Shrewsbury Folk Festival

14 Jul 06 - 07:29 AM (#1783273)
Subject: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Tony five bellies

Is anyone going to the new Shrewsbury Folk Festival?
It looks like a fantastic line up.

What is the campsite like and will there be any pub sessions?

Tony five bellies

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28 Jul 06 - 04:50 PM (#1795695)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mo the caller

I've got a brochure which promises pub sessions, workshops, singarounds & shanty sessions. No details given on leaflet or website

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29 Jul 06 - 04:19 AM (#1796035)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: My guru always said

Am going! Will watch this thread for details of pub sings etc, looking forward to this 'new' festival...

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29 Jul 06 - 04:30 AM (#1796041)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: George Papavgeris

I'll be there Saturday, possibly also Sunday morning

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29 Jul 06 - 01:20 PM (#1796263)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Ian Pittaway

I'll be there for the w/e. Since it'll the first time at Shewsbury, no idea what the camping will be like.

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29 Jul 06 - 02:01 PM (#1796291)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: kab

The camping is on two sites about a quarter mile apart.
The Quarry site is where the marquees will be sitedand offers some camping which is all allocated and there are no vacancies here.
The main camping is on the County Cricket Ground and it is very flat,quite extensive and extendable.
There will be catering(Moor and Coast and others) on site and showers will be available in addition to the usual loos.
The Shrewsbury Festival website has a good map and an aerial picture or two showing the locations and their proximity to each other and to shops etc.

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01 Aug 06 - 05:01 AM (#1798511)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Trevor

Just a minor correction, the campsite is on the County SHOW Ground, also known as the West Midlands Showground. I think the county cricket team play on the outskirts of town so don't go there! (The map is pretty good anyway).

The Quarry will be a great venue, alongside the river, and for those who don't know it, Shrewsbury iks a lovely place. Anybody wants gen on pubs, restaurants etc let me know.

Can't wait!

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01 Aug 06 - 06:37 AM (#1798550)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Dave Roberts

I picked up a (very professional) flyer recently. Shrewsbury looks like being everything a good festival should be.

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01 Aug 06 - 12:09 PM (#1798887)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: NormanD

According to last night's episode, Tommy Saxondale and his missus are going (he, reluctantly....).

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02 Aug 06 - 07:03 AM (#1799665)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: muppitz

Not a correction as such, more information, but Moor & Coast are going to be on the campsite rather than being on the main ground with all the other traders.
I'll be there all weekend flipping burgers and stuff with the boys!

muppitz x

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02 Aug 06 - 07:23 AM (#1799678)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Moses

Looks like it should be every bit as good if not better than Bridgnorth.

Good to hear Moor & Coast are on the campsite so we won't have to trek for breakfast.

Are Eddie and Maureen going to be there with their great Carribean food? If so don't miss a chance to sample the jerk chicken or chicken curry. Can't wait.

I'm going and so is The Ref.

Mudcat gathering? Anyone know?

Christine

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02 Aug 06 - 12:33 PM (#1799864)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Herga Kitty

NormanD - thanks, I wondered if I'd dreamt the bit where Tommy Saxondale mentioned Shrewsbury festival!

Kitty

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02 Aug 06 - 07:20 PM (#1800131)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Noreen

http://www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk/

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03 Aug 06 - 04:10 AM (#1800329)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: John J

Hello Noreen.

:-)

J

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03 Aug 06 - 08:10 AM (#1800438)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Noreen

Hi JJ, and everyone else going to Shrewsbury! We'll be stewarding, and looking forward to a good sing or two.


(Can someone explain the 'Tommy Saxondale' reference please? Means nothing to me.)

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03 Aug 06 - 09:06 AM (#1800461)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GerryMc

i'll be there as I'm playing bass with Flash Company. Just picked me up a bull fiddle. Insulating tape around me fingers and off I go.

Also taking me geetar so will probs do some sessions and stuff.

I suspect Ani may be pointing her camera at people.

And it's good line up too

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03 Aug 06 - 10:00 AM (#1800498)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: John J

Hi Noreen,

The Tommy Saxondale thing confused me too...not difficult!

BTW Tim (No1 son) starts his Masters at Manchester 'cos he STILL wants to bea librarian.

See you at Sidmouth / South Zeal / Shrewsbury or whatever.

