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26 May 07 - 07:21 AM (#2061270) Subject: Shrewsbury Folk Festival From: GUEST,Alan Surtees You will be happy to know all licenses are in place, artists confirmed and every aspect of the event is rolling along at a great pace. Please check out the web site; there are many Line Up additions and sadly one loss. Patrick Street will not make it this year but we have already invited them to the 2008 festival. We have sessions scheduled for The Wheatsheaf (in the High Street) and mini concerts and sessions at the Bird in Hand (close to the site and regular home for folk sessions in Shrewsbury) there will be a major weekend session on site in the Members Pavilion (were we had the stewards party). The Woodman (again close to the site and a real ale hot spot)is keen to have sessions. Two of the pubs we used last year are also keen to have sessions; The Boathouse (near to the Quarry) which many of the Morris sides will use this year, and the Anchor in Frankwell. There will be more dance sites this year including the Quarry, The High Street (outside the Wheatsheaf), the Square, outside St Alkmunds Church, the Castle grounds and, of course, on site. The Folk Club, singarounds, small concerts, workshops and open mic sessions will all be on site this year. We will have more events than ever including a new venue "The Big Shed" which will be organised by young people for young people. There is loads more information on the web site and the festival blog. All tickets are still available except Sunday which is now sold out. See you August All the Best Alan |
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07 Jul 07 - 05:11 AM (#2096243) Subject: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,Kampervan Are there any details available of off-site venues for the Shrewsbury Festival? I know there's a helluva line up on the showground, but it's nice to wander into town, soak a bit of local atmosphere/alcohol and have a bit of a sing in a folk-friendly pub with others of a like mind. Here's to great weekend on the site. |
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07 Jul 07 - 05:56 AM (#2096252) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,Alan Surtees Hello Kampervan The festival will have organised sessions at lunch time in the Wheatsheaf in the High Street and lunch time/evening sessions and mini concerts at The Bird in Hand near to the festival site. The other folk friendly pubs are the Anchor (the one we used last year for mini concerts) and the Wheatsheaf in Frankwell. The Boathouse has also made an invitation to folkies for a session in their pub. There will be sessions (non-stop I hope) on site in the Members Bar. We will have our dancers out throughout the weekend and the Morris sides will probably eat (and drink) at the Boathouse (the pub over the footbridge by the Quarry Park)which they enjoyed so much last year. As you know sessions are organic and we hope as many as possible start up throughout the town. The festival will be running a free bus service into town (and back)from 9.00am until 6.00pm. It takes about 20 mins to walk and a little longer to stagger. Please pray for sunshine. See you all there.....All the Best ..Alan |
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07 Jul 07 - 06:15 AM (#2096257) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: John J Thanks for the info Alan. Given the long range weather forecast and the location of the campsite, what's the situation regarding potential flooding? John |
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07 Jul 07 - 07:21 AM (#2096269) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,Kampervan Shame on you for even asking such a question JohnJ. The potential for flooding is absolutely zero, cos the sun is going to be shining all weekend - it is a Bank Holiday after all! (But it would be nice to know if there are going to be tractors and 4 wheel drives on standby to drag us out if necessary) K/van |
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07 Jul 07 - 08:53 AM (#2096304) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,MC Fat Which pub will grace our presence then Kampervan ? |
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07 Jul 07 - 09:08 AM (#2096312) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,Kampervan Well, I figure to start with the one that's closest to the campsite and take it from there. Might be tempted further afield on the promise of a really good session, but why walk any further than you need to? Aiming to arrive Friday pm. Bigbird will be in the green meanie with my tent somewhere in the vicinity and a couple of cases of Shepherd Neame,s finest somewhere close. See you there MC K/van |
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08 Jul 07 - 06:48 AM (#2096867) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,MC Fat Looking forward to it. Supose it's that namby pamby southern poofter jessy beer called Spitfire !!! |
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09 Jul 07 - 06:34 AM (#2097576) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,MC Fat refresh |
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09 Jul 07 - 10:03 AM (#2097693) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST What does it mean when someone posts -'Refresh'? |
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09 Jul 07 - 10:18 AM (#2097700) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,x It stops the thread falling off the bottom of the page, as a new posting (even completely blank) will take the thread to the top. Potentially keeps the discussion going. |
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10 Jul 07 - 05:46 AM (#2098478) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: Fliss Thnaks for the info on pub events and sessions. Id been asked by several Shrewsbury residents about this. Have been handing out the flyers you sent me round friends and places. cheers fliss |
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10 Jul 07 - 06:03 AM (#2098483) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,penfold There's an interesting post about an 'improvers session' on the Shrewsbury Festival's blog http://www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.blogspot.com/ This seems like a really good idea that could be a success if managed and promoted properly |
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10 Jul 07 - 04:00 PM (#2099052) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra http://ww.thesession.org/discussions/display/14377 There is loads of comments about the improvers sessions on the above site. One thing it doesn't say is that one Improvers Session is for 12-25 year olds and another one is for any age. I can see that this is going to be popular and something we may need to expand next year. Please see out Tune Book on the festival web site. Thanks Izzy for organising this - I'll buy you a pint! I am just putting the final touches to the workshop programme - when it is complete I'll get it put on the festival web site. tra for now Sandra |
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10 Jul 07 - 04:06 PM (#2099057) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra obviously that should have been 'our' and not 'out' Tune Book |
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07 Aug 07 - 04:31 AM (#2120685) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra We have about 35 workshops including Scottish small pipes, Appalachian flatfootin', accordion, fiddle, longsword, guitar, harmony, melodeon, funky junk percussion, North West Morris and hamboning etc. etc. Plus 2 improvers sessions for people who want to play in music sessions and need a bit more confidence - there is a tunebook available to download which is specifically designed to help in these sessions. Full workshops programme has now been added to the SFF web site only 17 days to go...... |
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11 Aug 07 - 05:18 AM (#2123563) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival - what's on? From: GUEST,kampervan How about a workshop on 'ale conning'? I'd be there. |
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12 Aug 07 - 03:48 AM (#2124102) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Les in Chorlton Who's beer will be available on-site? I know this is picky but will it be casked or keg? Will any interesting bottled beers be available? Cheers |
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12 Aug 07 - 05:47 AM (#2124120) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red ceilidhs listed on cresby.com tunebook Sandra refers to. but can't find the list of workshops yet. Maybe in the tunebook. Sandra - Joy is thinking of doing the whole day to justify the day ticket (AND that's another thing) so she needs to know when the Saturday session/confidence w/s might be. I may be on duty and drummers never practice anyway. (ducks and runs for cover) |
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12 Aug 07 - 11:32 AM (#2124170) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra You will find the tunebook about half way down the left hand column on the web site. That's the column with all the page options. |
