Upton Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Abuwood
Date: 07 May 06 - 03:25 AM

Dear Guest Roy
Didn't we do that with a Vital Spark
workshop on Sunday afterneen and concert on Sunday evening?
Ali

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:12 PM

No Concerts Just Fringe Brill , I said .    Splott Man this year it worked due to work done before all credit to Ray and Verna. Next year will need small concerts. Chris and Bev thanks again.   Burp! thats another 10P to the best!

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 02 May 06 - 11:56 AM

I do wish I could have gone to Upton this year but, sadly, Mick had a classical gig so it wasn't an option. Ah well - maybe next year. I'm green with envy.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Fidledidee
Date: 02 May 06 - 11:41 AM

Let`s do it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Splott Man
Date: 02 May 06 - 09:16 AM

"Most folkies don't want to pay vast amounts for big artists, when all they want to do is camp and be in sessions all day."


I have to say I disagree. Or maybe I'm not most folkies.

There is an a great deal more to the folk scene than either concerts or sessions.

Although I'm known to contribute to singarounds and sessions, but a lot of my repertoire doesn't fit comfortably into those equations, and an opportunity to meet and trade songs with people of similar tastes would be welcome, that's why I enjoyed the Blues session so much, and although I missed it, I know I would have enjoyed Chris Moreton's Pickers' workshop too.
There's room for all of us, and Upton has catered for that in the past.

Please don't think I'm critical of the organisation or the festival itself. My full congratulations go out to Bev, John et al for what was indeed an enjoyable festival.


Splott Man

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Roy
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:53 AM

Mr Red, I'm suprised at you. There was no competition between Thatshallot and Hekety, it's not often that we get good festival bands in the Upton area and Hekety were amazing! I'm not saying that the other band were bad but just not as good.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:49 AM

Mrs Lemon,

Sorry didn't have chance to quaff any of your delicious lemon elixir this time, but certainly looking forward to your DIY Fest at Bishops Castle, in June, having always had a super time there in previous years.

I agree with your comments above and it seemed to me this year that Upton's do was much like yours but on a much bigger scale.

Mr Happy & Mandotim cobbled together a smaller DIY affair like this in the Derbyshire Peak District on Easter weekend, which also turned out to be a spectacular success.

Long Live DIY Folk Festivals!!!

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:48 AM

Well I really enjoyed the 'chilling' nature of Upton this year, so much so that I missed virtually all of Sunday!!!

Love the DIY nature but think that the sessions & sings needed a bit more organising, driving & publicity. Yes, an open stage would be good, as would a concert or two - but I'd prefer to have the ticket price stay relatively low & the programme not be too busy!

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:32 AM

·        Best Upton Festival I have been to. We were surrounded by people who danced, sang and played music in a wonderful relaxed and happy atmosphere.


·        I have just got back from a really relaxed, boozy and friendly festival. Thanks to Chris, Bev and the team for making it happen at all. I didn't miss the concert tents, as there was plenty to do without them.

·        Looking forward to next year already.


·        When I said the booked artists weren't there and there were no marquees, they said they didn't go to the concerts anyway!

·        I think it's time festivals became more like this; cheaper and DIY.

·        Most folkies don't want to pay vast amounts for big artists, when all they want to do is camp and be in sessions all day.

·        BCFW is exactly this.

·        Wonderful festival. DIY principle brings out the best!

·        No concerts just Fringe with those who make it work and it was Brill!

·        More relaxing and friendly as a result.

·        A wonderful relaxed festival - Steve really enjoyed the beer from the Swan barn and I loved the acoustics in there.

·        Lots of dancing to good audiences and more people than usual to Vital workshop and concert.


·        Even the weather was great - please book the same for 2007.


Mr Happy & Fiends attended this great event from Friday til Monday afternoon & unanimously echo, second, concur etc with all of the above sentiments, & would certainly go again.

Many thanks to all who undertook the inspiration and organisation to produce such a memorable & joyous event.

[How did the committee arrange that the rain stayed off Monday until we'd packed all our tents away? – Brilliant!!]

A fabulous feindly atmosphere all weekend, & we didn't witness any loutish behaviour from the locals we encountered, &our sessions & sinarounds in the pubs were all of good standard in a non-competitive, relaxed & thoroughly enjoyable way.

