Sidmouth Folk Week 2006

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 05:11 AM

Sorry that was a case of mistaken button.

Let me try that again.

I go to Sidmouth for the singing in The Anchor where no ticket is needed and I wouldn't care a jot if all the concerts at the Ham went down the pan.

Let's just have a much more traditional Folk Week for amateur singers and musicians, the heart and soul of Sidmouth.

We don't need all these so-called 'big stars' with their equally big egos and ridiculous wage demands performing on big stages more appropriate for The Spice Girls and The Rolling Stones.

Let's return Sidmouth to what it was in the 60s & 70s, vastly better than the money-grabbing commercial machine it's become in recent years.

There are a number of points here.

First of all - if it is a festival then someone has to buy the tickets. Who will organise the event that Tom wants - a week of singing in the Anchor? Or will it happen without organisation?

I cannot imagine a week of anything worse than a week full of amateur singers.

And frankly I have met a number of amateur singers with egos much bigger than those of the stars he berates.

For the last 45 years Sidmouth was never a small-scale event. It was a big event in the 1960's and 1970's. I am fed up of pointing out that people were complaining about the size of Sidmouth and its commercialism before the sixties he harks back to were over, and there are numerous EFDSS magazines with reviews of Sidmouth each one harking back to the "Good Old Days". I believe the first complaint of Sidmouth's commercialism was back in the 1950's.

Since the chance to meet up with his friends and sing and play in a bar for a week is what Tom wants - why Sidmouth? It is not the easiest place to get to by public transport, whether we like it or not there is some anti-folk hostility in the town, and it is not especially convenient for camping. I am sure Tom could meet up with his mates at a more convenient place. And since he doesn't like the festival why come that particular week?

Where is it to be Tom?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Folkiedave
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 04:50 AM

I will certainly be at the Folk week again.

I go to Sidmouth for the singing in The Anchor where no ticket is needed and I wouldn't care a jot if all the concerts at the Ham went down the pan.
Let's just have a much more traditional Folk Week for amateur singers and musicians, the heart and soul of Sidmouth.

We don't need all these so-called 'big stars' with their equally big egos and ridiculous wage demands performing on big stages more appropriate for The Spice Girls and The Rolling Stones.

Let's return Sidmouth to what it was in the 60s & 70s, vastly better than the money-grabbing commercial machine it's become in recent years.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: treewind
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 04:05 AM

we could be on a downward spiral
Have you forgotten how during most of the time between the 2004 and 2005 festivals it didn't look like there was going to be a 2005 festival at all?

It's not remotely surprising that few people attended the 2005 event. By the time it was apparent that something would happen, many potential customers gave up waiting and made other plans.

It was quite clear immedately after the 2005 festival that it had been a success and would grow into a more solidly constituted festival in 2006. I predict a sellout.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: fiddler
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 02:41 AM

I seem to recall Sidmouth was rescued from the verge of bankruptcy in the late 60s early 70s or thereabouts! Correct me if I am wrong - that is not a criticism some big names in many walks of life have ended up there.

It didn't work then why should it now. Tastes have become more sophisticated and appeal even broader than it was then.

Broad inclusive thinking rather than narrow dogmatic opinionated outbursts is what will make Sidmouth a success again in both the short term and in the future.

This aspect of the debate (traditional sessions only blah de blah -if there is one) was done to death in 2004/5 lets not go down that path again just more storage on the server and longer threads to wade through.

It has been good to see some 'level speak' since my last posting on this thread. Keep it up and we are all in with a chance to make this work.

What can we do to help should be our watchword not how can we put it down or get our own way. You cna't please all of the folk all of the time etc......

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Tom (Anchor Regular)
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 12:55 AM

I will certainly be at the Folk week again.

I will certainly not buy a season ticket at the price quoted.

I go to Sidmouth for the singing in The Anchor where no ticket is needed and I wouldn't care a jot if all the concerts at the Ham went down the pan.