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12 Aug 07 - 12:55 PM (#2124218) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Les in Chorlton The tune book is an excellent idea and full of good tunes. I think I will go and spoil the peace and quiet outside by playing a few. Any news on the beer? |
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13 Aug 07 - 06:45 AM (#2124628) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,kab bump |
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14 Aug 07 - 03:21 AM (#2125029) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Les in Chorlton Thanks guest. We went to Wheaton Aston Festival. A small but excellent event which was amply supplied with good cask ale and all sorts of excellent music. Looking forward to Shrewsbury lets hope the Seven stays in its place! Thanks again |
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14 Aug 07 - 03:13 PM (#2125418) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra right here we go! Beer - all from Shrewsbury Breweries supplied by Robin Beddoes (the Woodman Inn) well know locally for good quality real ale and folk music sessions Thursday nights. Hobsons - recently awarded 'Beer of the Year' Hanbys Woods Six Bells Three Tons Salopian 95% of the beer will be cask Ciders will be from Shropshire and Herefordshire. There will be three bars on-site - the members bar, the beer tent and inside the dance tent. Alongside the real ale there will be some John Smiths, Fosters and 1664 available in the members bar. roll on! I hope that appeals to all pallets. see you in ten days!!! |
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15 Aug 07 - 02:57 AM (#2125785) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Les in Chorlton Sandra, how wonderful, thank you for unearthing such reassuring news. It's clearly worth coming for the beer alone! But no more than the music deserves. Cheers, so to speak, Les |
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15 Aug 07 - 05:10 AM (#2125829) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan Thanks for the above info. V.useful. But the Members bar is for the members of what? and how do you get to join? And would they let me join anyway; and would I want to join anything that would let me join? Either it all sounds very good and I'm looking forward to the weekend. |
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15 Aug 07 - 08:24 AM (#2125924) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra have no fear - the Members Bar is open to all at the festival. hic |
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15 Aug 07 - 09:13 AM (#2125951) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. No worries then. Here's to a dry, (climatically-speaking),but well-lubricated festival. And a bit of good music too, I shouldn't wonder. |
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15 Aug 07 - 09:22 AM (#2125960) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra I'll drink to that... |
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15 Aug 07 - 01:56 PM (#2126195) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Fliss Ive found my Mudcat badge... so hopefully some of you will come and speak to me. Camping from the Thursday. Really looking forward to the festival. Will have to see if there are any of the workshops I can go to. Fliss |
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16 Aug 07 - 06:49 AM (#2126838) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Trevor Can't wait! |
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16 Aug 07 - 07:11 AM (#2126851) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: muppitz I have no badge but I'll be slaving away in the Moor & Coast tent circa 10pm to last man standing (And also any time you lot max out on Whitby Cod and create mass queues around the site!) as usual, hope to be able to catch Kate Rusby and to see if Paul Brady is my cup of tea, I've been told he's good but have yet to see him! I imagine I'll see some of you about! muppitz x |
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16 Aug 07 - 04:37 PM (#2127358) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Fliss It will be good to have Moor & COast on the same site this year. The late night sing songs were a bit thin on the ground last year. f |
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17 Aug 07 - 07:59 AM (#2127790) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: muppitz Me and Chris spent most of our time propping up the bar last year, sadly it'll be back to the grind and business as usual this time! muppitz x |
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22 Aug 07 - 10:47 AM (#2131109) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,James Well there's only 2 days to go and no one has posted on here. Is anyone going? |
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22 Aug 07 - 10:57 AM (#2131113) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan That's cos they're posting on the other Shrewsbury thread! ' i.e. Who's going to Shrewsbury' See you there. |
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22 Aug 07 - 12:28 PM (#2131179) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red anyone know what time the mid-day ceilidhs start? |
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22 Aug 07 - 12:31 PM (#2131180) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan Around 1900andfastasleep |
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23 Aug 07 - 08:13 AM (#2131861) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red Nah that's the stop time |
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23 Aug 07 - 08:27 AM (#2131869) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan Oooopps, silly me!!!! |
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23 Aug 07 - 09:27 AM (#2131907) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Happy Mrs H will be seeking a fiddle workshop. Will there be one? |
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23 Aug 07 - 09:32 AM (#2131913) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Happy could do with having all the Shrewsbury threads combined? |
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27 Aug 07 - 11:48 AM (#2134547) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: treewind Excellent festival! We've been to Sidmouth, Dartmoor and Whitby too, and Shrewsbury (certainly from the point of view of performers with loads of instruments) takes the cake for best organization: stewards who couldn't be more helpful, easy access to all venues, reserved artist's parking and a perfect site with everything in the one large piece of ground, friendly atmosphere, lovely B&B hosts and even the weather was perfect! Can we come back next year please? Anahata |
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27 Aug 07 - 03:20 PM (#2134714) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Les in Chorlton That Mary and Anahata were pretty good eh? Not to mention pretty well everyone else cheers |
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27 Aug 07 - 05:02 PM (#2134787) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,ms lemon absolutely fabulous. Sandra, Allan, you and your stewards should be making merry now cos you got it right. I vote Best Fest of the year!!! Sal |
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28 Aug 07 - 03:01 AM (#2135085) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Trevor What a great weekend! Everything that they said....... Show of Hands - fantastic as usual; Bellowhead - Wow! Managed to embarass my kids with uncontrollable jigging; Keith Donnelly - wet myself; The Wilsons - loved 'em; Salsa Celtica - fabbo; Steve Tilston - clever, crafted, great; Paul Brady - hmmmm, need to have a think, something not quite right. We really enjoyed our couple of sets and, although we were way down the list, we were made to feel special at our local festival. Thanks, Sandra, Alan and all, and can we come back again as well please? |
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28 Aug 07 - 04:11 AM (#2135103) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Kay and Fi, Cleeton St Mary Had a fab time, everything was soooo nice, great atmoshpere, felt like the stewards and caterers etc were enjoying themselves too and happy to serve us with big smiles and good conversation. Best bit for me; Show of Hands, also Salsa Celtica and Bellowhead. Also Sea of Sound were great, especially Natalie! REALLY enjoyed Rapsquillion, great to see some local talent and the crowd enjoying the banter as well as the music. Also enjoyed the giggles Kieth Donnelly provided. Great mix of entertainment, great atmosphere, loved it....more of the same next year please!! |
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28 Aug 07 - 10:01 AM (#2135243) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Kampervan Hi, just got back and I've got to echo the comments of everyone who's got on before me. Fantastic festival, great organisation, brilliant stewarding, great performers. I'll single out the Wilsons for a mention, cos no-one else has yet. Their concerts were amazing, but more than that, they were around for the whole time. At other peoples sessions and at singarounds. How their voices survived I don't know. The only little niggle was a shortage of showers and if we could have more loos, a little more strategically placed. But that's trivial stuff in the great scheme of things. Best festival in the U.K.? Well if they keep giving away free beer the way they did at Monday nights final fantastic singaround, then it's got to be serious contender. Thank you to everyone involved. You're going to have a hard time beating that next year. K/van |