A superb effort from all concerned [even the loos stayed clean, serviced & functional for the duration].

Once again, hearty thanks to everyone who helped to make Upton such a great success this year!!

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:25 AM

Just to squash a misconception before it gets any headway.....Miskin concerts are NOT filled with Free Local Talent.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: GUEST,tony geen
Date: 02 May 06 - 08:06 AM

Well, I enjoyed it - i even managed to exchange a few pleasantries with the landlord of the Kings Head.

But I don't think the DIY formula would continue to work year after year.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 02 May 06 - 07:58 AM

Personally I didn't miss the half empty (well virtually totally empty) concert tents. But then I am a ceilidhnaut and sesionhead. And apart from the usual chaotic trek to find where the sessions are only to find all the pubs that you passed-up had roaring sessions according to everyone else - well some sessions were full by the time I got there.

If concerts are wanted (there was a Folk Club ish thing) I agree - have "open stage" events and call them that. Folk is people, concerts is entertainment. We is FOLK.

Richard insists he is a delegator - fine - but they did have a shortage of stewards and I wasn't aware of it - would have volunteered if I realised. As Richard said - a general call for stewards doesn't get the known quantities, always - but some faces are always around. And some have been to every festival.

A Hekety ceilidh for £6 on the door is cheap - but to be honest I preferred "That Shallot" even if both events were packed at times.

Whatever, I did not arrive with many expectations but was more than rewarded. I am sure the critical mass is in the venues/events covered this year. The campsite occupancy is a clue to that.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: alanww
Date: 02 May 06 - 06:24 AM

Sandy & I enjoyed Upton DIY FF. We met lots of friends, I danced (yes, danced!) with Tarka Morris Men on the Saturday & Sunday and we went to various music & song sessions.
Well done Richard, Chris and Bev and everyone who kept the festival going this year! In terms of feedback:-
* The Shanty Session in the barn of The Swan went very well in a very good venue (as Abuwood said!), with Compost Heap and lots of members of Shellback Chorus attending. It seemed to end all too quickly!
* The White Lion song sessions were good but not great as, when I attended, there were fewer strong chorus singers and too many non-singers in the main singing area compared with other years. Could the reason be that the price for the beer festival was £2.65 a pint? How extortionate! I certainly made sure that I happened to have a full pint in my tankard as I arrived!
* The Saturday night music session in The Kings Head was magic and it was predominantly English rather than Irish - brill! But I happened to leave my mobile phone and, when I picked it up just after they had closed, I got a lot of abuse from a tied and emotional landlord, with all the staff looking on! Like Richard Atkins I certainly won't go there again! I fail to undersatand how such an oaf can make a success of running a business which relies so heavily on having happy customers!
* Personally, I didn't miss the concerts but I agree that it would be a good idea if some could be organised next year upstairs in The Star, as Splott Man suggests. They could easily be filled with free local talent, as done by Miskin & Crediton FFs etc.
I hope I will be there again next year!
"Won't you help me to raise 'em, boys!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 02 May 06 - 05:51 AM

Yes indeed a great weekend in fine company. BUT let's not fall in to the trap of thinking all the infrastructure that went before was irrelavent. Without the tremendous amount of work and enthusiasm built up in previous years this year would not have happened. We all came back because we enjoyed the past festivals and wanted more of the same.
Mrs Lemon's comments are only valid related to the quayside area where most public don't buy tickets and come for the spectacle and the shopping!
Concert spots in themselves aren't what makes a festival, in my opinion, but they gather a quality of performer and give us a chance to see some of the best in ideal surroundings, instead of once in a while in the local folk club.
The atmosphere was as good as, if not better than previous years, we where, after all, determined to enjoy ourselves, but there were sad bits. Lack of organisation meant we spent most of Sunday afternoon looking for something to happen. Those that did had a fairly loud undesirable local and or management anti feeling: this is usually avoided if the event is in any way official.
All in all a memorable weekend and thanks to Chris, Bev and all for making it happen, see you next year,

Andy

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Roy
Date: 02 May 06 - 04:40 AM

Excellent weekend.
The only American stuff Upton needs is Shape note singing!

