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23 Jun 12 - 02:35 PM (#3367129) Subject: cambridge or whitby From: GUEST,martin I'm thinking of Going to Whitby folk festival having been once before. Never been to the Cambidge one but it looks good. as I'll be taking kids and girlfriend, cost is important and Cambridge seems so much dearer, can anyone who's been to both help me compare?! |
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23 Jun 12 - 03:43 PM (#3367156) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Leadfingers For me , Cambridge is way too big ! Most of the 'names' are more Pop/Country than true Folk , and the main stage is well over popolated so you need to arrive well early and try and edge forward till the actual stage appears slightly larger than a matchbox The Club Tent is OK though , I gather , though I havent been since 1972 , and it was too big then ! LOL |
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23 Jun 12 - 05:45 PM (#3367190) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Steve Gardham Chalk and cheese. Depends what you and kids and girlfriend are into. Simple, unless of course you're all into different things. However for breathtaking scenery and sheer ambience Whitby wins hands down. |
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23 Jun 12 - 06:21 PM (#3367197) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Les from Hull For people who sing, play or dance I don't know anywhere better than Whitby. But I've never been to Cambridge. There's plenty of things to do in Whitby apart from Folk Week, though, especially for kids of all ages! |
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23 Jun 12 - 07:26 PM (#3367213) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: GUEST,John J What Les sez. Whitby's excellent and affordable. The beer's cheaper and the fish & chips and kippers can't be beaten. That's where we'll be going this year. JJ |
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24 Jun 12 - 03:31 AM (#3367297) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: GUEST,FloraG Whitby caters for children - clog dance and music sessions + the beach. Things happen all over the town so be prepared to travel to things from the camp site. Great fish and chips. The headliners tend to be fewer in number. Cambridge is more like a pop festival - stand to watch the performers - not so good with little ones. You have to que to sing or to play at the club tent. However, you can camp on site. Plenty of ethnic food + everything happens on site. FloraG. |
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24 Jun 12 - 04:03 AM (#3367301) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Ann N Here's a link to Whitby Folk Week 2012 Guest list :) Town will be very busy Saturday to Monday at the start of the festival as these 3 days coincide with Whitby Regatta 2012 Lots for children to do at both events and a beach to play on :) |
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24 Jun 12 - 05:00 AM (#3367316) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: theleveller Like Steve says, chalk and cheese. If you're taking children or people who aren't hard-core folkies,then it has to be Cambridge, mainly because of the wide variety of music and lots to do all in one place (well, two if you're staying at Coldhams, which is a little festival in its own right) without trailing round from venue to venue. Also the festival buzz is amazing! Even though it's local, I've never really got into Whitby and having gone for the odd day, my daughter was bored in a couple of hours so we headed into the North York Moors. The beach is great unless, as usual, the weather's foul Having said that, we can't afford either at the moment. |
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24 Jun 12 - 05:21 AM (#3367318) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: sapper82 After an enjoyable week last year, despite the bloody rain, I'll be at Whitby again this year, only this time in a holiday cottage with the family. |
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24 Jun 12 - 05:25 AM (#3367319) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: John MacKenzie I Cambridge is Hunter wellies Then Whitby is clogs. |
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24 Jun 12 - 05:34 AM (#3367321) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Big Al Whittle well in Whitby - generally there's somewhere to have a civilised shit - and I feel that counts for a lot. |
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24 Jun 12 - 05:34 AM (#3367322) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Mo the caller Whitby is biased towards Traditional and participating. Lots of sessions in pubs - all free, some on the programme, some just happen (arranged by a group of friends I suppose). Lots of workshops on various topics, and sessions for various levels of players (usually £5 to non-seasontickets). if you want to learn or improve or join in, go to Whitby. If you want to dance among experts, go to Whitby. If you want fish and chips and sea air, Whitby's the place. There are 2 campsites, one for people with season tickets and one for those who want to see the displays, play and sing in pubs and just pay for tickets to a few events. It would be worth borrowing a programme from someone who went last year and looking to see how much you'd want to go to - the season tickets are good value. Some events are in small venues and season ticket holders are given priority (quite right too). Cambridge doesn't sound like my cup of tea. |
