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12 Apr 11 - 06:50 AM (#3133574) Subject: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran Line up so far is Alejandro Toledo & the Magic Tombolinos Emily Smith Fairport Connections Feast of Fiddles Jane Taylor Kanda Bongo Man Mathews Southern Comfort Quill Ralph McTell Seth Lakeman The Churchfitters The Dylan Project Three daft Monkeys Cara Dillon Chumbawumba Jaquie McShee's Pentangle Martyn Joseph Peatbog Faeries Richard Digance Steve Gibbons Acoustic The Wurzels Butlins |
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12 Apr 11 - 11:26 AM (#3133737) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pistachio Dates and which location please? Hazel |
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12 Apr 11 - 11:29 AM (#3133742) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Arthur_itus http://www.bigweekends.com/your-break/67404 |
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12 Apr 11 - 12:12 PM (#3133764) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Dave the Gnome Looks good - Even makes Skegness in December attractive :-) (No insult to Skeggy intended of course...) DeG |
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12 Apr 11 - 12:28 PM (#3133776) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Silas How does this work then? it says 79.00 per person, what does that include? Cheers |
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12 Apr 11 - 12:51 PM (#3133787) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Arthur_itus Silas The £79 includes accomodation. However, that is probably the worst accomodation. So the £79 could go up depending on what type of accomodation you choose and whether you are self catering or meals included. It's excellent value, but anybody wanting to book needs to act very quickly. |
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12 Apr 11 - 12:53 PM (#3133788) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Silas Worst accomodation - you mean worse than a tent in Bromyard 2008? |
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12 Apr 11 - 12:58 PM (#3133793) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Dave the Gnome Quick look at the site and I would guess that the 79 squids is room only. The rooms look OK but it does mean you will have to eat out all the time as there is no kitchen. Seeing as it is Butlins I would guess all the entertainment is included but I didn't spot that anywhere on the site. D. |
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12 Apr 11 - 01:08 PM (#3133796) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Arthur_itus This is the quote I got for a one bedroomed apartment for 2 people, with breakfast and evening meal and the entertainment. Your cost breakdown: Cost of your break £144.00 15% off brochure price -£21.60 Price after discounts £122.40 Cost of your holiday extras: Food Court dining (includes dinner and breakfast) £12.25 per adult per night, £6.10 per child per night £73.50 Holiday Insurance (Remove) £20.00 Total cost of your break: £215.90 Total cost includes: 3 nights accommodation Live entertainment Splash Waterworld Food Court dining plan Holiday Insurance Hope that helps. By the way only one left for that one. |
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12 Apr 11 - 01:18 PM (#3133804) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Silas Thanks Arthur, I'll speak to 'er indoors and maybe... |
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12 Apr 11 - 01:35 PM (#3133812) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Dave the Gnome That is damn good value considering the price of a weekend ticket for most festivals would take a big portion of that. I guess they are pricing to sell as not many people visit during early December! D. |
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12 Apr 11 - 02:40 PM (#3133856) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,DICKY BOY We went last year great weekend great value ask about a sky bar pass as well if you decide to go.. |
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14 Apr 11 - 03:19 AM (#3134864) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran Sky bar passes all sold out . |
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24 Apr 11 - 08:19 AM (#3141578) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Were there any opportunities for sessions at last year's festival or was it all just attendance at performances? |
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17 May 11 - 03:27 PM (#3155869) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran More info on Fairport Connections: "Fairport 'Connections' for Butlins!! Our own Dave Pegg has been invited to be a patron of 'The Great British Folk Festival' which takes place at Butlins Skegness later this year. Peggy has programmed Fairport 'Connections' for Sunday 4 December. He says, "I had the great pleasure of playing at Butlins Festival last year and am expletive delighted to be invited back and am honoured to have the chance to book the acts." Peggy continues, "The idea behind Fairport 'Connections' is to present performers who have either supported Fairport on our winter tour or who have played at our annual Cropredy Festival. Gerry Conway and myself will be joining annA Ryder, Anthony John Clarke, Bob Fox, P.J.Wright and Steve Tilston for the afternoon show commencing at noon and the day finishes with a set from Brittany's fabulous Churchfitters. The evening show features Jacqui McShee's Pentangle, Martyn Joseph and concludes with a set from The Dylan Project. It's a great chance for myself & Gerry to play with some of our fave performers and I can thoroughly recommend the Butlins festival. See you there." |
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17 May 11 - 04:05 PM (#3155894) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Arthur_itus Churchfitters are great. had them at faldingworth live twice and are booked for 2012. Go see them. |
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17 May 11 - 07:13 PM (#3155999) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: melodeonboy I'm pleased to to see they're still going! I saw them at the Breton music festival in Quimper (Kemper) in the late 90s. Good stuff! |