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28 Aug 07 - 10:17 AM (#2135264) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST I totally agree the Wilsons were indeed 'BRILLIANT' all weekend, but their final concert spot was better than that! Great festival well done Alan,Sandra and the rest of the gang. |
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28 Aug 07 - 11:40 AM (#2135297) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST Queues for the showers? I had a shower every morning and briefly queued only once. Just long enough to drink my coffee and flick through the programme....in fact I probably queued longer for the coffee (but it was worth it for a proper americano!). I never once queued for a beer or to use the loo. It was a brilliant festival....their decision to book 'unknowns' like Crooked Still, The Wailin Jennys and Richard Shindell was totally vindicated. Great selection of workshops too...I thought the 'setting up a PA system' one was particularly useful. More of the same next year please! Well done to Alan, Sandra and everyone from the organising team. The stewards were brilliant, helpful and knowledgable. I'll be back next year... gerry |
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28 Aug 07 - 12:22 PM (#2135336) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Noreen Gerry, what time did you shower in the morning? My guess is 6.30am (or earlier) as by 7 queues were building and by 8.15 there must have been 40 or more people at a time waiting. 18 showers for 5,000 people on a hot August weekend is not sufficient. That is the only gripe I have about the festival this year though. Thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly the impromptu sing after hours in the members' bar until 2am- or was it later? We only left because they stopped selling beer :0) |
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28 Aug 07 - 01:59 PM (#2135407) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,funkipickle Great festival again this year, and some fantastic bands. Highlights for me were the Wailin Jennys and Crooked Still, as I had not heard them before and they got some real atmosphere in the tent! I took some photos if anyone wants to have a nose. Mostly of all us folk who attended, rather than artists. I will keep adding as I work my way through as I have some of the last night when the kegs ran dry and the music played into the night, For some reason the photos get a bit blurry by then! http://www.flickr.com/photos/funkipickle/sets/72157601728397167/ |
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28 Aug 07 - 05:31 PM (#2135547) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST "Gerry, what time did you shower in the morning?" Saturday was the day I queued...it was around 8.30 I think and there were maybe 7 or 8 people before me. On Sunday and Monday it was probably a bit later and I used the disabled shower next to the Big Shed (open to all but with priority to disabled)...but as I walked back there was no queue at the main shower block either. Disappointed to hear I missed out on the free beer.... |
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29 Aug 07 - 03:30 AM (#2135847) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan Yes, the free beer did come as a bit of a surprise. I thought that the overall standard of beer on offer was very good and I think that it had sold down pretty well, so it was a shock when they made the announcement. But I have to say that everyone like gentlepersons! No mad rush for the bar, just casuall re-filling of glasses as they emptied. It was wonderful to behold, and very much appreciated. Thank you to all the hard-working bar staff. K/van |
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29 Aug 07 - 04:07 AM (#2135858) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,MC Fat Really enjoyed Shrewsbury. It was so well run. Had a belting time singing, finding some ace pubs, meeting old mates like Kampervan and Big Bird and I enjoyed compering my little concert on Sunday night. Hopefully I'll be asked back. Well done Alan and Sandra and team |
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29 Aug 07 - 06:10 AM (#2135906) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Fliss Well done ALan and Sandra. Choice of West Mid SHowground excellent and free bussess great. I stewarded the Morris sides in town and had great fun. Being my home town (i live 15 miles away now) I saw a lot of people I knew. What performances... I slept thru them Saturday and Sunday evenings.. My own fault but I was so tired after stewarding in the heat and being on my feet for 5 hours. (Something to do with a health problem). I could hear all the music going on in the background and it sounded great. Ah well. However I did manage to keep my eyes open for the Monday evening session in the Members Bar. Am impressed with the lack of litter on the site. What showers, I didnt even bother, had a strip wash each day in my little caravan. It was great camping with 3 friends, they didnt know each other only me, but they all got on fine and are keen to come again next year. Many many thanks to all the organisers, it was a superb weekend. cheers fliss |
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29 Aug 07 - 06:18 AM (#2135914) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Trevor Noreen! Wish I'd known you were there. Would have been nice to see you again. |
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29 Aug 07 - 06:23 AM (#2135920) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Trevor There's a few piccies here |
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29 Aug 07 - 08:06 AM (#2135963) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red Free beer? they ran out of cider and perry before that and I don't drink beer. The only bright part of that is I was almost out the door home when they announced. You can't win on all counts, the size of the site allows the venues to have plenty of geography between them and sound leakage was better but the sessions did experience it. And distance = time or tiredness. Having said that I was in the stewards' office and I can tell you it was better all round but some venue managers had to work hard to achieve that. Credit to Martin and Margaret - many unscheduled problems got dealt with very quickly. and of course the sheer size of the undertaking meant literally people were saying on Monday "I haven't seen you all w/e". I shall have to get a more high viz hi-viz red jacket. I saw musos on Monday night who I hadn't seen all w/e. That is BIG and I am not so sure it is good. We will see next year. Expect the same quality organisation. |
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29 Aug 07 - 09:12 AM (#2135999) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Alex I've popped a few photo's here on Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/alexbirtwisle/sets/72157601747569677/ I really enjoyed the weekend - lots of good things and very few bad things. Beer on monday night was a _very_ good thing! Alex |
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29 Aug 07 - 11:22 AM (#2136078) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Fliss Great pics on both sites. Virtual Shropshire were filming too so keep an eye out for more pics and video. fxx |
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29 Aug 07 - 11:41 AM (#2136088) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Happy http://flickr.com/photos/alexbirtwisle/sets/72157601747569677/ |
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29 Aug 07 - 11:48 AM (#2136093) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Fliss http://www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/gallery/shrewsbury-folk-festival-07-sat?page=1 More virtual shropshire photos. |
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29 Aug 07 - 05:57 PM (#2136371) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red FWIW There was a session every night exept Mon in the Woodman. Thurs night is regulasr session night and there was a session on the Thurs. Keep that in mind for next year, if you arrive early. And given the traffic before 5 pm Fri - I would recommend stewards to arrive Thurs if they can. Not sure of the rules for punters. The ticket office was a committee meeting so I doubt they were dealing with punters' tickets. |
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30 Aug 07 - 05:32 AM (#2136711) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra Mr Red - The meeting in the ticket office Thursday night was a stewards briefing! |
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03 Sep 07 - 07:54 AM (#2139565) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red Just as well I made a brief appearance. |