Let's just have a much more traditional Folk Week for amateur singers and musicians, the heart and soul of Sidmouth.

We don't need all these so-called 'big stars' with their equally big egos and ridiculous wage demands performing on big stages more appropriate for The Spice Girls and The Rolling Stones.

Let's return Sidmouth to what it was in the 60s & 70s, vastly better than the money-grabbing commercial machine it's become in recent years.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Another Anon.
Date: 03 Jan 06 - 07:06 PM

To Manitas - I am giving the organisers "every chance" and I desperately want them to succeed but if Steve Harris is right that attendances in 2005 were only around 25% of those in 2004 then we could be on a downward spiral that is difficult to reverse.

I really do feel that those of us who are still going to Sidmouth in August need to listen more to those who are not instead of just rubbishing their comments and accusing them of being negative.

We need to win them back and we won't do it by criticising them.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: steve_harris
Date: 03 Jan 06 - 11:24 AM

The money side is quite interesting. I spent about the same on tickets and camping as I did in 2004. The organisers managed to balance the books despite attendance seeming to be about 25% of 2004.

It suggests to me, that if 2006 pulls in half the crowds of 2004, the finances will be absolutely fine

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: breezy
Date: 03 Jan 06 - 07:50 AM

But 'being at home' is sad as well as not getting out much !!

Many folks have made Sidmouth their summer holiday.

So the inclusive weeks entertainment looks very good value and would make for an economic break.

All the best to all concerned.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 03 Jan 06 - 01:24 AM

(b) the reduced number of people attending since the demise of the "International" Festival and the scrapping of Arena events

You only have one year's statistics to make that judgement on and that one year was an interim festival. Give the new organisers a chance, eh?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Another Anon.
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 10:18 PM

Blowzabella is absolutely right to say "A major festival costs a lot of money" though it is debatable as to whether Sidmouth is still "A major festival". The BBC for one no longer rates Sidmouth alongside the likes of Cambridge when it comes to live coverage.

Bowzabella is also right to slam the disgraceful decision by the District Council to cut their funding for the festival from £60,000p.a. to zero.

The problem facing Sidmouth organisers is how to balance the books given:

(a) the huge costs of staging the Folk Week

(b) the reduced number of people attending since the demise of the "International" Festival and the scrapping of Arena events

(c) the desire of many of those who are still attending (myself included) to spend most of our time in The Anchor or the informal sessions in The Bedford and elsewhere, therefore not going to many concerts and not spending money on buying tickets which means...

(d) the free 'fringe' sessions and dance displays attract good audiences but the 'centre' of the Folk week struggles to raise the cash to keep itself going.

It's not easy. I admire those who are working so hard to deliver another successful Folk week but I fear they are up against it.

Many of us are more interested in the free events than the ticketted concerts. For us Sidmouth is a social gathering, a chance to meet old friends, have a natter, a song, a tune. We're not really bothered about whether there's an Arena or not, not that interested in many of the concerts in the Ham, not willing to pay large sums for a season ticket that doesn't cover all the events anyway.

I'll still head to Sidmouth come what may but friends who gave it a chance last year have said they won't be going in 2006.

Their loss but I wonder how many others are thinking the same?

JR

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 09:12 PM

I know you weren't, Blowz; but your post made me think about my own previous one and I found myself "wanting". No worries :-)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Blowzabella
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 02:28 PM

Sorry El Greko - I didn't mean to sound as if I was having a go at you, if that was how it sounded - I was actually trying to put my pont more across to those saying 'it's a rip-off and I'm not going'

Blowz

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 05:58 AM

Very fairly put, Blowzabella, and I certainly did not mean to imply that all the stay-at-homes are party-poopers and I stand corrected. I guess the negativity of GUEST, Anon got to me just there and I let off some steam...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Blowzabella
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 05:52 AM

Unfortunately, it may well be a fact that some people can't afford tickets for Sidmouth, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they offer poor value for money - or, necessarily, that these people are party-poopers - it just means that some people won't be able to afford to go.