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25 Oct 11 - 04:50 AM (#3244372) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Graham Parker How would one go about getting a gig slot on the line up for this year, or next year if the line up's full? Graham |
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25 Oct 11 - 06:45 AM (#3244414) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran Speak to Butlins? |
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25 Oct 11 - 06:57 AM (#3244423) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller Usual 18+ policy so won't be going. |
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29 Oct 11 - 09:43 AM (#3246643) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran No kids wooo hooo! |
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29 Oct 11 - 12:06 PM (#3246717) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller Absolutely. We don't want the younger generation getting involved in folk music - it's only for miserable old bastards. |
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26 Nov 11 - 10:51 AM (#3263753) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom Here we go again.......... |
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26 Nov 11 - 08:07 PM (#3264019) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Murray We enjoyed last year's festival very much, despite the appalling weather. There are no sessions, singarounds, children's entertainment, workshops. Just the concerts. My sort of festival, in fact!! |
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26 Nov 11 - 09:49 PM (#3264053) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker we had all this out in previous years threads.... so.. obnoxious middle class families with spoilt brat egg shaker screaming anti social kids are not welcome for one weekend in an entire year of multivarious folk events.. boo hoo.. might just as well accuse Butlins of being anti Southerners or anti non car owners.. or anti fuckwits who never even heard of folk music or anti dead people.. or anti foreigners who find travel arrangements in the middle of winter to Skegness even more difficult than Southerners..... sorry if I find it difficult to feel sorry for spoilt self centered me me me overeducated world revolves around us middle class twats... |
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26 Nov 11 - 09:58 PM (#3264057) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,punkfokrocker ok.. i'm just bitter and angry... wish they'd sort out a franchise festival for minehead butlins or even sand bay pontins for us pathetic non car owning to poor to afford train tickets south western cider heads... |
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27 Nov 11 - 06:19 AM (#3264151) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller ""we had all this out in previous years threads...." Indeed we did, pfr - what a shame attitudes haven't changed. I'm increasingly disillusioned with a folk scene that, apart from a few beacons of enlightenment, seems increasingly like an interminable episode of One Foot in the Grave, without the humour. Why can't the folk scene be more like the community drama group that my 12-year old goes to, where people from a wide range of age groups, backgrounds and abilities can come together to put on a production of Les Miserables and all have a whale of a time doing it? No wonder so many folk clubs are having a tough time if attitudes like some of the above prevail - and thank goodness for the wonderful, joyous all-inclusicve festivals like Moonbeams Wold Top. |
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28 Nov 11 - 06:58 AM (#3264684) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Murray It's just a different sort of Folk Festival - and it's run by Butlins who run dozens of these weekends so it's just a way of making money out of season to them. I've often thought that they shouldn't call it a British Folk Festival as it's not really British (this year's acts and last year's were mostly English) and it's not a festival as most of us understand the term. Most folk festivals have entertainment and activities for children as the organisers have realised that festival-goers want to bring their families. Provide something for the kids and you get the parents to attend. Butlins don't want to cater for the kids - and that's up to them. I don't know much about these things, but I would presume it would cost them a lot more to provide accommodation, insurance and entertainment for kids. I don't think they provide anything for the kids at any of their specialist weekends. It's not that they don't like kids (this is Butlins, for goodness sake!!) - they just don't want them at their weekends. I enjoyed not having kids there - but that doesn't mean that I don't want to see kids at most of the summer, camping real folk festivals - which this one isn't!! |
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28 Nov 11 - 03:01 PM (#3264958) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom I can't believe that it's necessary to have to educate people with such triviality. Butlins FESTIVAL is for adults only, if you don't agree with that don't go. There are plenty of festivals that welcome children, if you don't agree with that don't go. Stop whinging like a group of juveniles…… |
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28 Nov 11 - 04:04 PM (#3264986) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller "Butlins FESTIVAL is for adults only, if you don't agree with that don't go." That's the whole point - I can't go; I'm excluded because I have children. It's called age discrimination. I can't believe you don't understand that. |
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28 Nov 11 - 04:21 PM (#3264995) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: selby on the plus side no kids on the slides in the pool:-))))) |