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03 Sep 07 - 04:41 PM (#2139968) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: danensis Having been to all but the first Bridgnorth Festival we're seriously considering not going to Shrewsbury next year, as we had to leave three concerts because the sound level was stupidly loud. Indeed the Swarbs Acoustic Session was embarassing as the tent was almost empty, not because they were no good but because few could stand the sound level in the tent. However we all sat on the grassy knoll and enjoyed it from there. John |
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04 Sep 07 - 02:43 AM (#2140287) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan We towards the front of the audience for the Sat night concert in the main marquee and the sound levels seemed O.K., given that it had to carry a long way to the back of the marquee. I can understand that a lot of the performers now do so many gigs during the festival season that they need the amplification to stop them straining their voices. But I'm sure that if the organisers got enough comments about volume then they would do something. It would be a shame to stop going to such a great festival cos of that. |
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04 Sep 07 - 08:26 AM (#2140500) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red Don't bank on it. They have all sorts of answers that sound hollow (if loud) to an electronic engineer. Volume complaints fall on deaf ears. Particularly those on the sound desk. Now does anyone know the story about boilermakers and hearing? Trust me - it is the latterday equivalent of soundmen and bands. I haven't given up on complaining but I do wear earplugs when I get near the tent, I have 50 because they are cheaper that way and I never want to be more than 5 minutes from a plentiful supply. Now if only they did red instead of Orange and Yellow. DITTO at ceilidhs. But it isn't the right answer - what happened to Folk? Mr Red MIEE. |
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04 Sep 07 - 08:40 AM (#2140515) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Les in Chorlton Not nit picking but does danensis mean Strawbs Acoustic Session rather than Swarbs Acoustic Session? I thought the Strawbs a bit loud but also unclear, perhaps the engineer was trying to get over Dave Cousins unclear voice. I didn't care much for Paul Brady for the same reason. |
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04 Sep 07 - 09:11 AM (#2140538) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST I totally agree, I was looking forward to seeing Mr Brady but like a number of others, ended up in Marquee No2, listening to a very entertaining set from the Wilsons. Overall though a great festival. |
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05 Sep 07 - 07:25 AM (#2141348) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Moses I thought this year's festival a great improvement on last year (no 20 minute walk from the campsite to the venues, showers working all the time, nice on-site shop, great selection of food on campsite etc etc) and had a great time. The only real complaint was the noise level in the main marquee. I left the final concert way before the end of Paul Brady's set because the levels were such that that's all it was:- NOISE. So loud you could not hear the words. If I want that sort of noise I'll go to a pop concert. Also, the levels from the main marquee did intrude on marquee 2. I'm thinking of Les Barker's set earlier in the weekend but I'm sure it wasn't just then. In conversation with others just after I left the main marquee I fould that it is a shared belief that the levels had been determined not by our own sound-men but by the artist's own sound-guys. It's my belief that if this is the case then the bands who bring along their own sound-guys should be made to keep to the levels that seem to be perfectly adequate when our own guys (who do a great job) are in charge. We are, after all, the paying public and our views should be taken into account. Just a thought - is there anyone who thought the sound levels should be louder? Christine |
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05 Sep 07 - 07:35 AM (#2141354) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Fogie I was looking forward to seeing Paul Brady, and his Arthur McBride was even longer than I remember from the lost tapes CD. but he then made a few remarks on the English and the Irish (related to what we think of the French) and it sounded a bit as if he still has an axe to grind - maybe I misunderstood his sense of humour. He then started singing all his own material, and people started leaving. I lasted about half an hour then I'd had enough. I expected more trad stuff, and of course he was entitled to sing what he wanted, I'm sure if he could have mixed in a few more trad songs he would have kept more people in their seats. I contrast this with Chris Wood's performance , which although was mostly not trad left me wanting more. Chris says he was coming down with flu at the time but I didnt notice anything amiss and his guitar work was great |
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05 Sep 07 - 08:22 AM (#2141379) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Folkie I agree Chris Wood was great. I'd like to do something nasty to whoever owned the mobile phone that went off in Lord Bateman! |
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05 Sep 07 - 09:37 AM (#2141454) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Alan Surtees An organiser's life is never an easy one, it is impossible to keep all the people happy all of the time. Amplified Sound is a contentious issue at most festivals and most of us feel we could do better than the man on the sound desk. Contentious and subjective, the vast majority of comments we receive are entirely happy and congratulatory with and about our sound levels, a few are not. This is the way I plan the Shrewsbury folk Festival:- 1. I attempt to provide alternative concerts when our high energy bands are playing, so that those people are unhappy with high sound levels have equally entertaining and high quality concerts in other venues. 2. I employ the highest quality sound engineer that can be found in the folk world, namely Graham Bradshaw. He, in my opinion, has the best ear in the UK for folk music and provides clean, well separated, high quality sound using top quality, state of the art, equipment. 3. I programme concerts where I know high levels of amplification will be used for the final band with artists who require less amplification. The observations about artists providing their own sound engineers are correct. But these engineers provide the sound their bands require and the bands feel that their success is partly in the hands of their own engineers. As a festival organiser I have little control over the sound provided by visiting engineers. I am, in fact, contractually obliged to provide the size of rig and sound levels the bands ask for. I can, therefore, be blamed for booking the bands, but that is my prerogative. The festival works in conjunction with the SABC environmental health officers and upper levels of sound are agreed and measured throughout the event. I do not think a qualification in electronic engineering necessarily makes you an expert in sound engineering Mr Red and I do not appreciate the implication made by your comment "What happened to Folk". Folk is alive and well and prospering at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival … did see that improver's workshop. My aim is to excite, inspire, encourage and stimulate all of those people who want to b part of the folk movement. I have never believed that folk should be "our little club" or that we should celebrate amateurism and the mediocre. |
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05 Sep 07 - 10:17 AM (#2141490) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Les in Chorlton In general one of the best festivals of its kind I have ever been to and I have been to Whitby, Sidmouth, Cambridge and Lorient amongst many others. Nearly everybody was exceptional, will go again |