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Splott Man
Date: 02 May 06 - 03:59 AM

I was only there for the Saturday so I can't speak for the whole weekend.

It appeared to me that there were gaps in continuity, I spent a good hour on Saturday meeting other people like me looking for a session or a sing. They would have been up and running in previous years.
I enjoyed the Sussex run folk club in the King's in the evening although the acoustics in there are far inferior to the upstairs roon in the Star, and the attitude of some large locals made it clear that there is a need for formal stewarding.
Small but beautifully formed Blues session in the Star in the afternoon. I would vote for more in the future, and/or Americana in general.
I did miss the concerts, but it didn't matter for one day.
A great social event.

Splott Man

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Abuwood
Date: 02 May 06 - 03:45 AM

A wonderful relaxed festival - Steve really enjoyed the beer from the Swan barn and I loved the acoustics in there. Lots of dancing to good audiences and more people than usual to Vital workshop and concert. Even the weather was great - please book the same for 2007.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 01 May 06 - 08:00 PM

No concerts just Fringe with those who make it work and it was Brill! More relaxing and freindly as a result. I enjoyed the music session in The Kings. Sounded like an orchestra but the attitude of locals and staff will make me avoid this Pub next year. White Lion another Brill!!! A real welcome there. Thank you Cris & Bev, Twas Good.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Rattler
Date: 01 May 06 - 06:17 PM

Wonderful festival. DIY principle brings out the best! Thanks to Bev, Chris,Jack, Liz and others. Some poss new recruits to Morris found too? Cheers, R

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: SussexCarole
Date: 01 May 06 - 05:35 PM

Best Upton Festival I have been to. We were surrounded by people who danced, sang and played music in a wonderful relaxed and happy atmosphere.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 01 May 06 - 04:20 PM

Hi there, I'm home too. My weekend was pretty good. There must've been fewer people because I didn't have to continually empty my litterbins! My takings were down but that could've been the lack of hot sunshine.

I asked some of my customers if they noticed anything different and they all said they didn't! When I said the booked artists weren't there and there were no marquees, they said they didn't go to the concerts anyway! I think it's time festivals became more like this; cheaper and DIY. Most folkies don't want to pay vast amounts for big artists, when all they want to do is camp and be in sessions all day. BCFW is exactly this.

Thanks to the Lemonade Lad (Schantieman) and Sam (The Blockley Boy) for all their help.

Well done and Good luck to Richard, Chris and Bev,and all. Sorry I missed the supper.

Sal

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: vectis
Date: 01 May 06 - 03:55 PM

I have just got back from a really relaxed, boozy and friendly festival. Thanks to Chris, Bev and the team for making it happen at all. I didn't miss the concert tents as there was plenty to do without them. Did wake to welcome in the dawn but did it from my sleeping bag and then returned to the Land of Nod for an hour or two.
Looking forward to next year already.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Emma B
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 12:52 PM

I planned to be there but have been lulled away by a trip along the canals - unfortunately not quite close enough to Upton
Have a great weekend everyone - I will be in the Lion in spirit!

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Schantieman
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 11:49 AM

Sally and I shall be there (she's booked to sell lemonade) provided she can sort out some care for her aged parents :-{.

I might be persuaded to mum if we can put a script together. Does anyone have a 'May Play'?

...and, yes, I for one wouldn't miss the dawn start on May Day, especially at Upton.

Steve

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Abuwood
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 11:04 AM

Dear Trevor
Vital Spark are doing the church service as usual which is at 10.45am this year, then there is a workshop at 2pm sunday and a concert at 5pm sunday both in the Memorial Hall. See you there.
Ali

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 05:48 AM

I understand Ali! It's not my time of choice either, but it is special!
Hopefully there will be enough mad crazy fools under the bridge at 5.30am to welcome in the May, even without you. The latest news is that quite a number of Beltane Border are planning on being there. Anyone/ everyone is welcome to come and join us.

And 'Guest' of 14th Apr 2.14pm - who are you and what side are you with. We can't look out for you and say Hi if we don't know.

Sue

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Trevor
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 04:48 AM

When are Vital Spark on? I'd like to get to hear them again.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Abuwood
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 03:13 AM

We are hoping to arrive Friday afternoon with new toy (caravan) to play/dance for Foxs and sing for Vital Spark.