John

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06 Aug 06 - 12:36 PM (#1802751)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: danensis

How does one recognise a fellow 'catter? I've been going to Bridgnorth since it started and only ever found a couple of 'catters - one running the lemonade stall and the other dressed in Red.

John

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06 Aug 06 - 03:11 PM (#1802843)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Nigel Parsons

Tommy Saxondale

BBC Comedy character played by Steve Coogan ( or is it Alan Partridge? I'm getting confused!!)

CHEERS
Nigel

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08 Aug 06 - 03:50 PM (#1804671)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: danensis

Does anyone know if the lemonade lady who used to be at Bridgnorth is going to be at Shrewsbury?

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09 Aug 06 - 07:32 AM (#1805139)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Trevor

Ask her - pm Mrs Lemon.

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09 Aug 06 - 11:05 AM (#1805254)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: muppitz

danensis, I'll be working for Moor & Coast, probably on the late shift, not too difficult to find!

muppitz x

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09 Aug 06 - 12:11 PM (#1805309)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: webfolk

Danensis, a text to Sally who is currently at Sidmouth, and a reply to me who is currently at home, tells me that Ms Lemon, the Leomonade Lady, immortalised in my song 'I'm in love with the lemonade lady' which can be found at my website under 'songs' at www.webfolk.net WILL indeed be at the Shrewsuby Folk Festival.

Geoff

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09 Aug 06 - 12:55 PM (#1805351)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

Is this the same 'webfolk' who was criticising Bernard for blatant self-publicity a while back? Pots? Kettles? See thread . You're having a laugh, surely?

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09 Aug 06 - 12:56 PM (#1805354)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Yellow

OOOOOOOOOoooooooooer

Mr Red (apparently) wrote a song about the lemonade and sang it on the Thursday of Bridgnorth. See pdf or text

All Fri, people were saying "heard the song, nudge nudge". Mr Red - coy as ever, denied all knowledge, & prompted strangers to comment to her about the song as they walked past. Sally, kept asking him about this song wot he knew nothing about! Best fun he had with his clothes on.

Not that I have met this Mr Red - you understand. d8^)}

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09 Aug 06 - 01:15 PM (#1805374)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Rasener

Wow that looks very good.

I would love to be there, but will be in Holland.

Maybe next year.

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09 Aug 06 - 01:24 PM (#1805387)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: webfolk

GUEST (at least I am not afraid to put a name to my messages)
Yes I was having a laugh, in the other thread that you so kindly highlighted regarding 'self publicity'.
We all do it, we all need it.
You, however, clearly don't need the publicity and aren't prepared to put your name to a message.

Mr Red's song is good too, and The Lemonade Lady also deserves all the publicity she gets.

I'm looking forward to seeing her at the Burntwood Festival on August 18th - 20th.

Geoff
www.webfolk.net
www.myspace.com/geoffrodgers

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13 Aug 06 - 07:31 AM (#1808647)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

refersh.

I heard on grapevine that the main campsite is full already.

Anyone kno?

Alternative cites?

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13 Aug 06 - 12:05 PM (#1808790)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: kab

The Quarry site is full.
The county Ground site is large,flat,picturesque and splendid and only a 10 minute walk from the Quarry site.Have a look at the Shrewsbury Website and all will be revealed.

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13 Aug 06 - 06:45 PM (#1809102)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

How far is the county ground site from the railway station? Is it walkable?

There is a footbridge marked on the website map, does it give acess to the campsite or would people still have to follow the roads marked by blue arrows.

thank you in anticipation

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14 Aug 06 - 06:59 AM (#1809390)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: the lemonade lady

Hey boys, thanks for the song adverts!

Yes I'll be there. Hopefully near the bar and the main marquee.

So Trevor, you'll be there? It'll be good to see you.

Traffic'll be a bugger on Monday night onto the bypass with competition from the Onlsow Park steam rally. Takes hours to get off that site so be prepared to jam! Sesh in the road? Pete Grassby entertained on the M5 last week when there was a serious jam.

Sal

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14 Aug 06 - 07:11 AM (#1809393)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: webfolk

You know you have reached notoriety (sp) when you have at least two songs written about you!