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24 Jun 12 - 05:37 AM (#3367323) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: banjoman Spent our honeymoon at Whitby Festival so we have decided to return after 40 years to celebrate Ruby Wedding anniversary. Staying in an Hotel this time 'cos the back & legs don't do camping anymore. |
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24 Jun 12 - 05:40 AM (#3367324) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Big Al Whittle Saltburn and Priddy are very good. And Fylde is probably my favourite - there is Blackpool just down the road from the Fylde Festival and your kids will like Blackpool. Also there is a good market at Fleetwood where Fylde takes place, and it is very scenic - by the side of the irish Sea. Cambridge ...you see some legendary figures, but its physically uncomfortable. The thought of it makes me itch. I'm not really a fan. |
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24 Jun 12 - 05:47 AM (#3367327) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Dave Hanson Cambridge is little more than a pop festival, Whitby is for great sessions, workshops and concerts of FOLK music. Dave H |
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24 Jun 12 - 06:38 AM (#3367341) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Betsy Good Thread - sensible comparisons. Looking at original question and the "kids" issue , I think Whitby will keep them fully occupied in all sorts of ways that Cambridge can't and girl friend will be able to escape the music on occasions if required. Good food, drink , here's even a supermarket in the centre for soft drinks / sandwiches / fruit. Escape from the music for a while ? - go on the choo-choo North Yorkshire steam railway. Besides all of that - I think Whitby is a better scenario to expose young 'uns to music and dance. Anyway good luck in arriving at your decision, and note Big Al's earlier assertion , (with which I heartily concur) as it is a most important issue. Betsy. |
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24 Jun 12 - 07:21 AM (#3367343) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: BobKnight I'm going to Whitby this year, and I'm taking Elizabeth Stewart with me. I think Thomas McCarthy will be on the bill too, so don't miss it. (unashamed plug) |
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24 Jun 12 - 09:58 AM (#3367363) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Noreen As has been said above, Whitby is for participating, Cambridge is for 'having it done to you'-and that rolls over to the sort of people who you'll meet there. At Cambridge (I've been once, about 10yrs ago) there were a high proportion of people sitting drinking and expecting to be entertained, leaving rubbish everywhere... while at Whitby, where I'll be again this year, people are far more involved in making it happen. You'll know what Whitby is like, having been; Cambridge doesn't have the variety. Any number of people can go to Whitby and have a totally different festival from each other, depending whet they want to do- attending concerts, dancing at ceilis, learning a new skill at workshops, singing or playing in fringe events and never attending an 'official' event, taking trips out to Robin Hoods Bay or the Moors... or a combination of these and plenty else! Enjoy, whatever you choose. |
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24 Jun 12 - 10:10 AM (#3367370) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Steve Gardham Neat summary, Noreen. Spot on. Interesting to see what martin chooses after all of these responses. |
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24 Jun 12 - 02:07 PM (#3367479) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Richard Bridge I (pretty much) met my late wife at Cambridge - it was largely folk and roots then, always a good vibe, there was an unofficial "main stage 6" near the children's play area - and you could recline your kids in sleeping bags in the club tent in the evening and almost all the booked guests would pop in and do a slot. That was probably '72. We went religiously for years. In I think 1980 Jacqui had to stand between a group of German bikers and our stepdaughter to prevent untoward harassment (I was elsewhere on site at the time and unaware), and I think that was also the year a bunch of punk-poet fans unscrewed one of Eddie's legs at the knee when he objected to them stopping his whole family sleeping at 3 am - in the "family area". We were on one of the Anglia TV specials about the fest one year - probably 1990 - Rachel belting out "Whip Jamboree" for all she was worth. We did try going back twice in the mid 90s but it was very pop and country - might have been one of the Kinks headlining one of those years. The friendly onsite vibe was gone and a disabled friend punched out the local MP (from his wheelchair) when the MP stood in front of our friend in the disabled viewing area. I think that was the year the club tent emptied when John Kirkpatrick played it - he was his usual brilliant self but those present (self excluded, and I'm not a squeeze-lover) had no appreciation for him. I've never been to Whitby but I am unlikely to go to Cambridge again. |