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29 Nov 11 - 03:55 AM (#3265260) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller Selby, I want to see the photographs (will you be wearing a wet suit)! |
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29 Nov 11 - 08:19 AM (#3265372) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST I have kids leveller, I also have 9 grand kids, I take them to Butlins every year, I also take them to other seaside resorts. I take them to the Wath Festival where there are lots for them to do, face painting, games, laughing policeman, arts and crafts, world culture and they love it, but it is their choice that they don't stay for the evening concert because they don't like it, so I take them home. However, Butlins festival don't have lots for them to do, face painting, games, laughing policeman, arts and crafts or world culture, it is for adults only and I am going. So what's stopping you? |
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29 Nov 11 - 08:47 AM (#3265389) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller "So what's stopping you?" Two reasons. Firstly, I have a 12-year old who loves folk music, has been brought up with it and and has been with us to every festival we've attended since she was born. To farm her out to someone else while we go would be incredibly disappointing to her. Also grossly unfair. Secondly, there's no way I'm going to give money to an organisation that supports discrimination so that can make a fsat buck. I've spent years of my life fighting against age discrimination and I'm not prepared to compromise my principles. Let me ask you this. Would you support a festival that excluded disabled people on the grounds that they needed special facilities or might offend people? What about a festival that excluded women? After all, they want hairdressers, nail salons and shoe shops, don't they - and their own toilets where they can leave the seat down? And what do they know about folk music - many of the songs were composed before they even had the vote? You get my drift? Discrimination is discrimination, no matter what gloss you care to put on it. |
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29 Nov 11 - 12:36 PM (#3265515) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom Hmmm you cant make Butlins, shame but I would recommend The Winter Folk Weekend December 10th and 11th 2011 The Seagull Theatre, Morton Rd Lowestoft, Suffolk with: With artists including John Ward and Mario Price, Richard Grainger, Martin Carthy, Horses Brawl and more. I'll be there so it would be nice to meet you. I've also purchased tickets for the Gainsborough Old Time Festival 10th to 12th February 2012 The New North Carolina Ramblers and Ira Bernstein & Riley Baugus There are more acts TBC Its at the Queen Elizabeth's High School Morton Terrace Gainsborough Lincolnshire DN21 2ST Also look at this, I have tickets for the Frome Folk Festival, Frome, Somerset all this for £58.00 Line-up already announced: Spiers and Boden, Bella Hardy, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Tim Edey & Brendan Power, Belshazzar's Feast, Pilgrims' Way, Jenna Witts, Cole Stacey, Luke Jackson with more to announce (including a second headliner). Spiers and Boden afternoon Ceilidh with guest called Phil Bassindale. Concerts, Ceilidhs, Workshops, Sing-arounds, Open Mics, Marketplace and more. Brilliant for you, so much to choose from. Well I hope to see you at some of these but oviously not at Butlins. Sorry about that, keep your chin up... |
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29 Nov 11 - 12:46 PM (#3265517) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom Ooops, must mention the Wath Folk Festival May Bank Holiday Leveller. I do have some knowledge of the line-up but it's a bit too early to say. Kids are very welcome there, I will be taking a group of kids from my family and friends; it would be really nice to meet up with you and yours there. Wonderful festival. |
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29 Nov 11 - 03:02 PM (#3265608) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran Hardly too early to say when the line up has been online for ages and the early bird price deadline is gone Wath line up Anyway looking forward to Butlins :-) |
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29 Nov 11 - 03:10 PM (#3265611) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Dennis the Elder Quite a few will be on their way shortly from the Wath Folk Club, unfortunately not me!!! Please all have a good time. |
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29 Nov 11 - 04:08 PM (#3265657) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom Well done Fran that's cleared that up thank you. My reasoning for adding this info to the thread is merely to point out there are many festivals where leveller and any others with the same veiwpoint can go, without condemning Butlins "which may be the one and only adult only folk festival". I was involved in last years thread torment on the same subject. Why! Dont ask me..... This is my last input I'm tired of it. Dont know why I get myself involved in the first place. See you all at Butlins, should be good..... |
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30 Nov 11 - 03:20 AM (#3265869) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller Pulseroom, will definitely try to make Wath this year - we always seem to manage to miss it for one reason or another. Glad to see that that nice Mr Hearne has been booked. |
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30 Nov 11 - 03:26 AM (#3265871) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller ...ooh, and the incredibly lovely Lucy Ward - it's in the diary! |
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30 Nov 11 - 03:34 AM (#3265876) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: theleveller Oh, and have a bracing weekend in Skeggie, everyone. I don't begrudge anyone a good time - just would have liked to be included. |
