for one reason or another. I find it extremely rude and ignorant to make any comment at all on another person's spelling.

I was going to join the discussion and make my own comments about the future of the festival.....about which I do know something, but I won't bother to enter into conversation with someone who may be too busy checking out whether I can spell or not to listen to what I'm saying.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 01:39 PM

Some thoughts on ticket prices etc for 2006 and comparisons with other festivals - comments welcome but please read the page properly first! It is interesting to see that Bridgnorth FF is relocating to a 'green field' site in Shrewsbury in 2006 - the infrastructure costs and problems may be similar to those at Sidmouth?

http://www.seered.co.uk/folk86.htm

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Anon.
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 02:14 PM

Bridgnorth was a huge success this year but a few local residents continued to complain about festival noise while the local traders and councils didn't give the festival much support.

A better offer has come along from a more welcoming council in Shrewsbury so the festival is off down the road.

If somewhere not a million miles from Sidmouth offered practical and funding support if the Sidmouth Folk Week were to move, would the organisers stay loyal to a town that shows half-hearted support for the Folk Week or move to a better venue elsewhere?

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Greg (Liverpool)
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 02:19 PM

I think Steve makes some interesting comparisons with other festivals on his seered site.

Sidmouth was very expensive to attend this year.

It certainly cost me more than any other festival this summer.

I stayed loyal to Sidmouth in 2005 because I thought the new organisers needed and deserved support but when money is tight and other festivals offer better value I fear Sidmouth may see a further decline in attendances in 2006 unless ticket prices are reduced to a much more reasonable level.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Jim Martin
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 08:51 PM

Also, so far as I'm concerned, they need to re-instate season tickets and the foreign dance groups.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: GUEST,Bulverton campers
Date: 27 Sep 05 - 07:42 AM

Oh how we agree with Hen Harrier.

Our family enjoyed Sidmouth 2005 but not as much as we enjoyed previous years with the colourful arena displays.

Also Sidmouth 2005 was much more costly even though there were less shows on offer.

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 27 Sep 05 - 08:28 AM

Ooh! Helloo Stevie....I wondered when The Siddy 2006 Game was going to 'pop up' It's a bit like one of those local 'Monopoly' games that you get these days isn't it. ;0)

Do you know we've got nearly nine months to play Siddy Games on here before Siddy 2006...what fun!

Right then....I'll throw my dice in and see where it tumbles.

I am SO looking forward to Sidmouth 2006. I thoroughly enjoyed 2005, more than ever before, as there was such a special atmosphere. And even without The Arena there was loads to do and see. Everyone I spoke to loved it, the shopkeepers were loads happier as it was so centred in the town this time. Local people feel as if they've been given their festival back again and that's very important.

The only complaint I heard was that food could have been better. I think the shopkeepers were really taken aback with the volume of people who turned up..but next year they'll be ready. Could maybe do with somewhere to have a cup of tea down on The Ham as well, although I think all the Health & Safety regs make this difficult. Has anyone told the Army that they shouldn't do catering in tents anymore?...Very dangerous stuff making tea in tents! ;0) And I think the season ticket will be back next year too.

I can't wait to see if Patterson Jordan Dipper are coming back to The Bedford again, or in The Ham...that would be EVEN better. And I can't wait for all the colours, the morris dancers, the bells!...the bells!, and ribbons and that Yellow Lilo to appear on it's way down to the sea...and all the Middle Bar Singers standing in the water singing 'Oh..we're bound for South Australia..." at the tops of their voices, whilst the sun beats down and the crowds gather on the seafront to watch them all....and all those Shanty men singing the hearts out and the fun and ohhhhhh....

And next year I am SO not going to miss the 'Undancing' in the ford. After you'd gone home this year, the shop window of Fords was filled with photographs of you all 'not dancing' down there...it made me feel very sad! :0(

And hearing loads of people singing at Dukes...that was great the way anyone could just wander in and sing whatever they wanted...loved that bit! Hope Rhyzome come back again for that..and bring young Chloe with them too..she went down a storm with all the youngsters. And do you know that the person who organises St. Ives festival in Cornwall saw Chloe and Barry doing their 'father and daughter' bit and he booked them for St. Ives! Yup...they were there as The Tamworth Two...great name Barry....went down a storm too, so I hear.

Oh...and the only other thing I'd like is for some dance space in The Ham Marquee as it's very hard to sit down when acts such as Bellowhead and the DMcF Band are on, and I'm sure that next year they'll be other bands that we all need to dance to as well!

AND did you know that Sidmouth 2005 is mentioned in Show of Hands Autumn Newsletter? I know! Sigh! Isn't that lovely...hang on a tick and I'll go and get it................

.....Aha! Here we are, now then..SoH say this:

"Special credit must also go to all of those who helped the Sidmouth festival rise from the ashes and emerge as one of the summer's great occasions once more."

And you can't say better than that can you!

See you soon Stevie, lovely to talk to you again....see your glass is still half empty though, try standing on your head and that way the world will look much more exciting and your glass will be half full!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 07 Oct 05 - 03:30 PM

It's not actually a game Lizzie. It's about whether the likes of Sidmouth 2004 can ever be recreated. Here is the latest from Sidmouth - an article in our local paper.

read all about it here, and read between the lines too

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 07 Oct 05 - 03:46 PM

What I meant Steve was that it has been a 'game' played out by some people on messageboards, who twist, turn and try their best to create confusion and distrust.

It has certainly never been a game to the people behind Sidmouth 100%....who came from all over the country to organise it, take part in it and support it, in whatever way they could.

I suggest you leave it entirely in their safe hands. They did a superb job last year and they will do another superb job next year as well.

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: sidmouth 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 07 Oct 05 - 03:48 PM

"They did a superb job last year..."

Woops! Sorry...meant they did a superb job THIS year. Enjoyed it so much that it seems so long ago...

Hurry along Siddy 2006