Those who are saying it is over-priced need to remember that the event has lost a substantial amount of grant income, which subsidised the costs. If that income isn't there, or found from other sponsorship etc, and the event is to continue, it can only come from the ticket sales. People have already been complaining that there isn't as much going on as before - how much more expensive would tickets need to be to have twice as much going on?....think about it....

A major festival costs a lot of money - that is a fact. If the new organisers find that people can't afford the tickets for a week long event, then they might rethink and shorten it. The tickets would then be cheaper, but there would be lots of other people dis-satisfied. It's not as simple as it sounds - you do get what you pay for - but you can't expect a week's festival for the cost of a weekend - surely?      

It will always be the case that some people can't afford to do some things that they would like to - or chose to prioritise their spending differently - that doesn't mean things are over-priced, just that there are decisions to be made. I can't do everything I want to, but I don't feel the need to moan about the things I have chosen not to do being too expensive, because it's my choice, at the end of the day.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 02:52 AM

So what - should one never leave home then because food is more expensive anywhere else? You could also add that it is more confortable at home, and more hygienic too, you don't need to share bathroom and shower facilities with strangers, you don't wear out your clothes so much and it doesn't matter if it rains. And you could listen to radio Britfolk on the internet, no licence needed and no tickets either.

And yet some people brave the weather, the expense and the risks for some live music (sessions or concerts) and dance (displays of ceilidhs). I guess they must be fools according to GUEST.

OK, I'll be seeing the fools this summer then; I'll have to make do without the company of the stay-at-homes. I can live with that.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Anon
Date: 02 Jan 06 - 12:40 AM

It's cheaper at home and as others have pointed out it's probably better food at home as well.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Steve Benbows protege
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 04:20 PM

You can't count food and drinks as an expense as you would, I presume, be eating at home anyway.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 02:33 PM

Sidmouth 2006. THIS YEAR'S SIDMOUTH!! It's getting closer now....can't wait!!

http://www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk/index.html

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 02:08 PM

The Sidmouth Sessions - that's what I really fancy. One year or another I WILL get there for them.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: lady penelope
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 11:57 AM

I guess it really depends on what you expect from a festival....... If you're looking for something to fill in the odd bits around your sessions, then yes it's expensive. But if you get round and see a load of stuff with the odd session thrown in, you're looking at something far more reasonably priced.

Looking at what's been organised so far, Sidmouth looks like a festival I would enjoy. Unfortunately, I can't go because I can't afford to do Sidmouth and other festivals at about the same time.

When I first looked at the prices I nearly swallowed my tongue, but when you work out the daily costs, it's not that bad. It is a week long as opposed to the 3 or 4 days most other festivals are.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,The Devonian
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 10:09 AM

"If you were actually there in 2005, you certainly didn't get out much!"

Couldn't afford to given the inflated ticket prices!

And at the prices proposed for 2006 I can't afford to get out at all!

I used to love Sidmouth in August but we must all face the fact that other festivals give better value for money now.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: steve_harris
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 08:11 AM

"Sidmouth Sessions has a certain ring to it and more accurately reflects what now takes place in Sidmouth in early August"

If you were actually there in 2005, you certainly didn't get out much!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 07:44 PM

WELL SAID, FIDDLER.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: fiddler
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 07:17 PM

Why doesn't everyone get off their high horses, Sidmouth is a festival, in various guises the oldest and probably the most emotive of all in England.

Wahy not accept what is being done as being a way forward - progress from last year.

If you like Sidmouth go, if you didn't last year then vote with your feet. Give these guys a chance I know they are putting their heart and soul in to it and all they get in the background is the same old grizzles and gripes.

Please Please enter the real world.

A new years resolution perhaps

I will not be stupid in my opinions and outbursts about Sidmouth 2006 but will accept the fact that the organisers have a plan and an aim and I will back them with action - buying tickets stewarding etc. if I agree but will merely inform them honestly and logically of my views if they differ from theirs and will accept that we are all different and therefore their decision may not be as I would wish.

