Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: andrewq
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 08:07 PM

I had a great time, as usual, and will dearly miss the festival if it doesn't take place again.

I still can't understand why the festival is free (and therefore always in financial crisis). Loads of folkies are happy enough to pay fifty squid for nearly every other weekend festival, so I don't understand why Lancaster isn't deemed worthy of a similar amount (with concessions as necessary). The voluntary "shipmates" donation this year was a step in the right direction but will never raise anywhere near what is necessary to sustain the festival.

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: s&r
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 07:47 AM

More events like this would do Lancaster the world of good. With the exception of the Maritime Festival nothing happened in Lancaster. The centre is like a ghost town during the day over Easter, except for Saturday when there was a desultory street market.

It is a fascinating town with a long history, and some splendid buildings. There must be a market for tourism. Or you could go to Morecambe.

Stu

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,The black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 07:31 AM

So, it's over and as usual the next one is in doubt. I did not find it as good as it has been (with notable exceptions, of course), which I would put down to the uncertainty of whether it would happen until a late stage and apart from the organiser's begrudged time no real contribution from the Council.
Perhaps it's time for a rethink on how to get the full 12 month's worth of planning for the next one.

I know that the thought has always been to get people from outside to visit Lancaster but this seems to have been at the expense of a lack of mustering support from the local folk scene. How about a maritime festival with a more general folk fringe?

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,PJ
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 09:45 AM

managed to call in on Saturday day - not as busy as it should have been! but did make it easier to park! a good day and lots of old mates to see and listen to again...

some piccys on Mudcat flickr site... or HERE

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Alio
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 04:55 AM

A wonderful weekend - too may brilliant artists to name them - but I'm left without a voice! (I know some may see that as a plus!!)

Well done Dave and Val - again!
Ali

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,The black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 04:46 AM

The New Scorpions were excellent last night having refined their "Nelson's praise" show with some new readings from contempory acounts. They do it again today at 2:00pm.
One feature of the festival seems to be a lack of signs or anything to tell the passer-by that the festival exists! I presume that the policy is to get more people to come to Lancaster rather than let the local populace become aware that there is such a wealth of talented performers in the city.

Robin Madge

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: treaties1
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 07:34 PM

Will be there on Friday as a Shellback, sorry your vehicle is sick Nutty, first time you've missed for years. A great free festival well worth a visit

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: nutty
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 11:33 AM

No chance for me this year.... my sick vehicle is still sitting in the garage. Hope I get it fixed before the end of the month otherwise will have to rethink the whole of the festival season.

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 12 Apr 06 - 10:41 AM

Well Karen K, I was there in 2004 as well, I am in Canada and totally agree with you it was a great festival. The line up this year is totally amazing, wish I could make it.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Alio
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 05:01 PM

Only 3 days to go! And the programme's looking really good!

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Guest - Pete
Date: 07 Apr 06 - 03:31 AM

If your looking for accommodation, try this site.

http://www.visitlancaster.co.uk/accom.htm

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Apr 06 - 07:28 PM

Hi Mr Happy - no 'Official Festival' site, I'm afraid - but plenty of camp sites in the area - Lancaster TIC would be pleased to assist with info - tel [phone] or email [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: karen k
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 07:55 PM

Was there in 2004 and loved it. Sure wish I could be back but I'm in the US and it is just too far. Have a great time!

karen

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Mr Happy
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 05:16 PM

went Glasson FF some years ago & was camping.

any campsite for this do?


http://www.shanty.co.uk/lancaster/

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 05:15 PM

We had Thwaite's "Lancaster Bomber" as one of our beers last year at Miskin. I'm glad it didn't work and you are still going strong. All power to your elbow and have a great weekend.

Andy

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Alio
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 03:01 PM

It's a fantastic weekend - one of my favourites. The singing just blows you away!

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Guest - "Pete"
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 12:16 PM

Your welcome Blowzabella.

As I intimated in my last message, I thought there would have been contributions by the hour, at the very least. Lancaster is one of the best maritime festivals of the year.

The organisers deserve a good turn out having delivered a festival just as strong, it would seem to me, as previous years despite the council pulling the funding.

There are some tremendous singers/musicians in the line up that you show.

9 days to go!