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24 Jun 12 - 03:09 PM (#3367498) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Big Al Whittle theres obviously a very traddy bias at Whitby and quite a contemportary bias at Cambridge. The festivals I have named, the bias is not quite so pronounced. And I'm willing to bet they're cheaper. Personally I choose by what guests I want to see. Its not foolproof - people who you've seen in the intimate surroundings of a folk club - quite often they find the forty five minute slot at a festival, not a form to their liking. Go to two two cheap festivals instead of one expensive one. |
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24 Jun 12 - 07:12 PM (#3367568) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Joe Nicholson First went to Cambridge in 82 first went to Whitby in 82 never been to Cambridge again never missed a Whitby since. Joe Nicholson |
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24 Jun 12 - 07:21 PM (#3367573) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Leadfingers I must admit I have never been to Whitby , mainly because it clashes with Sidders , and I get free beer at Sidders and I know where to get a cheap bed !! WAS at Cambridge when it was still very Folkie , but TOO big for my delicate taste ! |
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25 Jun 12 - 03:29 AM (#3367644) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: theleveller "I think Whitby will keep them fully occupied in all sorts of ways that Cambridge can't " We've had quite the reverse experience - both our children (9 year age difference) have loved Cambridge. The main benefit of Cambridge is that it's all on one site, whereas Whitby is all over the town. Personally, I found Whitby very cliquey with singarounds too packed to perform or controlled by 'the usual suspects'.. I've been to Cambridge many times and only once seen a fight - which was quickly dealt with by police and security. |
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25 Jun 12 - 03:33 AM (#3367649) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: LesB Might I venture to suggest, substitute Warwick for Cambridge & you might have a more interesting comparison. Whitby is all that people have said except that you may have got the impression it is all participation. Apart from the odd workshop I rarely participate. There is a wide choice of concerts to be seen from midday to midnight, but few 'Big Names'. Warwick is a large on site festival with everything there and a good balace between big names & club stalwarts. Given a choice I'd still go to Whitby. Fylde is pretty good too. Cheers Les |
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25 Jun 12 - 05:32 AM (#3367672) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: s&r Whitby once Cambridge every year. Cambridge is the best festival I know for kids activities. Fylde is great. Stu |
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25 Jun 12 - 12:09 PM (#3367781) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Mo the caller Al suggested that other festivals would be cheaper than Whitby. Not sure what the late-bookers, full price is like. But the Earlybird OAP price of under £100 for a full week is hard to beat. Maybe the full price for a week is double the others weekend price. And you can buy day tickets, or event tickets (if there is space) |
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25 Jun 12 - 01:58 PM (#3367820) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: nutty The question may be academic if Guest Martin has not already arranged accommodation at Whitby. As the Folk Festival and the Regatta take place at the same time, spaces will be at a premium. On the other hand, the Regatta will provide a good deal of optional entertainment for those not too much into folk music. |
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25 Jun 12 - 02:55 PM (#3367840) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: John MacKenzie Sidmouth Folk Week Date: Friday 3rd - Friday 10th August 12 Whitby Folk Week Date: Saturday 18th - Friday 24th August 12 Clash? |
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25 Jun 12 - 03:02 PM (#3367845) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Kevin Sheils Never known a clash, maybe Leadfingers is referring to a clash of "type of festival" Or something else ;-) |
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25 Jun 12 - 05:01 PM (#3367911) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Les from Hull Maggie and I run evening singarounds in the Endeavour - a fringe event. I do hope we are not packed or cliquey. All welcome. |
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25 Jun 12 - 05:17 PM (#3367921) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: John MacKenzie I work in the evenings, unfortunately |
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25 Jun 12 - 05:36 PM (#3367935) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: McGrath of Harlow If you're taking children or people who aren't hard-core folkies,then it has to be Cambridge" I'd say completely the other way round, especially where chidren are concerned. Whitby's a brilliant place to spend a family holiday even if there wasn't a festival going on. Unless you're really into the types of music being played at high volume at Cambridge, best to give it a miss these days. |