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: treewind
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 02:39 PM

Last year's festival WAS somewhat a collection of separate events organised by different people or groups, during the same week of course but with no central organising group.

However Sidmouth 2006 DOES have central organisation - a proper limited company has been set up; there will be more co-ordination between the events and there will be season tickets to allow entry to all the events, except the Ham Marquee concerts as mentioned above.
(No, I don't know the details of how or why the Ham is separate, though I do know who's organising the concerts)

Anahata

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Blowzabella
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 01:55 PM

Well, Guest 'The Devonian', from what I saw of the programme last year it still looked very much like a 'proper' folk festival (whatever that might be) - there was a huge variety of things going on - much more than just a series of sessions. Are you saying that no festival taking place in the country at all is a proper folk festival then? I would say there is more to a folk festival than big tents or arenas which hold 2,000+ people - I would much prefer a plethora of smaller venues, offering more choice and a variety of atmospheres,from intimate pub spots, to small theatres, via everything in between.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,The Devonian
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 12:59 PM

Re: Your 1st sentence El Greko (with which I agree).

Why don't we all stop trying to pretend that Sidmouth is still a proper Folk Festival (or Folk week) and instead accept that it's now just a series of sessions.

Instead of still calling it 'Sidmouth Folk Week' why not call the event 'The Sidmouth Sessions'?

Sidmouth Sessions has a certain ring to it and more accurately reflects what now takes place in Sidmouth in early August.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 27 Dec 05 - 07:12 AM

But you don't need to stage a festival for this, Toblerone - one can have sessions anyway. And there are a number of "song and ale" type events around the country that would typically attract 200-300 participants.

A festival is more than sessions, more than concerts, more than ceilidhs and dance displays - it is all of those things, happening concurrently and providing synergies. Some examples:
- the "star performer" in town for a concert, who will join a singaround in his/her off-duty time, giving an opportunity to others to hear him/her without going to a concert.
- the ordinary (yet excellent) singaround singer or instrumentalist who will be heard by more recognised performers and agents.
- the unusual song or tune that will be heard in a session by recognised performers and agents, giving the song or tune a chance for a wider audience thatn just that one session.
- watching a dance display for a few minutes (even for someone who is not dance-oriented like me) feels good and adds to the spirit of the occasion

And so on. When you go to a festival you hope not just to catch a few performers or have the opportunity toi sing a few songs/play a few tunes yourself, but also to sample the general atmosphere, and perhaps see/hear something that is our of your ordinary experience, that might energise you.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Toblerone
Date: 26 Dec 05 - 09:00 PM

"Looks like a good festival for people who want to participate instead of just watch"

Yes. I don't know why we bother to have all these concerts at festivals nowadays.

Why not just have sessions instead where we can sing and play to each other without having to worry about attracting an audience.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: steve_harris
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 07:27 PM

For me, a Season Ticket and camping works out a bit cheaper than Steve Heap used to charge and since I never go to evening concerts at the Ham - no problem. Looks like a good festival for people who want to participate instead of just watch.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 11:21 AM

"I always thought the whole purpose of a season ticket was that it got you into everything."

The season ticket never got me into the cinema, unless the Festival was using it, nor into the late night sessions at the Balfour.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 09:21 AM

Ah well...I've never been able to afford one either C...now or in the past....still enjoy the things that I can afford to see though.

Merry Christmas!

Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Curious
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 08:34 AM

"You could never afford me Curiouser and Curiouser"

Sadly Lizzie I can't afford a Sidmouth season ticket either at the new inflated prices!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 08:13 PM

You could never afford me Curiouser and Curiouser. This would make a great Christmas Board Game you know..I think someone should market it! You could call it:

'Guess Who The Next Guest Is Going To Be Guesting As...Go On GUESS!'