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05 Sep 07 - 11:11 AM (#2141555) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw Nice one Alan! And thanks for your kind remarks. I am amazed at how this discussion has developed. Of course everybody has a right to an opinion, and to 'vote with their feet' if they don't like the music or the volume levels. And I for one totally respect that. I have walked out of a good few concerts in my time because I found the sound unbearable. And I'm supposed to be a deaf sound engineer (they're ALL deaf you know).We can't all like the same things, or the world would be a pretty boring place. However, why is it that certain people think that it is their right to dictate how a certain artist should portray themselves? If you don't like the songs, or the tunes, or the political stance, or the personality, or the volume levels, then don't go and see that artist. If you are trying them for the first time, and find they are not to your taste (for any of the above reasons), then make a note not to go and see them again. The notion that somehow you can dictate how an artist portrays themselves goes against all ideas of artistic integrity. At the end of the day, an artist decides what they want to do, and the consumer decides whether to buy into it or not. And on that depends success or failure. I am not going to get into the whys and wherefores of various sound engineers. Some artists (mainly the headliners that can afford it!) will bring their own engineer. This is because they want consistency at all the venues they play, and their own engineer will be more familiar with what they are trying to achieve, and should in theory be able to achieve it quicker in the high-pressure festival environment when there is never enough time. Those artists that don't bring an engineer effectively put themselves in my hands. Pretty high risk if you ask me - but I then decide what I think is the appropriate mix and sound level for that artist. As long as there are more people that like what I do than don't, then I guess I'm still in a job. Do I have control over what visiting engineers do? Only in as much as we have to stay within the limits set by Environmental Health for the site licence. Otherwise, they will do what they do, whether I personally approve or not. I certainly wouldn't be so presumptuous as to tell them how to do their job. And I can tell you that at no time did we even come close to the limits that had been set. And, for what it's worth, the sound levels for Peatbogs, Salsa Celtica, Bellowhead and Show of Hands (all of whom had their own engineers) were virtually identical as measured by sound level meter, but we didn't get any complaints from the 3000 people who were going mad for SOH. I guess it all comes down to what the individual likes, and why this whole discussion is totally subjective and ultimately pretty pointless. Enjoy the music. Graham |
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05 Sep 07 - 01:19 PM (#2141668) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red Noise invokes adrenaline. Fight or flight. You've seen the evidence of the fight. It creates aggression in those that don't like it. We are telling you now because we can't compete with your volume at the time. the flight bit applies to the funfair afficianados. They revel in adrenaline, it is exciting. Fortunately the government have realised that there are a lot of young people with hearing impairment. Sufficient to bring in legislation this year. Voting with our feet should be telling sound engineers something. It does fall on deaf ears. Literally in some cases I have met. Medical guidlines are - if you hear a buzzing 5 minutes after leaving a loud environment - damage is being done - you may well recover from that. If you hear a buzzing next day - damage has been done. It is cumulative. A cold or infection can exacerbate the effect. Ask Paul Burgess - and he only had the sound of one violin to cause a problem. And people were voting with their feet in the Paul Brady concert. That is a clue. Read the signs. You can't enjoy the music if it is annoying you. If it is drowning-out the music you could be enjoying, or trying to make. Whatever happened to Folk? WOULD YOU VALUE THIS MESSAGE MORE IF I SHOUTED? well? |
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06 Sep 07 - 05:20 AM (#2142231) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Alan Surtees - Shrewsbury Folk Festival There are over three hundred folk and roots music festivals in the UK during the year, they all vary in size, shape and content, which is a wonderful thing. They reflect the likes and dislikes and aspirations of their organisers. I have visited many and thoroughly enjoyed most, there are a few I will never go to again. Everyone has this freedom of choice. Shrewsbury Folk Festival will be the same size next year; it will have the same venues, the same quality of choice, the same sound engineers. I will invite some of the bigger names from the folk world to perform and they will undoubtedly bring their own sound engineers. I will always deliver high quality alternative concerts with lower sound levels. But you know what to expect from the main marquee, if that isn't to your liking and you can see no worth in the rest of the event the Shrewsbury Folk Festival is not for you. Mr Red you are a man of many talents one minute expert sound engineer next minute public health expert. Does your vanity know no end? Stop worrying about the buzzing in your ears and consider the voices in your head. The Shrewsbury Folk Festival is definitely not for you … now you read the signs. |
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06 Sep 07 - 06:04 AM (#2142246) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,MC Fat I would echo Alan's comments on Graham and team with their standing in the folk world. Graham and Laurence are a great team to work with and I thinks thats the rub 'to work with'. The nature of a large marquee means that the volume may be high but I think Graham (and the majority of the band's engineers) worked well and if it's to loud then use your opt-out clause. Shrewsbury has been one of my high lights this year I loved every minute it was extremely well run and organised and I can't wait for next year!!! |
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06 Sep 07 - 06:44 AM (#2142258) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: skipy I'm with MC fat on this one, we where a party of 6 & we all had one hell of weekend! Skipy |
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06 Sep 07 - 07:02 AM (#2142265) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Santa Not at Shrewsbury, but I and others walked out of the final Fylde concert because it was too loud. Excessive loudness does reduce the quality of the music - if you notice the decibel level then you aren't paying attention to the music itself. This does seem to be a final concert conceit: the same band (Eliza and the Ratcatchers) were excellent in their afternoon set. I honestly do not see the reason for it, and don't think the answers given above sensible. If you walk out, you miss something you've probably been looking forward to all weekend, and that is why audiences don't, as a rule. But as long as those so responding are in a minority then organisers and arrogant sound engineers don't care when they do. |
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06 Sep 07 - 07:36 AM (#2142283) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Noreen We were amongst the droves that left the Acoustic Strawbs set, but not because of the sound level. Rather we were hoping to hear some of their early folk/rock stuff (which I presume is why they were booked) but they played an extended series of their new stuff- which of course is their right, but it may mean they are not booked again if the increasing numbers leaving after every new song is anything to go by. The same is likely to be true of Paul Brady from what I have heard. I would have loved to see him do his early traditional stuff, particularly Arthur McBride, but I'm not so keen on his more recent stuff. That's ageing folkies for you, Alan! I didn't notice the sound in any of the venues being over-loud, by the way, and I do notice such things. (Show of Hands were wonderful!) |
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06 Sep 07 - 08:07 AM (#2142294) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red Alan Shrewbury won't be a Folk Festival ultimately. We can read the sings. It has been entertainment long since. The two are not mutually exclusive but they are in conflict. When the distance between venues grows and there is still significant leakage - it is telling us something. We are reading the signs. When people leave politely between songs complaining of the noise they are folkies telling someone something. The only people listening are those who agree. In the case of Paul Brady it was not insignificant. You can blame the dynamic of the previous act, the serious nature of the songs. Or be honest - it was too loud. All I have to go on is the fact that polite conversation 150 yards away outside was more than difficult because of the intrusion. I can't wear earplugs to have a conversation. The message is clear. Of the two obvious possibilities, a) reduce volume to match the act or b) discount the voice of the festival goer, we see which is the priority. And yes - if you had worked in the weighing industry replete with it's banging of metal parts at high speed you would research the subject of hearing loss, or go deaf. Aural acuity diminishes with volume. No one is questioning the skill of the sound man - the preferrences of the audience are the arbiter. Of course it rather depends on who you ask, and the questions. We can all ignore the results we don't want to hear. The new H&S noise laws are on the statute. They come into effect this year. The only uncertainty I see is whether they apply to volunteers who may or may not be termed "staff". Pick your lawyer for the answer you want..................... |
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06 Sep 07 - 08:10 AM (#2142295) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: skipy Reading the sings? not enough sings! Skipy |