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30 Nov 11 - 08:46 AM (#3265986) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Murray I would have felt sad that I couldn't take my daughter to Butlins when she was younger but I wouldn't have felt discriminated against. Butlins do dozens of these "Big Weekends". I don't think anyone at any stage said, "Let's not include kids". Actually, it would be quite interesting to know what the people who attend the other weekends think. It is nice to attend a festival which focuses on the music only. http://www.bigweekends.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PPC&utm_term=Butlins%20big%20weekends&utm_campaign={Big_weekends}&ito=1 |
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30 Nov 11 - 08:47 AM (#3265987) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Murray If the clicky doesn't work - I tried!! |
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30 Nov 11 - 09:23 AM (#3266006) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,I Don't Know Really looking forward to this weekend - great time last year & expect it will be this time.It is nice not having the kids for one weekend. Why does some one not come up with a festival for kids - all performers could be under 25years old & workshops, dances ect could be arranged to suit diffrent age groups & abilities. Parents could be bystanders & helpers. |
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30 Nov 11 - 09:55 AM (#3266024) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Banjiman I'm with The Leveller on this....... I can't go because my kids would want to be there as well. I wonder if there would be any interest in a child focused weekend gathering/ small folk festival. We'd love to help pull one together if there is? Probably the wrong thread to ask this question on though! |
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30 Nov 11 - 11:16 AM (#3266085) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,I Don't Know I will start a new thread. |
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01 Dec 11 - 11:59 AM (#3266754) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,GUEST - Nick Why don't they ever show a timetable, anywhere? Some of us can't make it for the whole weekend. All I've found out so far is that Seth Lakeman is on Sunday. |
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01 Dec 11 - 01:31 PM (#3266805) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran Friday Quill 3 Daft Monkeys Ralph McTell Chumbawamba Peatbogs Emily Smith Saturday Richard Digance Cara dillon Steve Gibbons acoustic Matthews Southern Comfort Sunday Seth Lakeman Martyn Joseph Pentangle Dylan Project Churchfitters Fairport Connections ft Anna Ryder, Bob Fox, Anthony John Clark, Steve Tilston Jane Taylor Alejandro Toledo & the Magic Tombolinos Could not find out which day the Wurzels were on but would guess Saturday. |
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01 Dec 11 - 03:30 PM (#3266892) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Joe G Thanks Fran - that's useful to know - those who have been before do they have all day concerts on Sat & Sun or just evening ones? Is the sound ok - and what real ale do they usually have - I gather there were long queues for it last year! Is the Fairport Connections band actually Fairport - I am confused! Looking forward to seeing Churchfitters for first time - as well as lots of others |
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01 Dec 11 - 03:32 PM (#3266894) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: RamblinStu Looking forward to this weekend. Hope to see you there Stuart Pendrill |
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01 Dec 11 - 03:54 PM (#3266914) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran They had one venue running afternoon concerts and two venues running in the evening, sound was great in Centre Stage, never went in Reds so no idea. Don't drink so don't know about the beer. Fairport Connections is a project with Dave Pegg and Dave Mattacks from Faiport and some of the previous Fairport Supports including Anna Ryder, Steve Tilston, Bob Fox and Anthony John Clarke. |
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01 Dec 11 - 04:51 PM (#3266951) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Joe G Thanks Fran - I first realised my confusion when I noticed they were down the list of artists - thought it was too good to be true - haven't seen Fairport for years - not a huge fan now but would have liked to check them out - the Connection line up sounds potentially interesting though - mind you Bob Fox is in War Horse unless this is one of the few gigs he is still doing |
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04 Dec 11 - 11:08 AM (#3268303) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Roger Clayton At the GBFF 2011 on Saturday. The Wurzels. Miming part of their act! Yes, miming to a backing track of music and vocals. Love to hear comments and opinions. |
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04 Dec 11 - 12:51 PM (#3268341) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Dennis the Elder Pointless exercise, why bother turning up, they could have sent cardboard cutouts. |
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05 Dec 11 - 05:56 AM (#3268671) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Murray Any more reports from the festival? I loved it last year. Wanted to go this year but couldn't. |
