Shrewsbury Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Trevor
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 07:39 AM

I wasn't able to get to the festival, although I only live up the road, and I really appreciated Genevieve's broadcast on Sunday evening.

One thing that struck me was the lack of knowledge about the event locally. I work in the centre of town and colleagues have been asking what was going on in The Quarry at the weekend. There were a couple of banners up but I saw little else in the way of publicity. I did wonder if it was a strategy to keep a fairly low profile in the first year so that teething problems could be sorted out with a minimum impact on the locals. (I'd be interested to know what the moans were that Guest heard).

The comment about cafes and restaurants being shut rings true. I don't understand why it should be - Shrewsbury is a 'touristy' kind of place and I would have thought there was a chance of people being around at Bank Holiday regardless of the festival. I understand Guests comments about the town lacking charm and welcome - I don't agree but can see that there may be that perception. The Flower Show, a couple of weeks ago, (which is of course well established) had the town buzzing - people come from all over the place and enjoy the ambience of the town.

I think Shrewsbury has needed something like this for years. More power to the Surtees.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 07:15 AM

will people please stop saying how good shrewsbury is, or we'll be inundated by all those yobbos presently at towersey !

On a serious note, the campsite situation seems to be becoming a problem at several festivals because of the empire-building by some attendees. Its not uncommon for people to turn up with a big vehicle towing a caravan which then has a large awning attached, and then to put the icing on the cake they have a gazebo and windbreaks. Consequently one couple end up occupying what could have probably held four tents.

Which festival will be the first to charge camping according to the square feet occupied, it will have to happen soon.

Did towersey round to banning gazebos this year, as they suggested doing in the newsletter last year?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 07:14 AM

I thought the music was superb - some brilliant sets from artists who outperformed their usual high standard (Vin, Oysters, Doonans etc), BUT I did not enjoy the infrastructure and felt a lack of atmosphere generally. The toilet situation on the Quarry site was ridiculous and SOOOOOOO predictable. 2 banks of 8 loos for the campsite, 1 bank of 8 for Marquee 2 and 10 I think for Marquee 1/beer tent/ craft & food fair combined. (Mostly unlit - yuk!) I book 8 loos for my bike club event with only 200 people attending!
Marquee 2 had a top class lineup but was a second rate venue with dreadful vision (only a third had sight of the performers), poor loos and a bar which was at best limited and empty of bitter by 9pm Saturday.
Main site also missed Moor & Coast badly, having no "simple food", breakfast bar or late night supper venue......
Personally, I thought the town lacked the charm and welcome of Bridgnorth, but that cannot be helped if the festival needed a new venue. Heard lots of moans from locals tho'.
On a positive, it seemed a very safe venue despite being in town and was also an attractive if muddy (& smelly after the bark chippings) area. Afraid we came home earlier than planned as we never quite got that "festival feeling".

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 08:28 PM

Regarding the showers and loos on the County Ground site. Having visited the water tank in the roof on Saturday !!! Tank empty trickle feed . Caused by leaking main to the building underground. Shame a low pressure valve couldnt have been fitted to make them work as a temporary measure. I winge against the Council that maintain it!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 05:01 PM

Read all the comments and agree with most of them.

So sorry you were ill Sally, hope you are feeling better now.xx

I was on the reserved stewards list and sat on gate duty in the rain. Helped put up Dr Sunshines marquee; helped at the drumming workshop in the bandstand... werent the youngsters good!

Poo.. did nt that bark stink!!!

Shrewsbury is my home town, although I live near Telford now. It was about time that the COunty town had a decent festival. I spoke to the chap from the Borough council who issued the licence. He was prowling near marquee 2 on saturday night at 11.30 checking on noise levels. He was thrilled with the organisation and is very keen for the event to continue in the future. He did point out that the concerts need to end on time... to keep the local moaners happy.

I thought the litter teams did very well and the site looked very tidy.