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06 Sep 07 - 08:39 AM (#2142308) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST, ashley Far be it for me to intrude in on a private discussion between Mr Red and GUEST, Alan Surtees, but there appears to be a point that is being missed by Mr Red. Looking at the general consensus of opinion on Mudcat and on other groups (BBC , festival blog , facebook ) it appears that everybody is heaping high praise on the festival, both for the quality of the sound and the quality of the line-up,his arguments seem to be against the general opinion (and personally, as an attendee of the festival I found it a superb experience). As for the 'what happened to folk' comment, it also seems off the mark; fortunately this one is easier to deal with as a quick look at lineup on the festival website shows it was a festival that celebrated all kinds of folk music; yes, it was a progressive lineup but certainly with it's heart in the tradition. If he meant 'what happened to MY kind of folk music' then perhaps he has a point, but even then the pub sessions off site should have catered for him, as well as the acts in the main buildings and many on in the smaller marquee. While not an apologist for the Shrewsbury Folk Festival, I thought it was well organised and ambitiously programmed (Crooked Still anyone?) and it looks like Alan & Sandra will continue to develop the festival in this direction…long may it continue as it will obviously bring a new audience to folk music. As for the gripes from individuals, it's obviously horses for courses and they're a matter of taste, I'm sure there are festivals that run on a smaller, less ambitious scale than Shrewsbury and who book local folk club acts for the weekend; may I be so bold as to suggest that Mr Red would perhaps be happier at one of those? |
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06 Sep 07 - 08:40 AM (#2142309) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra Mr Red 'Shrewbury won't be a Folk Festival ultimately. We can read the sings. It has been entertainment long since' I think the line up listed below will show you that most of our artists were definitely 'FOLK' though I suppose you, in your ultimate wisdom, will tell me they were not! 422 Acoustic Strawbs All Blacked Up Back in Business Bellowhead Chris Wood Cockersdale Crooked Still Crucible Cyser Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman Emma & the Professor English Rebellion Idiot and Friend Jez Lowe & the Bad Pennies Jim Molyneux 4Square John & Ailsa Booth Kate Rusby Kathryn Tickell Keith Donnelly Kerfuffle Kimber's Men Les Barker Lisa Knapp Loctup Together Mary Humphreys & Anahata Megson Muldoon's Picnic Paul Brady Peatbog Faeries Pete Coe Quartz Rapsquillion Richard Shindell Rod Picott Roland Chadwick Salsa Celtica Show Of Hands Spikedrivers Steamchicken Steve Tilston This Way Up Token Women Vicky Swan & Jonny Dyer Wailin' Jennys Wilsons |
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06 Sep 07 - 01:03 PM (#2142546) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan On the basis of the standards of the festival generally (including the sound) and the performances of the artists in particular I don't think that the committee need to worry about selling tickets for the next festival. Personal likes and dislikes with respect to artists and their material will always generate comment, but Shrewsbury has shown that it fully deserves its place as one of the top festivals in the U.K. (and I have to say that organising a festival is not a job that I would take on, for money and certainly not for love). |
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06 Sep 07 - 02:36 PM (#2142605) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: evansakes Something doesn't read quite right here and to be honest I smell a rat. I wonder whether "Mr Red" has some other agenda here and possibly has an 'interest' in the fortunes of other events that might be now nervously looking over there shoulders with all the accolades being accorded to Shrewsbury. To suggest that normal conversation was not possible 150 yards away from the marquees is frankly nothing short of laughable. In my opinion the volume was never a problem (not even when I wa standing right in front of the bass bins during the Peatbo Faeries set). I walked out of two sets at the festival but neither was because it was too loud. I left the later Acoustic Strawbs concert in the smaller marquee simply because they weren't doing it for me.... Ditto Paul Brady's Band...at the point at which we left (four or five songs in) there was a considerable exodus. I suppose some may have been keen to make a quick getaway before the rush but for some his set was a touch too MOR, jazzy and bland. I've never been a big fan of his anyway...but he was hardly too loud. More of the same sort of thing next year please! |
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06 Sep 07 - 03:06 PM (#2142634) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Les in Chorlton If Mr Red says his ears hurt I believe him, what else could I? But most people did not seem to be in pain. We were similarly bored by the Strawbs and Paul Brady, but it was a big festival and their was space for them. It shouldn't surprise us that folk rock with trad. songs is generally better than stuff that many bands write. Try Duncan McFarlane Band - they do both very well. |
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06 Sep 07 - 05:55 PM (#2142789) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: John J With Les on this. I had a hugely enjoyable festival, so did my Mum and my wife. I simply left the 'too loud' concerts for something more to my taste. There was plenty to choose from. Having said that, Bellowhead at volume - fantastic! (although we were at the back of the tent). John |
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08 Sep 07 - 12:42 PM (#2144004) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,bigdrummergirl "All I have to go on is the fact that polite conversation 150 yards away outside was more than difficult because of the intrusion." In response to this comment all I can say is that I was sat directly outside the main marquee, a lot less than 150 yards away, when several of the acts that were supposedly too loud were playing and could easily have held a polite coversation- I didn't do this as I was too busy listening to the music apart from when Paul Brady was playing as he wasn't really to my taste! |
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08 Sep 07 - 02:11 PM (#2144070) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: danensis I should point out to the "sound engineer" that in order to take accurate sound level readings the detector should be one metre from the source. I didn't see anyone taking such readings during any of the concerts. John |
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09 Sep 07 - 04:42 AM (#2144454) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Fliss Ive read the conversations on loudness with interest. As I said I managed to sleep thru the concerts... in my caravan that is. Shame as I wanted to see a number of the acts. So I cant really comment on sound levels. However the proof of loudness is how many complaints there were from local residents.... were there any Alan? |
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09 Sep 07 - 06:03 AM (#2144456) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: John J Not entirely sure there were many local residents - it was quite a way from the residential centre I think. At the end of the day it's going to be very difficult to keep everyone happy all the time. There are those who like some stuff LOUD, and those who prefer the same stuff to be quiet. I'm just glad I don't have to take the decision! It must be great fun being a festival organiser! John |