Is 'Guest' actually your surname by the way? Because I reckon that your family could soon be bigger than The Waltons the way you're breeding on this thread!! I liked The Waltons....I think it's about time we had a new series called 'The Guests'..why...we could even set it in Sidmouth! ;0)

Night 'Curious'
Night 'Pauline'
Night 'JT'
Night 'Anon'
Night 'Frooty'
Night 'Sid'

Night 'Stevie Scarlett!'

A Merry, Mad Christmas and a Happy Muddling and Meddling New Year to all of you!


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Curious
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 07:31 PM

Does the season ticket include a dance with Lizzie or do we have to pay extra for that as well?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Pauline
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 10:20 AM

I always thought the whole purpose of a season ticket was that it got you into everything.

If it doesn't get you into the main concerts then it's not a proper season ticket.

I am one of those who supported Sidmouth 2005 but requested a season ticket for 2006.

I'm pleased to see there is a season ticket but I'm extremely disappointed by the limitations being placed on it.

I want to support Sidmouth again in 2006 but only if there is an affordable season ticket that allows me access to all the shows I want to see.

Sort that out and I'll be there.

Otherwise I may go elsewhere.

Pauline

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,froooty
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 06:19 AM

In starting a discussion on a public forum you have to take what you get good or bad. Its a no brainer.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 05:28 AM

Given the responses that I got for supporting 2005, throughout the whole of last year, I had decided not to join this years discussion.

However, I can't resist making some comment on the fact that this thread has descended to personal abuse virtually from day one.

Look folks, everyone has an opinion and none is more valid than any other. Is it really necessary for us to slag off those who disagree with us? It doesn't change anything, and it doesn't inspire confidence in those who might be thinking about going to Sidmouth for the first time.

I shall be there, enjoying myself as in many past years. Those who find it not to their taste will choose alternatives. Let's concentrate on getting another successful festival under way, and leave the bickering to other threads........PLEASE.

To those using words like greed in relation to the organisers, I would point out that the current organisers are not a commercial organisation seeking profit. This year's festival is being built on the surplus monies from 2005, and, lacking financial upport from EDDC, it will take time to amass sufficient funds to cover the risks involved in arena shows, and expensive international acts. The precise length of this procedure will relate directly to the numbers of people attending in this interim period, so the more positive the support, the sooner it is likely to happen.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Dave Earl
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 05:24 AM

Rumncoke.

Sorry you had problems with somkers in the Middle Bar.

What we ask is that nobody smokes in the singing area (we can't really impose restrictions on the pub as a whole).

As a smoker, what I did was to take myself off to the far end of the room or outside so as to keep my smoke away from the singing area. I am aware that some smokers were at the top of the steps and that there are a couple of pipe smokers in our happy crowd. I think it was probably walking into the initial fog that you found unpleasant.

Having explained all that I think you will find, as Lynne said,the singing area is a lot less smoky than it used to be but we can't impose our wishes on the public so there are always going to be non-singers at the bar who will want puff on their fags.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 23 Dec 05 - 04:57 AM

Have a word with East Devon District Council and ask them why *they* aren't underwriting your enjoyment at cost to their ratepayers rather than complaining about the people who *are* doing something, at their own financial risk, to keep you entertained cheaply.

The season tickets are being priced cover costs (and keep the organisers out of the Marshalsea!). The Arena is too expensive and too risky to undertake without financial guarantees. No International dance sides? The programme isn't complete yet! No Bulverton Marquee? The Xmas Newsletter implies that there is - it gives directions to campsire by referencing it!

Complaining about the extra cost of the concerts at the Ham is a bit like complaining that you have to pay to go into the Empire, Leicester Square while there's free entertainment courtesy of the Mayor of London outside. If it's being organised separately from the rest of the festival you have to pay seperately.

Look, if you don't want to go then don't go. Just don't keep whingeing about it to everyone else.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Sid Mouth
Date: 22 Dec 05 - 10:27 PM

Well said those gents who told the knockers to bog off.

Just the kind of friendly attitude that will draw the doubters back to Sidmouth.

Add in a season ticket deliberately priced to keep all those dreadful poor people away.