Geoff

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14 Aug 06 - 07:15 AM (#1809394)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: LesB

It looks a great line up But i'll be at Whitby all week prior & then Fylde the following w/end. Just a festival too far. Have a good time Sal & sell lots of Lemo.
Cheers
Les

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14 Aug 06 - 02:55 PM (#1809669)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: kab

In answer to guest:The railway station is a ten minute walk from the County Ground Campsite via the footbridge which gives onto the car park alongside the County Ground and through which entry to same is gained.The station is up by the Castle just to one side of the town centre.
The blue arrows are I think to mark the best vehicular entrance route.I hope this helps.

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15 Aug 06 - 12:21 PM (#1810393)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

thank you kab, that sounds very clear, and the walk should be achievable with camping gear.
May I suggest you offer your directions to the organisers for them to include your explanation on the website for the benefit of those arriving by train or coach.

thank you again

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15 Aug 06 - 12:43 PM (#1810409)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

if this map is any clearer you can zoom out as far as you wish it shows the station and Quarry with the county ground almost central. It will be a journey of discovery for me. Maybe I will meet Mr Yellow!

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16 Aug 06 - 04:58 AM (#1810962)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

The festival website promises information about workshops later in the year(!). But I would like to know now as I'm off to Whitby but may call in on the Mon. Do you know if you can pay at the door or must you buy a day ticket?

What time is the traffic problem at it's worst, Ms Lemon, do you really mean hours? We would be heading North.

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16 Aug 06 - 06:51 AM (#1811006)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: webfolk

Mr Red meets Mr Yellow. What a thought!

Geoff

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16 Aug 06 - 07:32 AM (#1811032)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Rasener

Maybe they should call themselves The Red and Yellow Peppers

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16 Aug 06 - 08:00 AM (#1811052)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

I'm sure it can be Oranged...................

I'll get me (red) coat...........

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16 Aug 06 - 08:03 AM (#1811054)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

My experience with Bridgnorth in previous years and workshops at festivals generally tickets for workshops are not likely - day / afternoon+evening / evening tickets are as close as it gets.

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16 Aug 06 - 09:26 AM (#1811109)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

Places like Whitby & Chippenham do, at Poynton the workshops were free!
I dont want to spend £17 as dont want to go to a 'big name' concert

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16 Aug 06 - 12:27 PM (#1811265)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

Pub sessions will be free - and because Shrewsbury is a new set-up all round only the organisers know the ropes. My feeling - if I was a steward and Alan and Sandra were not reading this would be to look at the venue. If it was in need of bodies I would be barking them in not looking at tickets - if near the fire limit even a ticket would be no guarrantee of entry.

But I am more likely to be stewarding the stewards.................. or dancing despite the presence of John D Loudermilk III in a probably packed concert tent - now there is a name to pull in the punters.

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16 Aug 06 - 02:10 PM (#1811382)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Trevor

Heading north shouldn't be a problem Guest. I would think that the traffic from the steam rally will mostly affect people heading for mid-Wales on the Welshpool road.

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17 Aug 06 - 11:11 AM (#1812286)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

I want to meet somebody who is stewarding at the festival, is it a closed site or will I be able to meet outside the marquee?

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17 Aug 06 - 02:24 PM (#1812404)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: danensis

We went and had a look at the site after Bridgnorth last year. I would think the natives would get very upset if the whole of the quarry was fenced off as its a popular recreation spot - even midweek there were joggers, dog-walkers and little old ladies wandering about. If they don't close the whole site they're going to need miles of security fencing, so I would imagine it will be open with closely guarded venues. So if the sound is at the levels it has been some years, just bring a deck chair and you can have a free festival!

John

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18 Aug 06 - 08:59 AM (#1812922)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

which pubs are going to be used for the festival? Will there be organised singarounds or informal sessions ?

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19 Aug 06 - 10:26 AM (#1813756)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Alan

Pubs:
The Boat House - opposite the Quarry, over the footbridge - The Shrewsbury Big Session with Ian and Fi Carter-Smith (mixed songs and tunes)
The Wheatsheaf - High Street - The English Session with Flos Headford and John Percy - mainly instrumental.
The Anchor - in Frankwell (over the Welsh Bridge) mini concerts, like we used to do at the Bell and Talbot in Bridgnorth. Watch out for the Wilsons, Johnny and Jimmy etc etc.
All of these are free.

The Old Lion Tap - Wyle Cop - Home of the festival folk clubs - you will need a festival a ticket.
The small (and wonderful Darwin Community Centre in Frankwell will be home to many voice concerts (serving real ale and food) - again you need a festival ticket.

