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Travel in the UK - seeking music

28 May 13 - 01:53 PM (#3520099)
Subject: Travel in the UK
From: GUEST,Erin Griffin

Hi, this is the first time I have posted on a forum, so please bear with me. I was guided to your site via Guy Wolff who said that your collective may have some good ideas for places to see/play music in the UK.

The travels will be through the month of June, beginning in Glasgow and ending in London. We will be three American ladies, Anne Banks who is a musician who lived in Rothesay for a few years when she was younger, Anne Marie who is a dairy farmer and physical therapist and me an occasional professional but mostly a person trying to rennovate a house and grow a beautiful garden. Ideally we would like to find folks playing music. Anne will have her guitar and we all would like to learn some traditional songs.

Thanks very much for reading.


28 May 13 - 02:08 PM (#3520102)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: GUEST,alex s no cookie

http://www.burnleyfolkclub.co.uk/

every Friday


28 May 13 - 02:36 PM (#3520109)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: SteveMansfield

There's loads of festivals going on during June, and a lot of the town-based ones have ample opportunity to get involved in pub sessions and singarounds.

A couple of festival listings sites to get you started: http://www.efdss.org/front/festivals-2013/festivals-2013/214294 and http://www.spiralearth.co.uk/festivals/ukSTATIC.asp .


28 May 13 - 03:59 PM (#3520130)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Jack Campin

And for Scotland:

http://www.tmsa.org.uk/documents/TMSAEventCalendar2013.pdf


28 May 13 - 04:40 PM (#3520135)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Leadfingers

Lots of Clubs and Sessions in the London area - Sharps F C at C#house on Tuesday is a good start . Ideally , join Mudcat - Its free and personal messages are dead easy for sorting possibillities


28 May 13 - 07:54 PM (#3520191)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: GUEST

Herga F C london celebrate 50 years on Monday 24th June

Bodmin folk club in Cornwall fridays a very good club almost as old as herga


28 May 13 - 09:05 PM (#3520207)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Jack Campin

Arran Folk Festival, 6-9 June

The World's Room, Edinburgh, June 14th


29 May 13 - 04:28 AM (#3520281)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: LesB

And in Southport, Bothy Folk Club
every Sunday & also 1st & 3rd Mondays. Music session (1st)Ssingaround (3rd), at 'The Guest House', Union St.
Also in Preston every Fri a singaround at The Moorbrook Inn.
Cheers
Les


29 May 13 - 07:58 AM (#3520312)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: kendall

I've been a guest at many local folk clubs all over the UK and they have all been very nice folks.


29 May 13 - 09:01 AM (#3520340)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Dave the Gnome

How are you going to be getting about transport wise and what is your basic itinerary? Don't give too much away in case of unwelcome attention :-( but if we have a better idea of your plans we can probably give better advice.

Cheers

DtG


29 May 13 - 09:23 AM (#3520346)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Girl Friday

You could come to Orpington Friday Folk. Orpington is at Junction 4 of the M25 London Orbital Motorway, and directly linked with London Rail Stations, Charing Cross and Victoria. See our websitehttps://sites.google.com/site/orpingtonfridayfolk/


29 May 13 - 10:25 AM (#3520362)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: GUEST,leeneia

It's often helpful to ask the owner of your lodging if there is any traditional music in the area. They have local knowledge.


29 May 13 - 12:41 PM (#3520409)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Marje

I doubt it, Leenia. Most non-folkies, including guest house/hotel stsff, will have no idea what folk music going on in their locality. Internet sources such as Mudcat, along with local/regional websites for the relevant areas, are much more likely to be helpful.

I agree with Dave above - a rough itinerary would help us advise you, and it makes a big difference whether you've got a car or are relying on public transport. In either case, I can assure you that neither Arran nor Bodmin (both suggested above) is on any conceivable route you'd take from Glasgow to London. This country takes longer to get around than you might imagine, so it's best to narrow your search a bit.

Marje


29 May 13 - 01:47 PM (#3520434)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: GUEST,AEOLA

I agree with Marje, look at how you intend to reach London and then pick some places within reach of your route. Mudcat will then tell you.


29 May 13 - 05:28 PM (#3520514)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Noreen

Hi Erin,

You've done the right thing posting here.

I would suggest Alcester Folk Festival, 21-23 June weekend.

Alcester is a lovely little town in Warwickshire, on your route down to London, not far from Stratford-upon-Avon and all those Shakespearey connections... and the festival is very friendly, with opportunities to listen, join in and make new friends.