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25 Jun 12 - 05:56 PM (#3367943) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: GUEST,martin some really good, in depth stuff to mull over there. Thanks to everyone for the opinions. I do like the sound of the vibrant atmosphere of Cambidge, but not the crowding to get a good position. I also think the 'bigger names' would appeal more to kids and girlfriend than some of the hard core folkies and I did experience the cliquishness(thanks Leveller) in the rugby club at Whitby. Having said that, I did attend wytchwood last year, although good (big names) there was a crowd issue for the more popular acts and I assume Cambridge would be even more of a squeeze. So I'm being pulled toward Whitby for it's town, variety and... fish and chips! I would definatley try Cambridge next time though Martin |
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26 Jun 12 - 02:40 AM (#3368074) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Noreen Try both and let us know what you think! I'd also recommend Warwick- I've been with my children for many years, they are now grown and still go every year with increasing groups of friends :) Very friendly, all on one site so youngsters can have some autonomy, swimming pool on site... etc! |
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26 Jun 12 - 04:15 AM (#3368089) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Geoff the Duck I've never done Cambridge so can't comment on that. I always go to Whitby. One thing to be aware of is that since the government changed licensing laws pubs do not allow children (and that means age 17 and under) on pub premises in the evening. Before that, well behaved ones as part of folk families were able to go into rooms separate from bar areas. In many pubs the cut-off time is eight, which is often before people get cracking on their evening's sing or play (they can stay in the Endeavour until nine). That one factor made a big difference to what we were able to do as a family. Official festival concerts are not affected, and there has been a big singaround at the Friendship Club where kids were not banned. I would also echo Noreen's comments about Warwick Festival. There is something on site for children of all ages, and the option of going into town (a shuttle bus gets you there, but it is a fairly short walk) for some on street entertainment and a decent Saturday market. Quack! GtD. |
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26 Jun 12 - 06:58 AM (#3368120) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Mr Red Not been to both but: as a social dancer it would be Whitby, as a Folkie it would be Whitby, if I had kids it would be Whitby, if I hated crowds (tick the yes box) it would be Whitby, if I liked quaint old Towns (yes yes) it would be Whitby, aaaaand............................. I ain't rich so it would be Whitby.* I steward at Warwick and rarely hear any negative murmurings about the shindig. * other reason are available but it would still be Whitby. |
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26 Jun 12 - 10:30 AM (#3368184) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: GUEST,Ebor_Fiddler I encourage everybody to go to Cambridge so I can get into the sessions at Whitby. Our family are biased though as we've been going to Whitby since my grandparents cycled there for their honeymoon in June 1912. 100 years ago last week. |
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26 Jun 12 - 10:55 AM (#3368193) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: theleveller Martin, as you've decided on Whitby it would be interesting to hear what you think of it, especially regarding children. BTW, the best, friendliest, best-organised and most child-friendly festival in the North is Moonbeams Wold Top - unfortunately this will be the first year we can't go, due to said child having prior engagement in cast of Les Miserables on that weekend. Oh, and sorry it's sold out now. |
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26 Jun 12 - 05:08 PM (#3368351) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: GUEST,martin Will let you all know. Warwick sounds good but the dates don't suit this year(work) I'm now worrying about the pubs at night, looks like we'l have to shop around! lets hope the concerts sell real ale!! |
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26 Jun 12 - 06:01 PM (#3368377) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: GUEST,Peter lets hope the concerts sell real ale!! Rifle club and the Spa both do (can't remember if you have to go to the main bar in the Spa rather than the theatre bar). Not sure about Football and Rugby clubs. |
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26 Jun 12 - 08:24 PM (#3368451) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Joe Nicholson Maureen and I have been running Singarounds at Whitby for twentyfive years fisrt in The Plough and now in The Rifle Club. We have always welcomed children in fact some who came twenty odd years ago still come now. If the children like to sing - play or do both all the better. Joe Nicholson |
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27 Jun 12 - 02:35 AM (#3368519) Subject: RE: cambridge or whitby From: Gillie The Spa has a small real ale bar, set up seperate to the main one. I to reccomend Whitby for all the same reasons as Mr Red! |