I agree about the lack of loos at the county ground. Someone complained that they were emptied too early in the morning... so they came later Sunday and Monday when there were queues... preferred to be woken early and have clean loos.

Didnt try and have a shower because they didnt work on the county ground, but the chap from the council did make sure they were mended... well they still didnt work.

My main problem was being on the reserve list and being camped at the county ground. It meant I had no base during the daytime as I wasnt not up to walking there and back a couple of times during the day. I relied on the stalls for food, nice grub but it was a bit pricy.

Being local I bumped into several friends who hadnt heard till the weekend that there was a festival on.

The Wheatsheaf in High street seemed unaware of what was going to hit them, but were chuffed to bits. Its a shame there wasnt much room for those who wanted to listen. I think more pubs should be enlisted next year. Perhaps several more fringe concerts in other pubs.

Went to listen to Daylevel at the Albion, great ta. Loved the way no2 son kept joining in! Must put a link to you, thought I had.

I met Alan Surtees last thing on Monday evening as he was saying bye to LW III and thanked Alan for a wonderful festival.

We Brits love queueing and moaning and if we can moan in a queue all the better. Yes there were teething problems. But despite all those people in the town there was no violence, not even much heckling from local youths; and could you say that of a football festival?

Fliss
ps My daughter, son in law and his mum loved the Ceilidh. The latter 2 hadnt been to one before.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Briansquire
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 02:43 PM

I was disappoimted We were in the area as it was my sons 21st nearby and went in on the monday and couldnt get into anything not even to get a beer or look at the stalls .Eventually found one session in the town but couldnt even get through the door. Surely more involvement with the town as in Bridgnorth would help promote the festival and allowing locals and visitors to get to the craft and music stalls would help there sales

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 01:47 PM

Plenty of bread on the food stalls. I don't know who booked the Ambulance but St John would be at Onslow Park for the steam rally. AND the terrain was not altogether ideal for a larger vehicle - even if the numbers warranted it.

The only comment I feel able to say about stewarding (being on the reserve stewards desk sending them hither and thither) it does need more reserve stewards. I was on the radio to harrassed task force constantly.

Terry had a big job (no pun intended) getting the loos fully papered - the emptying was done by a commercial outfit and ditto the showers. They both did an average job - the showers crowd were - showers (pun intended).

But it has to be said - the attendees were more numerous than expected - and you only find that out when all the contracts for facilities are signed and the million other revellers have nabbed all the spare capacity - it was a Bank Holiday!

I can't avoid comment when walking around (not that I court it - mind) - and all of it acceptable as in most festival towns except Redditch - more ditch than red.

The water taxi was too small and not a patch on the steam train - if it rained it was no better than walking and I could beat the boat anytime, and escape the rain halfway.

I still prefer Bridgnorth. Even if the walking is as far and more hilly.

Still, for the overflow camping - a quiet site and a festival bus at a nearby school must surely be a possibility. Think of the shower/loo improvements.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: danensis
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 12:34 PM

There certainly were teething problems, and one or two were sorted out at the time, but the main ones were those not enocuntered at Bridgnorth - crossover noise from one venue to another, and the failure to allocate camping space correctly on the county ground, such that those arriving later found the early arrivals had sprawled so liberally there was no room left.

I was pleased to see that another gate was opened by Marquee 2, clearly the organisers had only thought about people returning to the county ground and not those staying in town, who had to walk all the way round the dingle on the Friday night.

There also seemed to be some poor decisions on allocation of venues and artists. We watched the Doonans and Vin Garbutt in Marquee 1 on Friday night, then went across to Marquee 2 to see New Rope String Band - and the place was packed. Even when we managed to get a seat we found that someone had thoughtfully stuck two whacking great loudspeakers in the way so it was not possible to see what was going on. Idea for next time: put the aisles in line with the speakers, so no-one's view is blocked. And whilst on the subject of sound, the voal/instrumental mix was poor on almost every artis we watched in Marquee 2. A lot of folk songs have lyrics, and it would be nice to hear them above the instruments.