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05 Dec 11 - 08:32 AM (#3268714) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Petz Now returned from the Butlins Big Folk Festival at Skegness. Hmmmm. Not really a folk festival – just one long weekend series of concerts. There were no music or sing around sessions, no dance sides, a few stalls but, sadly, no dance venue!! A visit to the "pub" and a chat with the management, who'd never heard of a session, but liked the idea, agreed to make their conservatory available. This proved to be a winner and was well supported through the weekend – why didn't the organisers know about this kind of thing when the punters did? Hopefully, they will learn and take it on board for next year. Yes, there were two "Open Mic sessions" but a chance to showcase for a couple of minutes and strut your stuff isn't quite a session is it? My personal suspicion is that the tried, tested and proven formula for 60's/70's/8o's/Rock 'n' Roll weekends was applied to this weekend in the naive belief that it would work in the same way – I lost count of the number of people who commented that "this weekend seems to have been organised by someone who doesn't really know very much about folk festivals." Two giant arenas with state of the art sound systems should have been ideal for presenting the acts but, again, so much was poor. I could see and hear performer after performer frantically signalling to sound engineers for a good 15 minutes into their set before the sound, even on stage, was acceptable. Why did it take 30-45 minutes for each change over when temporary set-ups at other weekend folk festivals (whether huge, like Shrewsbury or smaller, like Ely – equally good, by the way) manage it in less than 10 minutes? My evil mind says that if you are going to hang on to your seat for half an hour between each act change, in a very warm arena then there is only one thing to do – buy another drink With so much permanent equipment, why was the sound quality and mix so abysmal when, again, these other festivals do so well? So, what was good? As always, a chance to meet up with chums and see a variety of good folk acts at a very good price but that doesn't make it a Folk Festival. |
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05 Dec 11 - 09:14 AM (#3268731) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker oops... talk about culture clash !!!??? ..some folks just don't understand the concept of a Holiday Camp !!!! Butlins entertainments promoters probably never anticipated this extent of inflated unrealistic middle class alternative lifestyler expectations and over sensitivities when they took a gamble on the 'Folk' genre of themed music nostalgia market weekenders to try out on their regular 'get away from the family & kids for a couple of nights and let your hair down with a crowd of away from it all binge drinking swinging adults' punters...... I bet they don't get all this complaining from the 'Soul & Disco' and'Heavy Metal' weekender ravers... Now if only The Fairports could muster their investments to open up a speciality all year round Cropedy 'Folk' Holiday camp just to cater for the over demanding whims of 'our kind of people'... |
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05 Dec 11 - 09:27 AM (#3268736) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Mikey D It was my first visit this year, and I thought it was OK but could improve. The only act I caught that I didn't like were the three Foolish Monkeys, who were much too loud, especially the percussion. But on the whole I thought it was OK. I did enjoy the informal session, which was all the better for being informal; If Butlins had organised it thay would have employed a professional and it might not have been as good. Chumbawumba were terrific, inspite of being greeted by some very noisy audience members. So all in all not a bad weekend. |
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05 Dec 11 - 09:31 AM (#3268739) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker Prior preparation and research may be in order for some mudcatters contemplating any future Butlins Folk Weekender.. It appears "Lonely Planet" and "Rough Guides" do not publish any books on visiting the Traditional Great British Holiday Camp but these DVD's may serve as reasonable alternative contextual material and an insight into what to realistically expect: Carry on Camping (1969) Holiday on the Buses (1973) Confessions from a Holiday Camp (1977) |
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05 Dec 11 - 09:57 AM (#3268749) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,I Don't Know Just returned from a good weekend of entertainment. I did not enjoy 3 Daft Monkeys that much but you can't all like everything. Heared Friday eve that rebooking for next year was already well underway and if you wanted the sky seats you neededd to hurry and book, I did just that, by saturday afternoon all skybar seating was taken. This morning there were three ladies still taking bookings for next year, one member of management said out of 6000 punters this year they have already taken advanced bookings of nearly 2000. Something must be right. I spoke to several people and the main topic of complaint was the change over times between acts and the fact Reds (the second venue) stood empty both sat and sun afternoon when maybe they could have had reversal of acts so you could have seen everyone. Yes the sound was dodgy at times and as Richard Digance said " I only have one guitar can't you even get that ....right!!!!" All in all very good accomadation and friendly staff. Looking forward to seeing next years lineup. |
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05 Dec 11 - 09:59 AM (#3268750) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker ..and it wouldn't be to far fetched to imagine this kind of post at mudcat in the not too distant future I tried dogging for the first time this weekend It was held in an appalling dingy little car park hidden away miles from anywhere. There were no facilities to speak of; where were the food and crafts stalls ? where were the workshops on traditional dogging methods ? and absolutely no activities available for families with small children. The music was dismal, just muffled rythmic banging and grunting from random parked cars. The organizers were completely absent and unavailable to listen to my advice on how this could all be better managed. Then when any stewards did show their faces, it was not until near the end of the proceedings when they arrogantly insisted I get in their van and accompany them to the station.." |
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05 Dec 11 - 10:38 AM (#3268762) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker .... ".. but at least the fringe sessions are to be commended for being relatively friendly and inclusive; welcoming onlookers and open to participation for new & inexperienced performers..." |