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09 Sep 07 - 01:44 PM (#2144705) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Alan Surtees At the end of the day, I am attempting to organise an event which provides something for everyone who enjoys folk music. I can't please all of the people all of the time, even though I try. I have already given my reasons and explanations for the way I organise the festival and, rest assured, I will continue to do it in the same way in future. Our audience growth in eleven years is over one thousand percent. Mudcat is a public forum and people often use it to make fully justifiable complaints. If those complaints are aimed at me I will take notice and I will always try to improve the festival. Some will add comments in agreement or disagreement, others will join in because Mudcat is where you meet up with friends. A few will make comments because they need to have attention and to demonstrate their expertise on what they consider FOLK is all about. All musical genres have these people, they are snobs and in folk music we know them as the folk police. Only they really know what we should be listening to (and at what volume). I find it hard to understand, let alone find answers to the accusations and comments of Mr Red. "It has been entertainment long since". What should it be; punishment? "The two are not mutually exclusive but they are in conflict". The two what? "All I have to go on is the fact that polite conversation 150 yards away outside was more than difficult because of the intrusion". Absolute cobblers and if you are going to …………….rearrange the truth, the rest of your arguments lose their validity. The most popular concerts were: The Peatbog Faeries, Show of Hands, BellowHead and Salsa Celtica, and they were the loudest of the weekend. The vast majority of people walked out on the Strawbs and Paul Brady sets because they simply didn't like them. danensis Meter readings are taken at the FOH mix point on a regular basis. The Environmental Health officers tour the local neighbourhood throughout the festival taking readings and relaying information to Graham on the sound desk. Incidentally, we could have doubled the volume and still been within the parameters set by EH as acceptable. fliss No we have not received one official complaint from local residents to date. John J Local residents are deceptively close by, on The Mount and Berwick Road, they have a very active residents association who are very sensitive to anything happening on the West Mids Showground. Now, can we try and put this one to bed. I promise you I'm not trying to make you deaf. Graham and I are always looking to improve the sound, and the rig he used this year is the most sophisticated I've ever seen at a folk festival. I'll see you at Bromyard, I hope you are going, what a great line up. I'm really looking forward to meeting with Mr Red. All the Best Alan |
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10 Sep 07 - 06:51 AM (#2145295) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Happy I echo the plaudits listed above - jolly well done Alan & Sandra!! Me & the Fiends were all stewarding this time & the whole weakend was a really fantastic experience. Not really being concert goers, the marquee noises? weren't a prob for us, but could hear the main marquee all over the showground. A great choice of venue both for the main site & for camping - hot water? showers? Luxury!! Also plenty places for sesshes & sinarounds, enjoyedsome great do's in the members bar - real ales fab too! Can't weight for next year!! Yippee! |
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11 Sep 07 - 02:07 PM (#2146557) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Salty Dog Maybe the clue to Mr Red's dyspepsia is in his posting - "and of course the sheer size of the undertaking meant literally people were saying on Monday 'I haven't seen you all w/e'. I shall have to get a more high viz hi-viz red jacket.I saw musos on Monday night who I hadn't seen all w/e. Poor lamb - he didn't get enough attention. Anybody who dresses the way he does obviously wants to be noticed, and it took until Monday for some 'musos' to acknowledge him.(What are 'musos', by the way? Were there some people there who weren't interested in music? NO! You don't mean there may have been some people there who only wanted to be SEEN?) I saw him - in fact I had to go and sit somewhere else to have my lunch because of the bloody racket he was making with his bodhrain - it leaked all over my piri piri chicken. And while I'm here, "Shrewbury won't be a Folk Festival ultimately. We can read the sings. It has been entertainment long since. The two are not mutually exclusive but they are in conflict." What on earth is he on about? Who's this "we" who are reading all these sings? Can I join please, or don't I know enough? And Alan, fancy thinking that you can entertain us with folk music when its obvious to anyone in the know that the two terms are oxymoronic. Please feel free to torture me some more. Ermm..... 'scuse me, I can feel a ponder coming on. |
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11 Sep 07 - 05:44 PM (#2146760) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Fliss Hi Alan So glad there were no complaints. Its such a great venue. But then Im biased as Shrewsbury is my home town. Its great the county town now has a top notch festival. thanks for all the hard work fx |
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11 Sep 07 - 05:56 PM (#2146775) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Leadfingers I was at Towersy some of the weekend , but i will stick grab a 100th post ! |
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12 Sep 07 - 03:49 AM (#2147053) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Luckett Lad Quite simply the best event of the summer for me (and clearly for several thousand others). It has all been said both above and elsewhere but all aspects of how to run a good festival had been addressed. What is also impressive is the openness of the organisers to the feedback that is being offered by those of us that were there. I know local people who came in and really enjoyed it. Shrewsbury can be proud of this event. There was more music on that site than any one person could ever take in during 4 days. The range of concerts was impressive, together with a vast raft of sessions, workshops, dances etc. Rarely have I seen so many people queuing to get in to workshops. This was testimony both to the commitment of participants and to the quality of the workshop leaders. The quality of the sound in Marquee 1 was, particularly when Graham was in charge, immaculate. If things got too loud for me, I went in search of something else - there was plenty of it. Alan & Sandra have done the most astonishing job with this festival. If they have a problem, it is the old one of how to maintain excellence. But what a problem to have! |
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12 Sep 07 - 04:36 AM (#2147079) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Marilyn Monsoon Mr Red, first of all LOL!! I too like Salty Dog am pondering (with finger on mouth) on your 'rants' about the excellent Shrewsbury Folk Festival. If it was to loud for you then why didnt you spend the weekend in a yurt beating your bodhran???? Or, for next year you could speak to the organisers and arrange to have The Red Stage by the main entrance so EVERYONE can see you!! Skys the limit Mr Red!! :) |
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12 Sep 07 - 06:46 AM (#2147152) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Happy Mr Brown was glimpsed fleetingly around the site but his redne |
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12 Sep 07 - 12:56 PM (#2147465) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Alan Day It has been said on this thread discussion that sound for one person is great wheras for another it can be painful. My hearing is not too good these days and the strange thing is that peripheral sound such as you get in Cinemas and theatres for me are the painfull sort. Graham has one of the most sophisticated sound systems that is available and Graham is a perfectionist in this department.People going to a concert no matter where they sit require and expect to hear what is being said and purest of sound and that is what Graham aims for,calculates for and achieves. It would not suprise me at all to find out that those who complain about sound,have in fact got a hearing problem. Al |
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17 Sep 07 - 08:01 AM (#2151018) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Rich Bucknall Sorry Alan, but the main stage was stupidly loud for some acts. Peatbog Faeries for instance, I had gone up to the front for a good ol' mosh, but found the sound level unacceptable- some instruments were 'clipping'. I left that one and wandered back to my van to talk to my wife, and found that the volume of the Faeries was causing loose fittings to rattle. No two ways about it, that took the piss. Especially given that I was pitched in the middle of the quiet area. Bear in mind, before I settled on Shrewsbury, my August Bank Hol festival used to be Reading. Even using this as a benchmark, the volume of the main stage was ridiculous. Nor am I some whinging old fella- I'm 26. |
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17 Sep 07 - 08:07 AM (#2151021) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Rich Bucknall Having just had a whinge, I'd like to add that I did thoroughly enjoy Shrewsbury, and the main stage volume is my only gripe. In terms of size, family friendlines, choice & variety of acts, pricing etc, I reckon you've got it right. The trouble with the main stage volume was that it intrefered with so much else. In the other two concert marquees, you could hear the main stage over the acts! |
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17 Sep 07 - 10:18 AM (#2151102) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Folkie Yes I agree. I found the main stage too loud so concentrated on other venues where the sound levels were more to my taste but there was too much interference. It was very difficult for performers in acoustic venues to perform against all the sound coming from the big marquee. I did enjoy the festival on the whole but don't like over amplified acts. |