It struck me that all the big names had been booked for Saturday, and Sunday was a bit of an anticlimax.

I also thought that the traders in town could have been better informed, we found several restaurants that had "Closed Sunday and Momday" signs - you'd nver find that in Bridgnorth!

The final comment is with regard to stewarding. One of my party choked on some food, and we manged to get him out, but the stewards were less than helpful. There was no first-aider in Marquee 2 and the stewards sent us down to the main entrance, where we found an amateur vrew who wer not well versed in first aid or adequately equipped. THe best advice they could give us to dislodge the sharp object in my friend's throat was to wat some bread. We ended up trailing round Shrewsbury on SUnday afternoon trying to find an open bread shop!

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: John J
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 12:08 PM

Arrived home from Shrewsbury yesterday evening after a good weekend, a most enjoyable festival. Considering that this is a 'new' festival I think it went very well thanks to the very hard-working stewards and to the planning put in by the organisers. Well done!

No doubt there will be plenty of gripes...you can't please all the people all the time...but as has been said before: this festival is on a learning curve. I don't think anyone will complain provided lessons are learned.

My thoughts:

The campsites had very good access to town.

The showground site was particularly good unless you were on the 'far' field which looked rather lumpy.

It is obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the 'new' festival, the organisers must be thanked and congratulated for that.

The stewards were very good indeed with one proviso: my wife (who is registered disabled although doesn't use a wheelchair) was refused a seat in the disabled area of the main marquee because she doesn't have a wheelchair. We ended up sitting in very unsatisfactory seating. This is a personal whinge that should not detract from the festival as a whole. It is a difficult one to deal with. It could perhaps be made simpler by issueing disabled attendees with an additional pass.

I got the impression that the local council were very happy to have the Festival in town and they seemed to be making a good effort to make everyone's stay as pleasant as possible.

The campsites could be bigger:
Not a lot could be done about this unless the festival is moved again!

More bogs:
The showground site suffered badly from lack of bogs and the bogs that were there needed emptying far more frequently.

More beer:
A difficult one. If the weather had been better the beer would have run out even earlier, if the weather had been worse there would have been loads of beer left. A dicey commercial decision, one I'm glad I don't have to make.

At the end of the day the festival is going to be compared to Bridgnorth for a few years to come and there will be those that prefered Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury and vice-versa. Me? I can't wait until next year!

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 10:57 AM

It was good to see stewards who worked so hard collecting winges. Issues resolved will make Shrewsbury better than Bridgenorth. This town has so much to offer. I think more tickets were sold than expected which caused problems ,but there should be a good financial base for next year . It didnt help the situation selling day tickets for site only, but It brings the Festival to the town people and benefits traders. I was conceerned about those Oak Chippings put on the grass, If they were coated in Roundup Weedkiller they should kill anything they toutch. I do hope that doesnt become a major Oops.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Mo thecaller
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 10:18 AM

'Hear, hear' to Mr. Reds' comment about volume.
I was dancing at Whitby to that excellent , young, exciting band 422 and didn't need earplugs, so it can be done.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 09:30 AM

There were ups & downs, but for a major 'first time' Festival I reckon it was a jolly good try! I just know that the downs will be at the top of the list if the same sites are used again. Congrats to Alan & Sandra for all the effort they've put in and also to all the stirling work of the Stewarding teams!!

Was very impressed by all the 'trouble-shooting' that was going on through the weekend, attempting to fix problems as and when, though the problems surrounding the shower block on the County site obviously were insurmountable.

Loved the town, pubs, beer, company etc. Managed to miss some of the good stuff like the open-mike, zulu warriors, spooky men, water taxi & the Fab after hours sessions in the Quarry. Better luck for me next time - it's a learning curve *grin*

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Folkie
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 08:28 AM

On the whole we enjoyed Shrewsbury but there is one very big problem that needs to be sorted out for next year - the dire shortage of loos on the County ground. In addition, although there are some excellent public loos around the town, they were all locked up in the early evening. I would suggest that arrangements should be made to keep them open over the festival weekend.