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05 Dec 11 - 11:24 AM (#3268774) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom After reading your comments I agree and disagree but I'm not going to speculate with responses to them. I will however add my twopenneth for what it's worth..... I was happy in general but I had a skyline pass so a bit unfair of me to comment on some subjects. I thought the artists were short changed with the sound engineers, somewhat disgraceful, however due to the professionalism of artists, the end result was good. Richard Digance spoke out and I thought that was brave of him, I also enjoyed his performance. I think the Fairport Connection/Dylan Project is a good idea, but I didn't enjoy the Steve Gibbons acoustic set, I think he belittled himself, he was fabulous ending the show in the full band line up. Bob Fox as good as always, Chumbawamba, Cara Dillon, Peatbogs, Martyn Joseph, Churchfitters, Steve Tilston (short set) and 3 Daft Monkeys all did it for me, the young band as stand in (Rusty Shackle) were very entertaining and good luck to the young boys, all in all good value for money. Steve's short set, well! What a cock up, admitted by Dave Pegg, he gave Anna Ryder more than he should which resulted in the set running out of time. I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy Anna's set either. I would agree that the organisers (Butlins?) still have things to do if they expect the success to prosper. My comments are my personal feelings of the festival, I really had a fantastic time, good food, decent accommodation and fantastic entertainment resulting in a brilliant weekend so no complaints overall and I must point out that the staff were absolutely fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, we met some nice people and made new friends. So! I have purchased tickets for next year including skyline pass on the strength of it ……Bring it on…… Rusty Shackle: http://www.rustyshackle.com/index.php?id=24 |
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05 Dec 11 - 12:31 PM (#3268796) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: RamblinStu Just back from this weekends adventure in Skeggie Blood cold Sound engineers did their best to mess up everyones act Saw some great acts, drank some "so so" beer and ok wine Food was Butlins I'm sure Butlins have never has such a peaceful weekend, if that's ok with you! For me, the Fairport Connection set was the highlight, brilliant. Also The Churchfitters shortened set, is worth a mention Overall I enjoyed the event, and I'm not put off going again Wishes for future events 1 Proper sound crew 2 Proper Ales 3 Move to a warmer climate Stuart Pendrill |
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05 Dec 11 - 12:35 PM (#3268800) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chrispy Does anyone know why Peggy wasn't playing in the Dylan project? I thought it was the gig he was looking forward to. |
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05 Dec 11 - 12:36 PM (#3268801) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Joe G What a bizarre place Butlins is - stick in the 1970's - it even has its own institutional smell which taints everything. Some great music though - new discoveries for me Joe O'Donnell (incredible fiddle player with superb band), Jane Taylor (powerful blues voice and another great band) and Alessandro and the Magic Tombolinos (high energy Balkan sax player and yet another excellent line up). For the first time I 'got' Seth Lakeman - not sure if he has changed or I have - a brilliantly tight ensemble. Chumbs were great as always, Peatbog Faeries mainly tedious but things picked up towards the end and Steve Gibbons was the worst hour I have had in a concert for as long as I can remember. Cara Dillon was the absolute highlight - enjoyed her even more than at Shrewsbury. Was thinking of going back next year if line up was good but people started queuing over an hour before the gigs which meant you had to join the queue not too long afterwards to be sure to get a seat. An hour of standing next to slot machines is not a great experience! Also, as already commented, they need to get their sound checking sorted - sometimes the sound was very good but at other times eg Kanda Bongo Man it was dreadful. Some of the artists were obviously having a lot of problems with the sound. Perhaps those who had great sound had their own engineers? |
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05 Dec 11 - 12:39 PM (#3268803) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Strummin Steve Jackson Agree there's good/not so good aspects. It really is great value if you opt for the premier catering & the accomodation is good. The event is not dependent on the weather condition and it is a holiday camp so you need to accept that. I don't understand the soundcheck scenario,those staff need to get their act together,when you've got all day the least you can expect is for the musicians not to have to contend with last minute soundchecks & for the start times to be roughly accurate,plus I found the lighting in the centre stage areana to be a bit much at times & it was dificult to actually watch the stage. Thought Martyn Joseph was superb,Matthews Southern Comfort,Kanda Bongo Man,The Dylan Project, Bob Fox and Anthony John Clark also did it for me. Special mention for Chumbawamba who were something of a revelation & on a special personal note(for my musical development) I was the guy who sang Ring Of Fire with them! Anne & myself have booked again for next year,so they are moving in the right direction.Please don't book the Wurzels again and I also noticed they mimed to a backing tape on that remixed Combine bloody harvester number. Now that is a serious offence at a folk festival..... |