Quite a few Mudcatters attend, and we're a friendly bunch.

Ask if you'd like to know more.


29 May 13 - 05:51 PM (#3520520)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Richard Bridge

If you will have reached Kent by the Summer Solstice, join and PM me for information about a private invitation only even near Biggin Hill.


29 May 13 - 07:23 PM (#3520555)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Gallus Moll

You might post your request for info on the footstompin website, it is Scottish based and you should find more accurate and specific local info there, specially if you indicate your dates - --   Arran and Rothesay are both easily accessible from Glasgow by public transport (rail/bus then ferry) in fact in summer there is a choice of ferries to both islands, specially if you have a car but also by bus!) - I imagine Anne might wish to revisit Bute?

Meanwhile I shall contact the 'folkies' I know there, see if they remember her, mention she may visit in June.

if you are using public transport the traveline website is pretty good for finding various public transport - it does not always cover every possibility, local information (from tourist office etc) can be of more help.


29 May 13 - 07:23 PM (#3520556)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Jack Campin

neither Arran nor Bodmin (both suggested above) is on any conceivable route you'd take from Glasgow to London. This country takes longer to get around than you might imagine.

I suggested Arran because one of the people travelling had lived in the next island up in the Firth of Clyde, and must know the place (it's somewhere you'll probably want to revisit if you've been there once). There isn't anything in Bute at that time.

Arran is close enough to Glasgow and well enough served by trains and ferries that I've climbed Goat Fell from Glasgow as a day trip two or three times. Hundreds of people do it every day during the summer.


29 May 13 - 07:40 PM (#3520557)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Tattie Bogle

Agree with Jack and Gallus Moll: Arran not difficult to get to, well worth a visit, even if it's not "as the crow files" between Glasgow and London. If you've got the best part of a month for your tour, there's plenty of time to go there.


30 May 13 - 04:33 PM (#3520841)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Dickmac

I agree with the positive comments re Arran. Not only are the sessions and concerts generally very good - Arran is a beautiful island to visit.
Check "Arran Events" site for full festival details.


02 Jun 13 - 06:19 PM (#3522026)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: JohnDun

If you're staying around the North side of London.   Here's the local sessions/clubs.   Post on the thread or PM me if you need more details...


What's on in Herts/Beds - Permathread


03 Jun 13 - 10:43 AM (#3522268)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Tattie Bogle

More details here of Arran Folk Festival - this coming weekend.
http://www.arranevents.com/arranfolkfestival2013.php

And of the truly beautiful place that is Arran (no vested interest, but have been several times):
http://www.visitarran.com


04 Jun 13 - 04:32 AM (#3522519)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: GUEST,Lavengro

You could do a lot worse than visit the festival below. Great setting right next to Tintern Abbey, great crowd, food, beer. And plenty of opportunity to have an impromptu session and pick up some Welsh songs/tunes.

http://www.folkonthelawn.com/

And whilst you are in the area you could do a lot worse than Rumney Folk Club in Cardiff (Third Friday). If you do go to Cardiff the Welsh Folk Museum (St Fagans) is a must. Lots of old restored and relocated buildings, smithy, clog maker, and a good section of traditional Welsh instruments and bits and pieces from past Eisteddfods etc.

Have a great time wherever you decide/end up!


04 Jun 13 - 05:02 AM (#3522524)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Johnny J

If you are up in Scotland the following weekend, you could head up to Keith

http://tmsakeithfestival.blogspot.co.uk/

where you have a chance to meet some of the real tradition bearers.


04 Jun 13 - 11:17 PM (#3522867)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Noreen

Are you there, Erin?


05 Jun 13 - 09:10 PM (#3523264)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: Noreen

Refresh....


05 Jun 13 - 10:11 PM (#3523278)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: GUEST,Erin

Hi everyone and thank you for all the advice. Lots of life obstacles keeping me from replying sorry... In fact I'm being chastised as we speak by my friend who I'm taking care of in the hospital. It's good she is joking though. Im going to go through and try to respond to each person. Thanks again!


05 Jun 13 - 10:41 PM (#3523282)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK
From: GUEST,Erin

I guess I can't reply individually, sorry if this is choppy...
Schedule is
June 11th Glasgow
June 13th butte
June 15th oban
June 16 mull maybe a trip to Arran as per your suggestions?
June 18 Edinburgh
June 19 keswick
Solstice at castle rigg though thanks for the invite Richard
Then I will be on my own, plan on traveling to the dales then
June 23 Bethesda
June 26 Brecon
June 28th cardiff and the folk muesum?
Then to London where most of you have suggested to check out

I will be traveling mostly by train or bus. I am not sure what kind of Internet connection I will have which is why i havent joined your site, that and i am a bad poster as is clear by my time lagg. Thanks again for all your help and thanks for reading!