Sessions at the Wheatsheaf were very enjoyable but the Friday night session pub wasn't such a good venue.

Spooky Men's Chorale were wonderful!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 07:56 AM

Bridgnorth was better.

I will be back next year to Shrewsbury but there is a size and an ethos that makes any folk festival metamorphose into entertainment. When the prime motivation is to earn a living &/or the acts get bigger and more arrogant.

Frankly they don't come much bigger than Louden Wainright and I saw no arrogance. AND I didn't have to wear earplugs to hear him. I only left the Wheatsheaf when the session slowed down but I would have seen Louden for just one song regardless of the volume. I stayed.

Steeleye-Oysters Tickled-Puce Caberet specialists take note.

YOU DON'T NEED VOLUME - as a substitute for stage craft - I don't care how musically skilled the world thinks you are.
Those who insist it needs volume should note that only the person who needs it is the one saying it needs it. The music needs music.

FWIW there are two Wheatsheafs and the Frankwell one was descended upon by mistake. The Landlord and the regulars thought Christmas had arrived. Everyone there had a great time - apparently. If in doubt - next year either will be good though maybe Frankwell works better in the evening.

I was dancing at that time and I didn't need earplugs. I did notice a sound meter and plenty of H&S assessors.

An overflow camp site is needed for next year and loads of other things unique to the campsites. But I will be collecting my thoughts and sending them to Alan & Sandra.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 07:48 AM

Just a few of my personal highlights:

Two wonderful sets from George Papavgeris
Eliza Carthy and the Ratcatchers
The Wilsons' workshop on the songs of Graham Miles
Mrs Ackroyd (...Don't play me your concertina....)
Spooky Men's Chorale... :0)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Aug 06 - 05:54 AM

Just returned home Tuesday morning and want to say how much Stewart and I enjoyed the Shrewsbury festival.

The setting is lovely, the townspeople welcoming and the town itself is wonderful, with a marvellous selection of old cosy pubs with a fine selection of real ales. We felt we were at a beer festival as well as a folk festival :0)

There were obviously a few teething problems with the running of the festival, associated of course with moving an established festival from one town to another (which I know many will be only too happy to moan and whinge about at length) but overall with workshops, concerts and singarounds we had a lovely time and are already looking forward to next year.

Perhaps those who have criticisms can keep them positive and forward-looking, rather than "Bridgnorth was better" and "I'm not conming back next year".

I would be very interested to know what the townspeople thought of the festival and its visitors - perhaps some feedback from local newspapers from anyone in the locality?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 08:05 PM

Sal ,having wasted the whole of saturday night Weekend Ticket ; Cant see anything we paid for ".Season Ticket Holders House Full " ! WE Did Get seats for sunday night. Indian Band started and I asked Hils if "she could cope with this crap" Which made others smile! Seats vacated later. Glad we did . The final one was worse. Gave up and went home early Monday

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 04:19 PM

To GUEST,A well wisher
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 08:45 AM

Why on earth do people do this? What a sad lot you are to bitch like this.
******************************************************************
I came home from the fest today, first thing, having not opened my trailer you may have noticed. I had a stinking migrain and heaved all night. I went to bed 9pm Sunday and slept thru the loud row coming from the main marquee. Then woke up vomitting and being kept awake by some (very talented) musicians in the food shelter. Trouble is caterers have to sleep to provide for the demands of you guys all day, some from 9am till mid-night. The security guards asked them to stop at 3am but did they 'eck, 4.30am Robbie!!! I know it was you cos I heard you do 'Bee's Wing'.

When I arrived, pitched my tent, I had no idea that I was going to kept awake all night, so any wise guy who says I should have moved... up yours! I sleep next to my trailer to keep an eye on it and growl at any b***tard that can't be bothered to find a loo and p**s up against it.