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Blowzabella
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 10:20 AM

For those who might be interested, here's the guest list:

Including: Louis Killen * Stormalong John * Hughie Jones * Andy Kenna * Dick Miles * New Scorpion Band * Armstrongs Patent * Liverpool Packet * Shanty Jack * Debra Cowan * Derek Gifford * Three Sheets to the Wind * Red Duster * The Shellback Chorus * Graeme Knights * Trim Rig & A Doxy * Sid Kipper * The Shanty Crew * Paul Sirman * Landlocked * Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman * Monkey's Fist * Richard Grainger * Endeavour Shantymen * John Horsey * Matt Armour * Th'Antique Roadshow * Four 'n' Aft * LocTup Together * Steve Dawes & Helen Pitt * Sheafknot * Geoff Higginbottom * John Conolly * Johnny Collins * Keith Kendrick * Bitter End * Two Crew'd * Harry Brown Shantymen * Danny & Joyce McLeod * Roy Clinging & Neil Brookes * Scold's Bridle

Supported by a vast array of maritime-themed entertainments and activities, including:
Talks by Roy Palmer and Chris Oxborrow * Guided Walks led by Janet Nelson, Dr Andrew White, Melvyn Dod and RSPB Leighton Moss Reserve staff * Eric Greenough of the International Guild of Knot-Tyers and the 33rd Lancaster Sea Scouts demonstrate knot-tying and ropework * Des Newton's ships-in-bottles * Nautical Dramas and Seaside Characters with: The Fairly Famous Family; Inner State Theatre Co; Bell & Bullock Circus Theatre and The Strangelings * Punch & Judy presented by Martin Scott Price and Professors Chandler; Robanti and Felix * Mr Tranter's Pussers Rum Promotion * The Chantey Cabin * RV Coastal Guardian and the historic Brocklebank tug visit Glasson Dock * The Seasonal Lancaster Pace Egg Play performed by the Abram Pace Eggers and the Lancaster Pace Eggers
And
Beware the Press Gang!

Belay there!!!

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Blowzabella
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 10:08 AM

Thanks for bringing it back up again 'guest' - we've stil got lots to do but it will be done by the time it needs to be....

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,jojofolkagogo
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 08:50 AM

Hope it all goes well - I would just LOVE to come to a freeby - but funds do not allow as its just TOO FAR from Essex !!!

A friend of mine (Roger) went a couple of years ago and raved about it for a month afterwards ...

Have a GREAT TIME !

Regards from Jo-Jo
([e-mail])

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Apr 06 - 07:04 AM

I can't believe how little attention this thread is receiving. I would have thought the thread would have been getting regular contributions. Easter is only the weekend after next and this is one of the best maritime festivals of the year.

If anyone reading this hasn't been to the festival before it's well worth the visit. To start with it's free, aside of the entry fee into the maritime museum where some atrists perform but the museum is worth the entry fee anyway. Most of the performances though are in the three pubs on the quay side of the Lune and all you need to do is buy yourself a pint - or several - find yourself a seat and watch artist after artist all afternoon and evening for four days! It's not all shanty singers either, though there is no type of singing better when the crowd joins in, and they usually do at Lancaster, most of the performers are very good maritime folk singers.

So come on, in the words of Deliah, where are you!

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Bernard
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 12:43 PM

refresh...

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Bernard
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 05:38 AM

Also listen in to BBC GMR Sounds of Folk (our last programme...) on Monday March 27th at 20:05 - 95.1 FM, DAB and online. There will be an interview with Dave and Val (organisers) about the festival.

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Blowzabella
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 05:13 AM

For info on Lancaster, please see here http://www.shanty.co.uk
and follow the link for further info.

Cheers

Blowz

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Blowzabella
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 08:56 PM

To MC Fat - in the best of spirits, but there are only 2 (two - as in one and another one) people who organise the Lancaster Fetsival, and the hours in the day are limited! The one thing they are not relying on is income from tickets, since nearly everything is free! Come along - see the finest collection of sea song and shanty singer that you can be presented with and enjoy a fabulous weekend!!!

More than that I can't say, at the mo but more soon!