06 Jun 13 - 03:50 AM (#3523331)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: My guru always said

Sounds like you're pretty well sorted for most of your trip, well done!

Looks like you won't have more than a few days in London if you're travelling back at the end of June. Perhaps you could let us know your return flight date so we can make some useful suggestions before you come over?


06 Jun 13 - 05:55 AM (#3523363)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Jack Campin

Easier to go to Arran from Bute rather than from Oban or Mull.

I don't think there's anything much happening in Edinburgh on the 18th.


06 Jun 13 - 06:31 AM (#3523378)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: kendall

Please remember that you are a guest there, and an ambassador at large. Leave them hoping you will return, unlike certain "Ugly Americans" whom I will not name.


06 Jun 13 - 06:50 PM (#3523617)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: GUEST,Erin

My return ticket is for the 2nd of July, that is if I don't f ind some reason to stay.
Don't worry Kendall we are three charming ladies who couldn't possibly come off as ugly, though proudly american. Thank you noreen for the invite though we might not be that far south.


06 Jun 13 - 07:18 PM (#3523622)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: kendall

Good. If you are proud to be an American, you don't need to prove it.


06 Jun 13 - 07:20 PM (#3523624)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Leadfingers

I would have suggested Sharps , but that is Tuesday when you fly out


06 Jun 13 - 08:31 PM (#3523647)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Jack Campin

Forgot the TMSA singing session in Edinburgh on the 18th - still happens according to the Gig Guide, I haven't been for a long time. If it's on, that would be worth dropping in on.

Trying to do Edinburgh in a day is more than a bit rushed.


07 Jun 13 - 07:39 AM (#3523738)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: GUEST,Peter

Not much in the way of guest nights around London on that weekend.
Cellar Upstairs and Walthamstow will both have closed for the Summer
For sessions, singarounds and other regular events click here


07 Jun 13 - 08:43 AM (#3523764)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Dave the Gnome

June 21 - Bacca Pipes folk club, Keighley (10 miles south of the Yorkshire Dales National Park) -         

EDDY O'DWYER~ singer, guitarist, concertina player and Weather God who has had to cancel twice due to snow. What odds are William Hill quoting for a slight dusting? Oh, and he has also just bought a banjo!

I may be able to provide a place to rest your head near there if required and if Mrs G has not given the space elsewhere! Email my hotmail dot com account - dpolshaw. I am sure you can figure it out if you want to get in touch. Let me know here though because most things go into the junk mail folder and let me know sooner rather than later.

Cheers

Dave


07 Jun 13 - 08:46 AM (#3523768)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: GUEST,Raggytash

Erin, if you have to be travelling down through Yorkshire try Whitby on the coast, small former fishing port given over the tourism for the most part now but still a lovely place to visit. Lots of history going back to 664AD when the date of Easter was decided upon here, Captain Cook learnt his sailing here, Bram Stoker wrote Dracula here.
Lots of little alleyways to wander through and music nearly ever night on the week. My favourite is the Elsinore on a Tuesday night but there are plenty of others.


07 Jun 13 - 09:03 AM (#3523776)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Dave the Gnome

BTW - Depends which Bethesda you are going on to but you can get to most places from Leeds or I will, likely as not, be going to Manchester on Saturday 22nd. If it is Bethesda in Gwynedd I am sure one of the narrow gauge railways must go near. If it the one in Pembrokeshire I don't know what is near there.

Cheers

Dave


07 Jun 13 - 11:58 AM (#3523826)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: greg stephens

Definitely forget Arran if you are going Oban/Mull way. Arran would be a big diversion.


07 Jun 13 - 01:55 PM (#3523868)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: breezy

mon 1st july herga fc london


07 Jun 13 - 07:22 PM (#3523973)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Leadfingers

IF I can assist in London on your last weekend E Mail me , terryleadfingers on good old BritTel internet Dot com .


08 Jun 13 - 03:57 PM (#3524268)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: YorkshireYankee

Sheffield is a hotbed of folk/musical activity, & there are sessions every night of the week - and it's right by the incredibly scenic Peak District. If you're interested, let me know, and I'll provide more specific info.

Could prolly offer crash space too (depending on the night in question).