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05 Dec 11 - 02:28 PM (#3268871) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,firstimevisitor I went to guest services to complain, as did many others at the same time, mainly due to the fact that on both Sat and Sun pm only one concert was on and hence not everyone could get in! We/I was told that Butlins didn't organise the event but merely hosted it. Bev and Phil Knight are the organisers and complaints should be made to them. I was also told that the weekend was a 'whole' experience and I could watch TV, watch football(in two venues) and go swimming as well as all the other things Butlins has to offer(most of it closed!). I tried to explain that I wasn't on holiday but had come for the gigs and music. Apparently this is normal procedure for all BIG Weekends...... 3287 people on site, each venue holds 2000 people - you do the maths!! Incidentaly, B and P were on site but refused to come and discuss it with us as they were in a gig!!! |
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05 Dec 11 - 02:46 PM (#3268877) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom That's interesting, I noticed that the Reds was closed on a couple of occasions, I purchased a skyline pass so I spent all the weekend up there, this is why I can't really comment, it would be unfair of me. However! I saw people forced into area's that were really out of the way to enjoy anything from the stage, also in area's near the toilets that were quite smelly and actually felt cold. Both my wife and I commented on what we saw. We also had friends there and I guess they only spent a small amount of time in the music venue's due to not wanting to queue for hours and therefore not getting a suitable place(and I don't blame them in those temperatures) so maybe the festival isn't as glamorous as I indicate. I felt really sorry for some people who were put in that situation0, so I hope that the real organisers can be found and some form of compensation sought. |
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05 Dec 11 - 04:32 PM (#3268931) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Doug Williams Overall not a bad w/e -even the Butlins food wasn't too terrible (quite nice, actually -in the Yacht Club at least). Only one MAJOR problem with the event for me -too many people queuing for far too long to get into each of the main venues, and not enough seats to go round if you were late. Wonder whether it might be better next time to charge more, have the three venues running acts for most of the day and cut the numbers down a bit? Just a thought. |
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06 Dec 11 - 04:53 AM (#3269138) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,I Don't Know Recieved filled in and returned questionier on line last night. Wonder wether anyone will read the suggestions and act on them ! |
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06 Dec 11 - 05:10 AM (#3269143) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,I Don't Know Should have said in earlier post Strumming Steve Jackson was Brilliant, everyone near me thought he was a plant- what a singer and the lady that joined in had a good time with her five minuites of fame too. |
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06 Dec 11 - 05:55 AM (#3269155) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Chris Petz Hi I don't know. how did you access the on line questionnaire? |
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06 Dec 11 - 07:17 AM (#3269201) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,I Don't Know The questionnaire came as an e-mail link with the confirmation for next years booking. |
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06 Dec 11 - 08:15 AM (#3269220) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST, SiG That's handy! So you can only comment on this year's festival if you book for next year first? Brilliant. D Cameron could learn a lot from that strategy: "You're only eligible to vote in the next election if you voted Tory last time." ;o) Perhaps @I Don't Know, or somebody else, could subvert the system by posting that email link (as long as it isn't personalised to them) here, so everyone can have a voice? |
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06 Dec 11 - 08:23 AM (#3269223) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Armanaya I received a feedback request by e-mail on Monday and have not booked for next year as yet. Agree with some of the comments - improvements could be made but it is still the best value event I have been to and I and the other 5 people in our party had a great weekend. Spoke to another friend who had gone self catering and only paid £50 per head !!!! |
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06 Dec 11 - 08:34 AM (#3269229) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Joe G I got a feedback link and I didn't book for next year - its a personalised link Need to see the line up - would have to be absolutely brilliant for me to go back though. Would also need to buy some noise cancelling headphones to drown out the slot machines - oh and a folding chair! |
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06 Dec 11 - 09:09 AM (#3269247) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,I Don't Know Yes it was a personalised link just coincidance we got it at the same time as the confomation I guess. |
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06 Dec 11 - 09:44 AM (#3269266) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,SiG GUEST,Armanaya: "I received a feedback request by e-mail on Monday and have not booked for next year as yet." & "Yes it was a personalised link just coincidance we got it at the same time as the confomation I guess." That's not so bad, then. I retract my earlier remark about cunning Cameron-style doublethink! Yes, the self-catering deals are extraordinarily cheap, especially if you don't mind sharing with a few friends. The party I was with took turns to provide a main meal for us all, which worked very well, and kept costs down, as we only had to find lunch for ourselves. The chalet wasn't fantastic, but I've paid a lot more for worse accommodation. The weekend's programme included one or two acts that were hardly folk, in my book, but that's true of many festivals, and you don't expect to like everything. And there were some great sets by some brilliant performers. Yes, the long waits between acts were irritating – and so was that ridiculous smoke they insisted