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 07:21 PM

Hope this Festival goes ahead,even in restricted form. however as a good (profesional) folk singing friend of mine remarked ... 'relying on funding can sometimes mean that you forget to chase an audience' best of luck

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 12:33 PM

Just to correct the last poster - It is of course Portsmouth that is some way from Wales!!! And as I spend half my time on the Isle of Wight and the rest in Wales I know about these things.
See some of you at Miskin at Easter? Just outside England - honest.

Andy ( www.miskinfolk.co.uk )

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Joan from Wigan in the library
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 12:30 PM

Sid Kipper has Lancaster Maritime Festival on his website giglist, so something's happening.

Joan

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Blowzabella
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 12:28 PM

Hi -

I can advise that Lancaster is definitely going ahead!!! It will be funded purely on external monies so will be somewhat reduced in scale but will still be an impressive Festival. The organisers are cutting back on other areas, so that the impact on the sea song and shanty content will be as smal as possible. They can't, for instance, stage the Georgian fair, which had run alongside the Maritime Festival for the last few years, because simply haven't got the money for it.   

They have only just got the go-ahead from the Council to be allowed to organise it (even though it's external money which is paying for the event, it is organised by City Council employees), so are going to be moving very quickly to sort it all out.

Sorry if your friends can't be there Muppet - but, to all those who've been before and those who haven't - don't miss it - it has been saved (for 2006 only) by grass roots pressure and is going to be a corker or I will eat my hat!

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Muppet
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 10:49 AM

I spent an hour in Lancaster last Thursday while forced to change trains between Birmingham & Carlisle (thanks Virgin!).

I took the opportunity to pop into the Tourist Information Centre opposite the Castle but the woman on the desk knew nothing.

I didn't see any posters of leaflets advertising the Festival so wonder if it still happening?

Friends of mine have given up hope and purchased tickets for the Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival instead (in answer to 'Websearcher' above, that festival is in Hampshire between Portsmouth and Southampton so some way from Miskin which is in Wales).

I'm still hoping Lancaster might happen but it seems unlikely judging by the silence so far.

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 06 - 09:21 AM

any more news?

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Websearcher
Date: 15 Nov 05 - 12:29 PM

I see a couple of acts are playing at both Miskin and Gosport.

Are they far apart?

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 15 Nov 05 - 10:01 AM

Oh alright then I won't miss the chance to plug Miskin at Easter !!

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Carol
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 05:29 AM

Doesn't Easter also have Poynton Festival now?

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: Emma B
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 10:03 AM

That is good news, the Maritime Festival would have indeed been a sad loss as indeed is the National Folk Festival - although I would hardly describe that as "struggling" just the victim of the university term reorganization.
Congratualtions to all those who lobbied the council to have a rethink and put in the work to have made it such a sucessful festival in previous years.

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Shipwrecked
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 08:56 AM

Thanks for the link to the local news report. It's good to hear there will be a Maritime Festival again but I wonder how much smaller it will be in scale? There's no mention in the news report as to how much money is available. It could be very little.

Coming on top of the news that the National is not happening next April it suggests several festivals are struggling to keep going.

At least there's two good alternatives for anyone wondering where to go in April:

i) The Oxford Folk Festival, April 7-9, is a relatively new festival but with a decent line-up of artistes including Bellowhead and Andy Irvine.

ii) The Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival, April 13-17, has been going longer and has a fine reputation for quality with artistes like Waterson:Carthy, Ashley Hutchings and, I believe, Roy Bailey next Easter.

As Gosport was the birthplace of Cyril Tawney and the Gosport / Portsmouth area has such a fine maritime heritage, maybe those no longer going to Lancaster in the North will head to Gosport in the South instead.

Let's hope both festivals do well next year.

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 08:45 AM

I would imagine that if it has a smaller budget, it will mean less of most of the above Robin. Less money generally means less days / events / artists, which might well also mean less venues. Stands to reason really. I know that someone who usually knows what is happening posts on here from time to time - I would imagine that as soon as more info is known, it will be made available here.

Subject: RE: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 07:56 AM

Read about it here half way down the page

Subject: Lancaster Maritime Festival 2006 goes ahead.
From: GUEST,Robin Madge
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 07:52 AM

We have had an annoucement in the local press that the festival will happen. It also states that the festival will be in a restricted form, but does not say if this means less venues, artists, events or days.
I was going to add this onto an existing thread but couldn't find it, and anyway more people will probably notice this way.

Robin Madge