08 Jun 13 - 05:23 PM (#3524287)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Steve Gardham

Hull/Beverley not a million miles from the Dales.

15th Maritime Songs concert in Hull Maritime Museum, 11.30 till 2

Following weekend, Beverley Folk Festival


08 Jun 13 - 08:37 PM (#3524330)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Gallus Moll

tried and failed (twice!) to post this a couple of days ago - Suggest you go from Glasgow to Bute bytrain or bus and Wemyss Bay to Rothesay ferry then back to Wemyss Bay and take bus to Ardrossan, ferry to Arran (or train back to Paisley? or Glasgow? then train to Ardrossan)
From Arran you bus round to the small ferry near catacol which takes you over to mainland Argyll, Kintyre Peninsula. Bus (es) to Tarbert then Lochgilphead. You then choose either bus to Oban from Lochgilphead up the coast (about an hour-ish) or different bus to Inveraray, change there for Oban - very scenic tho longer route (probably an hour and a half to two hours)
From Oban it is an hour on ferry to Mull, If you have time, visit Iona too --
Check travel/times/routes with traveline, Caledonian-MacBrayne, Citylink, West Coast Motors and local Argyll services.
there may also be a Highland rover or similar ticket which allows travel on buses/trains/ferries in the area you wish to visit over a period or 5 days or 8 days.
Enjoy your trip!


10 Jun 13 - 04:45 AM (#3524698)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Tattie Bogle

Jack Campin has the wrong date for the TMSA singing session in Edinburgh: it's only once, a month on the SECOND Tuesday of the month, which means the June one is tomorrow, 11th. It's in the Canon's Gait pub on The Canongate, part of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, from 8pm. There isn't one on the 18th, sorry.

If you are in Edinburgh on the 18th, you might like to come to our guest night at Almond Valley Folk Club, which is at The Mid Calder Inn in Mid Calder, West Lothian from 8pm. The guest artist is Andy Shanks, who is a very entertaining singer-songwriter
: probably his best-known song is "The Dancing's the Dancing" which has been covered by June Tabor. £6 to get in.
You can get from Edinburgh to Mid Calder by the First bus service 27/28. Or if it's of interest, I might be able to pick you up somewhere and get you there and back.
(trishs46atyahoodotcodotuk)


10 Jun 13 - 06:02 AM (#3524721)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Jack Campin

If your visit to Edinburgh includes only one day in the Edinburgh area, spending it in Mid Calder seems a bit eccentric.

I can't recall where I got the 18th date for the TMSA singaround from. This listing has the right day but the wrong place:

http://uk.overave.com/2013/4068564101

Getting control of inaccurate listings is not easy.


10 Jun 13 - 06:03 PM (#3524985)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Tattie Bogle

No, they could spend their whole day in Edinburgh and just come to Mid Calder for the evening. Having just driven back from West Lothian on a lovely summer evening, I'd say it has a lot to commend it!

The TMSA singaround has always been 2nd Tuesday of the month (excluding August because of Festival) - but only moved to The Canon's Gait as of last month, so very conceivably some listings may not yet have the new venue (despite our best efforts to inform the various publications)


23 Jun 13 - 02:13 PM (#3529444)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: GUEST,Erin

Hi Everyone and thank you for all your help.

I am currently in York and will be off to Bethesda, Gwynedd.
up to this point We had a great time in Glasgow, our host brought us to Wintergiles our first night and we played until 11:30. The islands were lovely and peaceful and we sang to ourselves. Edinburgh was too short of time but we found Revelie and great people. Solstice we marveled at Castle Rigg and now Im taking a breather and catching up on life stuff such as this internet thing.

Leadfingers: I will be in London June 28th to July 2nd, any advice? I want to see the red house, kew gardens and ride a bike over all the bridges. im not sure how to email you. im a little slow.


23 Jun 13 - 03:18 PM (#3529476)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Leadfingers

Erin - I dont like putting a clear E mail addy in an open form , but I am on btinternetdotcom as terryleadfingers .
You can hire bikes - several on streetlocations for Barclay sponsered bikes - pay by credit card by the hour .

Shame you wont be around on Tuesday as that is Sharps evening


26 Jun 13 - 02:08 PM (#3530655)
Subject: RE: Travel in the UK - seeking music
From: Girl Friday

If you have any energy left - do come to Orpington Friday Folk on 28th.
There is a travel widget on our website. We have an American mandolinist/guitarist/singer that night. Daniel Nestlerode.
He is excellent.
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