on pumping out almost all the time (except for during Ralph McTell's set, he was allowed to breathe. Had he complained?) I noticed several performers having to cough discreetly off-mike during their sets. Yes, it was far too crowded in the two venues most of the time and the swirling spotlights in Centre Stage were a pain. And the sound was inexcusably bad at times, often poorly balanced or excruciatingly loud (I've been to – and enjoyed – heavy metal gigs before; I never expected to be deafened by one man with an acoustic guitar!!!). But the Butlins staff were friendly & very helpful, and the Sun & Moon pub's conservatory proved to be an ideal venue for the informal session that we got started (and which then took on a life of its own, thanks to Ray, who kept it going for most of Saturday and Sunday, and thanks to Pete at the excellent PJ Music stand who told people about it). It would be great if that session could become a feature of future folk events at Butlins. We even had a French dance/session in the Sun & Moon from 10.30–noon on Sunday before the mixed song/tune session took over for the rest of the day. Many thanks to the staff team at the Sun & Moon for allowing us to use the room and for being so helpful. People obviously felt a need for these inclusive, participatory events, rather than just passively listening to the paid performers. A few more similar informal options would also help to relieve the pressure on seating in the concert venues, especially at times when only one of those is operating. |
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06 Dec 11 - 12:31 PM (#3269338) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST Just thought of another gripe (sorry, Butlins!): the totally inadequate (and confusing) programme booklet. I didn't bother to see Alejandro Toledo & the Magic Tombolinos because from the name they sounded like circus clowns or a magic act (and given some of the random acts that were booked, that might have been true!). They were, however (I now discover), a rather exciting Balkan/sax/world music band, whom I probably would have liked! But the programme only included write-ups of about 9 acts out of 20+, so deciding which of the lesser-known names to see was pure guesswork. |
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06 Dec 11 - 02:36 PM (#3269415) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom Another problem with the programme was the way they had some bands highlighted. Were they the headliners? I dont think so! If they were meant to be I wouldn't agree. Anybody else notice? |
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06 Dec 11 - 06:44 PM (#3269513) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,SiG They were the ones who had write-ups in the programme. |
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07 Dec 11 - 05:38 AM (#3269712) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST I wish I had realised that beforehand doh! |
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07 Dec 11 - 09:16 AM (#3269799) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,I Don't Know Without trying to sound to picky can someone tell me the names of the awful MC's. The lady I believe was Sue? The main objection was the man kept waffling with his back to the audiance & when the artist finished he walked on so quick he was recieving the applause not the artist. I learnt to MC by Davy Jones & have yet to find anyone who can match him. He ALWAYS starts on time - if your late/not sound checked the audiance is let in & the gig starts- he introduces the artist with a short welcome, he waits a few seconds once the artist has finished before reappearing on stage to announce either an oncore/break/next act. Gives you some idea how long a break will be & at the end of each session thanks sound/lighting as well as the artists. |
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07 Dec 11 - 11:12 AM (#3269857) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Pulseroom I totally agree with you, so unprofessional. These tactics will bite them in the arse at some stage. Sound Engineers, Lighting Engineers, MC's were very poor. Butlins staff excellent. Who is trying to save /make money from this show? |
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07 Dec 11 - 01:16 PM (#3269922) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: Fran I thought the MC's were just fine, they are only volunteers not Butlins staff and I much prefer them than the disembodied red coat voice we had last year! |
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07 Dec 11 - 03:22 PM (#3269987) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: tweetiepie 1....comperes dreadful 2....queing atrocious 3....Fairports cronies forget it 4....Poor steve got half his set. 5....heat terrible 6....no seats 7....Seth and Cara brilliant 8....Get someone who knows about folk to compere..have already sent a pm to Mike Harding he is looking into it. 9 ...as self catering food venues were dire. 10...open both venues and alternate so if you missed you you had another chance. 11...get up to date acts like Bellowhead and Lucy ward instead of wurzels and pentangle and peggy 12...do it at Mineyhead. 13....shoot the soung engineers 14...Rusty Shackles introduced as an unknown quantity were BRILLIANT. 15..Chumba brilliant. 16....Churchfitters brilliant. 17...Only paid £44 each..no food..brilliant. 18...Butlins staff were brilliant. 19...not going next year..queues and bad to get to. 20...great to see so many lovely folk entusiasts..well behaved and happy apart from some who did not think they needed to queue and just pushed in. My view in bullit points....XXX |
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07 Dec 11 - 03:23 PM (#3269989) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: GUEST,Strummin Steve Jackson Last year there were no MC's so it's a step in the right direction,they're still learning on the folk fest thing at Butlins. |
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07 Dec 11 - 03:23 PM (#3269992) Subject: RE: Butlins Great British Folk Fest 2011 From: tweetiepie sorry about typos arghhhhhhh |