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18 Sep 07 - 01:43 PM (#2152006) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Mr Red Oh dear - read it how you will, you can't demonstrate the size of the Festival without analogy or example but of course - the minute you use a yardstick it is read a different way. Now read this wrong - if you can. Shrewsbury is big, not the biggest but in 8 Festivals time at the present growth it will surpass Cambridge. A goal that is on the agenda in many peoples' estimation. Big brings a different flavour and the clientele to go with it like the "me" generation and it only takes one or two to change the look and feel. It was said and I had to agree "I have not been to a folk festival where there are so many people I don't recognise" - One steward who did a lot of wandering the site on duties told me he didn't see a particular friend that he had arranged to meet with. There, are those betters definitions of BIG? BIG, to big festival afficiandos is hardly a criticism, and to those that don't like BIG - it is information. But BIG is not an absolute - it needs some less vague quantifying or it is meaningless. ditto, ditto volume. FWIW Red bodhrans are traditionally stained with the blood of those telling bodhran jokes and the next one needs a bit more dye. Now - do we mention personal attacks as a purile answer to reasoned arguement or am I aiming too high? |
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18 Sep 07 - 02:08 PM (#2152026) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: the lemonade lady The PBFs were loud cos they brought their own sound. Too frightened they wouldn't be heard if they used the house sound!!! Pityfull isn't it. Sal |
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19 Sep 07 - 03:48 AM (#2152452) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Alan Day Well that answers a few questions Sal. Thanks Al |
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19 Sep 07 - 06:02 AM (#2152494) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Trevor I'm afraid the reference to the 'me generation' passes me by. I recognise that people will have different preferences for all sorts of things. It stands to reason to me that the number of people who want to attend an event will determine the size of venue, the artists booked, the atmosphere and so on. Afficionados of the smaller events may regret that things change - presumably, if they don't like it they'll stop going. People will vote with their feet and if more people walk in than walk out organisers will, naturally, feel that they're doing it right. I was going to say 'smaller, more intimate events'. Personally I found the atmosphere at Shrewsbury as welcoming, friendly and intimate as any festival I've been to. To treat it as a private do, a club for those in the know, strikes me as far closer to my definition of behaviour of the 'me generation' than anything I saw at Shrewsbury. And to be honest, it doesn't surprise me that the cliqueishness for which Mr Red seems to be pining results in comments like those two earlier postings, puerile though they may be. |
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19 Sep 07 - 12:56 PM (#2152731) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Windygather "Oh dear - read it how you will, you can't demonstrate the size of the Festival without analogy or example but of course - the minute you use a yardstick it is read a different way. Now read this wrong -if you can." I can't understand a word of this. Please, Mr Red, for those of us that are less erudite, can you tell me what this means without taking the piss? We - me partner and kids, folkies ("musos" even maybe)through and through - went to Shrewsbury, had a great time, thought a couple of acts were noisy, didn't enjoy Paul Brady so went to listen to The Wilsons instead. We went to a couple of smaller venues, thought the unaccompanied singing was great (The Wilsons, Quartz, Stream of Sound and particularly Rapsquillion). If the agenda is about giving lots of people what they want (because they obviously wouldn't turn up if it was wasn't) then good for the Surtees for responding. If you couldn't hear people when you were 150 yards from the tent then you must already have a hearing problem. Or more likely, because I saw you as well, its because you were conducting a conversation whilst 'playing' your bodhrain, next to the little sessions that were happening in the table and chair area. Whichever, to suggest that the noise levels from the marquee were the cause, is crap. I object to the pejorative connotation of the term 'me generation', particularly when being used by someone who seems to be suggesting that things shouldn't move on because it may spoil it for him. Is it unusual for a mechanical engineer a sound expert a public health consultant and a witty punster, to also be a such a Luddite? Vote with your feet Mr Red. And could you please use plainish English on here so that idiots like me can understand what the hell you're on about. |
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20 Sep 07 - 11:19 AM (#2153454) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,HELGA My name is Helga, I can in your town soon. I am vondering, vot is red person. He dresses all in red? Is like Santa Clause yes? No, oh well I'm sure he is red and fluffy, cuddly man. He speak vis the BIG words yes? I'm guessing something is very small - his brain. I think he must be darling man and sounds so funny with his little red van, like your postman Pat. He also seems to be expert on everything in world – he sounds like my sort man, I bet he sexy man. I visit his web site, most confusing until in Norwegian I read –then is much better. Anyway I visit Mudcatpeople again soon to catch up on my little, how you say, stick of the rhubarb. |
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20 Sep 07 - 12:25 PM (#2153500) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Moses I feel I have to say again that I thought the only blot on an otherwise lovely festival was the level of sound in the main marquee but here it is:- THE LEVEL OF SOUND IN THE MAIN MARQUEE WAS TOO LOUD AND INTERFERED WITH MY ENJOYMENT OF EVENTS IN THE OTHER VENUES. If I'm shouting it's because no one seems to have listened properly to what is the real issue. It is obvious that if I or anyone else doesn't like the level of sound in the main marquee we can vote with our feet and go elsewhere. However, when we get elsewhere the sound follows and spoils the enjoyment of the quieter acts in the other marquees. The organisers have gone to a lot of trouble to put on something for everyone and we should all have the opportunity to enjoy the type of music we like. I have paid my money the same as everyone else and I like to hear quieter acts. I should be able to enjoy them without interference from the noise from the main marquee. Why put on quieter acts if we can't enjoy them properly? Christine |
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20 Sep 07 - 12:45 PM (#2153514) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra Moses - you certainly have a very good point. One of the problems with festivals in tents is the potential for sound leakage. I was at a festival last weekend and I could hear the Ceilidh in the main marquee most of the time. There is no way you can sound proof marquees. |
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20 Sep 07 - 12:47 PM (#2153518) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Kampervan God, this is getting quite boring. I think that the organisers have, by now, got the picture that some people thought some acts were too loud whilst others didn't. Can't we move on to something more interesting? I thought that the beer was too good. It encouraged me to drink far more than I wanted to and I'm told that it made me snore. What are the organisers going to do about that? |
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20 Sep 07 - 02:07 PM (#2153584) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: Trevor Aye to that! |
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20 Sep 07 - 02:12 PM (#2153590) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Sandra ...and I'll certainly second that! |
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20 Sep 07 - 06:07 PM (#2153790) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: John J You can't please all the people all the time...but you can have a bloody good try - which I think is what Alan & Sandra did. With regard to the beer - try encouraging those who sleep in your vicinity to drink a similarly large amount - they won't hear the snoring. It worked for me. JJ |
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16 Oct 07 - 01:58 PM (#2172454) Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Festival 2007 - what's on? From: GUEST,Tam in Gloucester Discussion at local our cielidh and BAnbury made me look at this. I don't think arrogance and insults are boring. Ignoring it is accepting it as the norm. I have only been to two Shrewsburies and the dances were much less appealing this year despite the problems last year. And I only went because Mr red put flyers peoples hands at dances and recommended it. And you make him a liar and rubbish people for telling you. His appology is wasted by the organisers. Personal taste is just that but insults are not what Folk is. And it was too loud - now insults me I wont be back, here or there. |