No Sue I don't intend to get up at 5am but might see you elsewhere.

Where are we singing guys other than the Lion? Mind you it has the best beer so I guess Steve will want to go there.

Crystal Folk Club, Anne Adams, are doing Friday and Sunday nights but I don't know where.

Weather Forecast not bad I am sure it will be a great festival even with the changes.

See you there
Ali & Steve

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 09:32 AM

http://www.uptonfolk.org/

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 09:30 AM

Sorry, that should say,

Who else is going/coming?

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 09:29 AM

Hoping to be there + motley fiends Friday night + stay over 'til Monday.

Who else is going/coming/

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 03:21 PM

was that when they where in the third division   

Ducks and runs for cover..........

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: stallion
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 07:29 PM

my dad played for wolves

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 01:51 PM

Anybody know any of the members out of Carreg Las or Cardiff Morris by any chance?

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 08:11 AM

Nah! just Wolves in cheap clothing

Terry - will we see you at Upton this year?

FWIW Widder Morris from Chepstow will be there - they are organising a Festival in Cheptow Castle - July 8th and 9th With Kate Rusby

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 02:22 PM

Does Wlverhampton FC have a permanent home ?? or are they wanderers ??

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 02:14 PM

Hiya! Who is in a Morris Side then and which one... I'm in one! It's going to be my first! :o)

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 06:15 PM

5.30am is probably not going to happen for me, but I do admire those that can do it!!

Will be at Upton, see you all in the White Lion - or at Miskin before that *grin*

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Sue the Borderer
Date: 09 Apr 06 - 06:11 PM

Looks like Upton is going to be pretty busy! There are currently 39 morris sides listed for this year - last year they ended up with 44, so it's very little different. And I know lots of singers who are planning on being there. Should be good!

They're still after stewards, if anyone is interested. (see Snuffy's link at top of thread)

Sunrise at Upton on May Day is 5.36.49am. (How's about that for accuracy!) Join me (and other mad, crazy fools) under the bridge at 5.30 to sing, dance and play in the May.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Fidledidee
Date: 19 Mar 06 - 11:21 AM

WOW !!!!!!

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 08:52 AM

That wa sme at work, by he way.
Robbie, from Wolverhampton

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 07:00 AM

Who is this Wolverhampton FC, then. New one on me.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Splott Man
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 03:57 AM

Spoons and I have gigs during the weekend, but we'll probably do a hit and run for at least one of the days. But, hey, we'll see you all at Crediton and Miskin.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Emma B
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 11:39 AM

The White Lion and the Rugby Club . . . mmmm sounds like the "usual" festival.
I'll be there DV but not certain about "sunrise" Sue :)

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 10:55 AM

Her Eyelander-ship and myself will be there.

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Snuffy
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 09:41 AM

All the pubs appear to be behind the festival, and the usual pub sessions/sings should happen as normal.

The White Lion sings will be in the hands of your normal team of hosts (Bev, Chris, Colin and myself), and the Rugby Club will be open till late.

I've also heard that Wolverhampton FC and Travelling Folk will be hosting more formal Folk Club sessions, so it looks like everything will be the same as usual apart from the concerts

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Mar 06 - 08:10 AM

Am still unsure myself as I prefer the Sings & Sessions not being fit enough to dance....

So, who's going?

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 04:26 AM

ceilidhs more clearly defined cresby.com > dance page

Richard told me this implying I should visit their website on the offchance it tells me enough - I think you will agree his e-mil is more informative (caller Sun is Jenny Langridge


I think our web site says it all but for you:
Everything will be as before except there will be no paid artists or
concerts in the marquees.

The bands for the dances in the memorial hall will be:
Saturday: That Shallot with Martyn Harvey
Sunday: Hekety with tbc

Camping is £10 per person which includes entrance to the Memorial Hall
dances.

No other events will be ticketed

The memorial hall dances will be open to the public (ticket prices to be
decided) subject to availability on the day - NO advanced booking,

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: Snuffy
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 08:07 PM

I think they can eck their own bed, thankyou. :-)

Subject: RE: Upton Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Feb 06 - 07:08 AM

SussexCarole: and you'll be NewlyWeds, so you'll need a good bedecking!!!