With no Arena. No international dance sides. Almost certainly no Bulverton marquee.

And 'added value' in that even those with season tickets will have to pay extra for evening concerts at the Ham.

Pay more. Get less.

Sounds like a real winning formula to me.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Rumncoke
Date: 22 Dec 05 - 09:34 PM

This year I was driven out of the Middle bar three times by people smoking right in the bar, and several other times I held my breath to pass by people on the stairs smoking - on the last occasion, on the Tuesday or Wednesday it was not normal cigarettes but a cigar type, and I think two people were smoking them - standing right behind me as I was choking.

In 2003 there really was no smoking and I was able to sing there every day. I remarked on how wonderful it had been before singing the last time that week.

I was really disappointed this year. People knew they shouldn't really be smoking so they held the cigarettes out of sight in cupped hands and puffed surreptitiously - as though that made a difference.

Only my inability to breathe the Middle bar atmosphere drove me away, and I will try again next year, but there are other places to sing. I am usually too buzy to go to hear concerts, I have to rush from place to place to get to all that I should attend, and when I have a spare minute I sit down and play and usually end up late for something.

Anne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,frooty
Date: 22 Dec 05 - 08:08 AM

Has anyone told Lizzie fRoots are sponsoring it? Showdown at the Dukes Cafe methinks!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,The Barden of England at work
Date: 22 Dec 05 - 06:29 AM

Don't forget that £60,000 has been cut by the EDDC, not an insubstantial sum, and before you say they were allowed to get away with it, that was one of the reasons Mrs. Casey pulled out as the EDDC wouldn't guarantee that sum for 2006.

I'll be there, taking in the concerts I want, and not taking in those I don't - seems fair to me.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: MBSLynne
Date: 22 Dec 05 - 06:19 AM

Rumncoke...the Middle Bar is much less smoky now than it was since we have a request notice up asking people not to smoke where the singing is. Everyone who smoked went outside last year and found that it was actually quite nice to have a chat-break with the other smokers in the fresh air for a bit. It made singing an awful lot easier too! You can really notice the difference.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: fiddler
Date: 22 Dec 05 - 04:19 AM

AW b*ll*x - here we go again, When Mrs C ran it it was too expensive too big and not what you all wanted?

Now that the desired 'locals' have taken over well I never they are all greedy - it is too expensive and folk just want the fringe without the festival - Again -

This is obviously a loose loose situation. Thre are some good guys working towards a good festival - taking decisions that need to be taken and attempting to keep a festival going and keep it economically viable.

If you want it please go and support them and whilst I would never stiffle good healthy debate - if you don't then shut yer 'gob', 'cake hole' or other orifice for emission of garbage!

Andy

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Hungry Annie
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 08:33 PM

But the food's cheaper at home than in Sidmouth.

Healthier too.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 12:36 PM

You still need to buy food, even if you stay at home.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: BB
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 11:02 AM

Presumably, Jeremy, you could do as you had to do last year, i.e. pay for individual events, which gives you less priority in the queue perhaps, and less freedom to dip your toe in the water with the possibility that you won't like the event, and you could always book onto another local campsite instead of the Festival one. I'm sure there are ways around it, even if you don't want to steward.

But, like Colyn, it looks like damn good value to me. Most holiday attractions would cost an awful lot more for a possible 16 hrs. a day entertainment.

Look again - and yes, you could fly to Miami or have a weekend in the South of France for that thousand quid, but you'd still need spending money on top of that.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Folk Week 2006
From: GUEST,Anon
Date: 21 Dec 05 - 10:57 AM

What a weak argument from Bonecruncher.

Not only is the season ticket expensive but now we're told by Steve of Sidmouth that evening concerts in the Ham marquee have to be paid for on top i.e. they're not included in the season ticket price which makes the season ticket idea a nonsense.

As others have said, it's much poorer value than in the days of the International Arena and so much more.

When you think of all the profits made in 2005 it seems some people are getting greedy and just want to make bigger profits in 2006.

Very disappointing.