Have big folk festivals had their day?

Subject: RE: Have big folk festivals had their day?
From: Pete_Standing
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 04:53 PM

So what is the differences between sponsors, grants, donations and subsidies? Is there a single festival that survives purely on ticket sales? I doubt it.

My guess is that whilst the media luvvies keep covering the big festivals, people will go to them.

Subject: RE: Have big folk festivals had their day?
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 27 Feb 07 - 03:20 PM

sponsors, grants, donations and subsidies...
All things that Miskin survives without. But it is a different set up to BIG festivals. It can be done but it takes years to build up to it.

Andy

Subject: RE: Have big folk festivals had their day?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 04:08 AM

Hi Steve,

Yes clearly if you are selling "general" goods rather then specialist items the size of the crowd matters. But many stalls at folk festivals are specialists - apart from food of course. A friend of mine sells ethnic clothing - theoretically ought to sell anywhere, but she sells best at folk events.

Subject: RE: Have big folk festivals had their day?
From: oggie
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 10:45 AM

Dave, I think the term is "niche" rather than "general" :) As I make most of the stuff we sell (not the tin whistles) I'm a bit different from your average market trader.

End of the day even for a festival seller the size of a crowd matters, the more people the greater your chance of selling. The tricky bit is weighing up the cost against the return. Small festival, less competition, fewer possible buyers but less outlay and less time away from the workshop BUT a big festival carries gtreater potential but greater risk. The balancing act can be nerve-wracking.

All the best

Steve Ogden

Subject: RE: Have big folk festivals had their day?
From: eddie1
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 12:33 PM

Hey Ferrara
You're right about meeting people you know at Glen Echo.
I met an American girl I'd last seen when I worked with her in Scotland seven years earlier!

Eddie

Subject: RE: Have big folk festivals had their day?
From: GUEST,The Devonian
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 03:16 PM

How do you define a "big" festival?

Cambridge is "big" in folk circles (and increasingly unpopular judging by other messages on Mudcat) but it's tiny compared to Glastonbury, Womad or the V Festivals.

Sidmouth used to be "big" but isn't really any more (though some of those attending like to convince themselves it's still "big").

Priddy is "big" for the West Country but not on the national stage.

Others are certainly "small" and proud of it.

Subject: RE: Have big folk festivals had their day?
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 28 Feb 07 - 05:45 PM

I find small venues and festivals superior to large ones because
1. I don't like to use amplification if I can avoid it.
2. They simulate more of a true folk music environment like a back porch or living room.
3. The audience is closer to the performer which is more folk-like.
4. Large venues and festivals often require production values like more instruments or dynamic show people. Folk music works against this in my opinion.
5. For me, small venues are more fun.

Frank Hamilton