As you all know I go to fests all over the place. The music was way too loud in that main marquee. Why? It didn't have to be, surely? And that Indian band... I've heard more talent from the local nursery school. I'm so glad Keith got his own back.

Folk fests are changing. You can see this by the amount of rubbish that's scattered about. Folkies don't do this so who is doing the abusing. Bridgnorth was clean up till about 3yrs ago. The crap started with the general public and loud commercial bands. There was a time when folkies would leave a place cleaner than when they arrived.

On the whole I congratulate Alan and Sandra, Margaret and Martin, Jill and Terry, Ron, Stewards and all involved. I don't envy them all and i hope they can all sleep when it's all over. This is going to be a big date on the calender for Shrewsbury. I'm not sure it's going to be on mine tho.

Sal

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 11:18 AM

Just got home from Shrewssbury FF.

A truly fabulous w/end do.

Me & the Fiends attended the fringe events in the pubs around the town, chiefly the Wheatsheaf for the songs & tunes-a-round.

Met lots fab siners & musos, faces both familiar & new.

Was impressed with the organisation on the main sites, security & on.

I'd like to pass on many thanks to the Stewards who helped our two blind musician fiends,Anna & Phil who attended the marquee concert on Saturday night, who made sure they both got inside safely & got good seats.

Looking forward to going again next time.


Cheers,

Mr H

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,A well wisher
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 08:45 AM

Lizzie Cornish,
You need to be aware that there is someone called Albion Lizzie on the BBC boards (not just the folk one) who is impersonating you. She has your style and mannerisms down to a 't' but she is causing havoc and distress due to her ridiculous attention-seeking behaviour.
Although she claims to be a fan of folk music she is doing the music a huge disservice.
She has denied being you and although I cannot see why she would lie, many people are clearly unconvinced.
I'm sure you would want to visit the board and disassociate yourself with this person.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Lizzie Cornish
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 05:18 AM

You can hear Genevieve Tudor's BBC Shropshire's 'Sunday Folk' programme for the next 7 days on Listen Again.

Genevieve did the entire show live from Shrewsbury Festival, many interviews with various artists, as well as some great music...next best thing to being there!

Here's the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/music/folk/index.shtml


Lizzie :0)

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 04:53 AM

I enjoyed the variety of music and things to do.
I came home on Sunday night, so could anyone tell me what the weather was like on the Monday please?

thanks

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Cathie
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 07:07 AM

Thanks for your info Mr Red

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 06:04 AM

It was. Slow traffic at the Ray Hall interchange (M5/M6) even at 7pm. Looks worse going south. To get to the County Ground I took the B4380 Roman Road via Moele Brace Island but don't panic if it says to Bridgnorth. the junction of A5191 & A5112 needs a bit of thought but with the maps & a navigator.............
Then hang a right at Port Hill roundabout up to the Frankwell roundabout. Aim downhill and follow the signs.

The most important thing is that despite the yellow official signs the last leg is through a carpark and I had to put an arrow up because if you are towing you wouldn't choose to go through a carpark you can't yet see until you were sure. So when it says coach park and carpark look for the cardboard arrow and slow over the bumps. See ya here.

BTW - anyone needing internet access I found a stall upstairs in the Market Hall - near all the charity shops. twixt Clairmont St & Market St basicall uphill from the Quarry toward the centre of town.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: My guru always said
Date: 25 Aug 06 - 03:53 AM

Safe journeys all!!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 06:45 PM

Am on the reserve list for stewarding and camping at the Cricket Ground from Thurs pm. Havnt told me mother as she will get the jobs list out if she knows Im in town!

Leaving the other half and the dog to their own devices.. suspect they will share a beer or two... the dog will do the washing up... as usual.

See you all there.
fxx

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 05:55 PM

Any more session/sar pubs?

or folk friendly ones?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 07:09 AM

Hi everyone
Sure it is the County Cricket ground... the West Mid show ground is further out!! On the festival map its definitely the cricket ground thats outlined. The pdf map clearly marks the cricket ground. Just amble down Smithfield road and over the footbridge.

Hoping to be there some of the days. I have offered to steward, but forgot to post the form back til last week... oh bear of very little brain! So may hear back. Perhaps Mr Red will be organising me!

Im Shrewsbury born and bred.. but living in Telford area. I did ask if they were doing guided tours of the town, but they said no.. but if any one is interested Im happy to oblige...

Expect Ill be staying at my mums as havnt booked a pitch.

Ideas for campsites in reasonable distance.

Beaconsfield Farm Holiday Park - More Info Shropshire
Battlefield
SHREWSBURY
SY4 4AA 01939 210370

is only about 4 miles out

Severn House Caravans
Camping and Caravan Site Touring   
Montford Bridge
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 1ED
01743 850229

again about 4 miles out.

Oxon Hall Touring Park
AA       VB         
Camping and Caravan Site Touring   
Welshpool Road
Oxon
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY3 5FB
01743 340868
2 miles

By the way Melverley is 10 miles away

The Quarry is the main venue and is host to the SHrewsbury FLower Show... the other weekend. Percy Thrower was the manager of the Quarry for years. Its a wonderful venue. You must look in The DIngle... a sunken garden with pond and ducks.

Venue is right next to the swimming baths and fitness suite for those who are interested. I suspect there are showers there too. There is also a childrens play area and paddling pool. These are likely to be roped off from the festival site.

There is said to be a pub for each day of the year in the town!

Its a 1 way system round the town.

The main car parks are in Frankwell - which is marked on the pdf map. Also Abbey car park in Abbey Foregate. Both are pay and display. There isnt much onstreet parking and its vouchers. The swimming baths sells parking vouchers.

Also car parks off Wyle COp( shuts at night) and Greyfriars. There is also the multi story off Smithfield RD.

Hope this is of some help.

Hi Noreen, havnt seen you in ages.

cheers
fliss

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Briansquire
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 08:31 AM

Is there anywhere online I can get a more detailed programme I will be in the area and want to pop in during the weekend but the website dosnt seem give details on times or line ups for any shows

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 06:58 AM

My plans for part of next weekend have changed albeit at this late stage, and there's a chance I may find myself free to come down and sample this new festival. However, although the website is very informative and your extra information above re pubs and venues was very helpful Alan, it would still seem that there'll be little if any opportunity for singing (as opposed to musicians' sessions) outside of the official (paying/organised) events. Could Alan clarify that perhaps please?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 06:22 AM

Mr Happy & fiends world tour couldn't find pitches on any sites in immediate area, but we managed to secure last 3 pitches at Melverley, about 7 miles away.

Here's some other poss. campsites:

http://www.shrewsburysummer.co.uk/shrewsbury-accommodation/camping.shtml

http://www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/accommodation_ca/shrewsbury_ca.shtml

http://www.shrewsburyguide.info/shrewsbury_accommodation/caravan_and_camping_sites.shtml

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 03:18 PM

thank you alan for the information about pubs etc, very useful.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,sam
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 11:59 AM

Hi there,

Anyone have any advice on camping at the festival, as the two sites are now sold out and i stupidly forgot to buy a camping ticket.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Alan
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 10:26 AM

Pubs:
The Boat House - opposite the Quarry, over the footbridge - The Shrewsbury Big Session with Ian and Fi Carter-Smith (mixed songs and tunes)
The Wheatsheaf - High Street - The English Session with Flos Headford and John Percy - mainly instrumental.
The Anchor - in Frankwell (over the Welsh Bridge) mini concerts, like we used to do at the Bell and Talbot in Bridgnorth. Watch out for the Wilsons, Johnny and Jimmy etc etc.
All of these are free.

The Old Lion Tap - Wyle Cop - Home of the festival folk clubs - you will need a festival a ticket.
The small (and wonderful Darwin Community Centre in Frankwell will be home to many voice concerts (serving real ale and food) - again you need a festival ticket.

The Quarry festival site will be completely fenced off, but that will be only two thirds of the Quarry. The large elevated, grassed section immediately inside the entrance gates will be open to the public as will the Dingle. The flat arena section below the elevated section will contain the bigger of the Big Top marquees.
So don't forget your deck chair.

Safe Jouney to everyone coming, look after yourselves and those around you.

Love and Best Wishes

Alan Surtees

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 08:59 AM

which pubs are going to be used for the festival? Will there be organised singarounds or informal sessions ?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: danensis
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 02:24 PM

We went and had a look at the site after Bridgnorth last year. I would think the natives would get very upset if the whole of the quarry was fenced off as its a popular recreation spot - even midweek there were joggers, dog-walkers and little old ladies wandering about. If they don't close the whole site they're going to need miles of security fencing, so I would imagine it will be open with closely guarded venues. So if the sound is at the levels it has been some years, just bring a deck chair and you can have a free festival!

John

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 11:11 AM

I want to meet somebody who is stewarding at the festival, is it a closed site or will I be able to meet outside the marquee?

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Trevor
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 02:10 PM

Heading north shouldn't be a problem Guest. I would think that the traffic from the steam rally will mostly affect people heading for mid-Wales on the Welshpool road.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 12:27 PM

Pub sessions will be free - and because Shrewsbury is a new set-up all round only the organisers know the ropes. My feeling - if I was a steward and Alan and Sandra were not reading this would be to look at the venue. If it was in need of bodies I would be barking them in not looking at tickets - if near the fire limit even a ticket would be no guarrantee of entry.

But I am more likely to be stewarding the stewards.................. or dancing despite the presence of John D Loudermilk III in a probably packed concert tent - now there is a name to pull in the punters.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 09:26 AM

Places like Whitby & Chippenham do, at Poynton the workshops were free!
I dont want to spend £17 as dont want to go to a 'big name' concert

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 08:03 AM

My experience with Bridgnorth in previous years and workshops at festivals generally tickets for workshops are not likely - day / afternoon+evening / evening tickets are as close as it gets.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 08:00 AM

I'm sure it can be Oranged...................

I'll get me (red) coat...........

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Rasener
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 07:32 AM

Maybe they should call themselves The Red and Yellow Peppers

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: webfolk
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 06:51 AM

Mr Red meets Mr Yellow. What a thought!

Geoff

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 04:58 AM

The festival website promises information about workshops later in the year(!). But I would like to know now as I'm off to Whitby but may call in on the Mon. Do you know if you can pay at the door or must you buy a day ticket?

What time is the traffic problem at it's worst, Ms Lemon, do you really mean hours? We would be heading North.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 12:43 PM

if this map is any clearer you can zoom out as far as you wish it shows the station and Quarry with the county ground almost central. It will be a journey of discovery for me. Maybe I will meet Mr Yellow!

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 12:21 PM

thank you kab, that sounds very clear, and the walk should be achievable with camping gear.
May I suggest you offer your directions to the organisers for them to include your explanation on the website for the benefit of those arriving by train or coach.

thank you again

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: kab
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 02:55 PM

In answer to guest:The railway station is a ten minute walk from the County Ground Campsite via the footbridge which gives onto the car park alongside the County Ground and through which entry to same is gained.The station is up by the Castle just to one side of the town centre.
The blue arrows are I think to mark the best vehicular entrance route.I hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: LesB
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 07:15 AM

It looks a great line up But i'll be at Whitby all week prior & then Fylde the following w/end. Just a festival too far. Have a good time Sal & sell lots of Lemo.
Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: webfolk
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 07:11 AM

You know you have reached notoriety (sp) when you have at least two songs written about you!

Geoff