The Quarry festival site will be completely fenced off, but that will be only two thirds of the Quarry. The large elevated, grassed section immediately inside the entrance gates will be open to the public as will the Dingle. The flat arena section below the elevated section will contain the bigger of the Big Top marquees.
So don't forget your deck chair.

Safe Jouney to everyone coming, look after yourselves and those around you.

Love and Best Wishes

Alan Surtees

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19 Aug 06 - 11:59 AM (#1813800)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,sam

Hi there,

Anyone have any advice on camping at the festival, as the two sites are now sold out and i stupidly forgot to buy a camping ticket.

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19 Aug 06 - 03:18 PM (#1813940)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

thank you alan for the information about pubs etc, very useful.

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20 Aug 06 - 06:22 AM (#1814321)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

Mr Happy & fiends world tour couldn't find pitches on any sites in immediate area, but we managed to secure last 3 pitches at Melverley, about 7 miles away.

Here's some other poss. campsites:

http://www.shrewsburysummer.co.uk/shrewsbury-accommodation/camping.shtml

http://www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/accommodation_ca/shrewsbury_ca.shtml

http://www.shrewsburyguide.info/shrewsbury_accommodation/caravan_and_camping_sites.shtml

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20 Aug 06 - 06:58 AM (#1814338)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: MoorleyMan

My plans for part of next weekend have changed albeit at this late stage, and there's a chance I may find myself free to come down and sample this new festival. However, although the website is very informative and your extra information above re pubs and venues was very helpful Alan, it would still seem that there'll be little if any opportunity for singing (as opposed to musicians' sessions) outside of the official (paying/organised) events. Could Alan clarify that perhaps please?

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20 Aug 06 - 08:31 AM (#1814374)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Briansquire

Is there anywhere online I can get a more detailed programme I will be in the area and want to pop in during the weekend but the website dosnt seem give details on times or line ups for any shows

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21 Aug 06 - 07:09 AM (#1814985)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss

Hi everyone
Sure it is the County Cricket ground... the West Mid show ground is further out!! On the festival map its definitely the cricket ground thats outlined. The pdf map clearly marks the cricket ground. Just amble down Smithfield road and over the footbridge.

Hoping to be there some of the days. I have offered to steward, but forgot to post the form back til last week... oh bear of very little brain! So may hear back. Perhaps Mr Red will be organising me!

Im Shrewsbury born and bred.. but living in Telford area. I did ask if they were doing guided tours of the town, but they said no.. but if any one is interested Im happy to oblige...

Expect Ill be staying at my mums as havnt booked a pitch.

Ideas for campsites in reasonable distance.

Beaconsfield Farm Holiday Park - More Info Shropshire
Battlefield
SHREWSBURY
SY4 4AA 01939 210370

is only about 4 miles out

Severn House Caravans
Camping and Caravan Site Touring   
Montford Bridge
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY4 1ED
01743 850229

again about 4 miles out.

Oxon Hall Touring Park
AA       VB         
Camping and Caravan Site Touring   
Welshpool Road
Oxon
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY3 5FB
01743 340868
2 miles

By the way Melverley is 10 miles away

The Quarry is the main venue and is host to the SHrewsbury FLower Show... the other weekend. Percy Thrower was the manager of the Quarry for years. Its a wonderful venue. You must look in The DIngle... a sunken garden with pond and ducks.

Venue is right next to the swimming baths and fitness suite for those who are interested. I suspect there are showers there too. There is also a childrens play area and paddling pool. These are likely to be roped off from the festival site.

There is said to be a pub for each day of the year in the town!

Its a 1 way system round the town.

The main car parks are in Frankwell - which is marked on the pdf map. Also Abbey car park in Abbey Foregate. Both are pay and display. There isnt much onstreet parking and its vouchers. The swimming baths sells parking vouchers.

Also car parks off Wyle COp( shuts at night) and Greyfriars. There is also the multi story off Smithfield RD.

Hope this is of some help.

Hi Noreen, havnt seen you in ages.

cheers
fliss

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21 Aug 06 - 05:55 PM (#1815465)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

Any more session/sar pubs?

or folk friendly ones?

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23 Aug 06 - 06:45 PM (#1817398)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss

Am on the reserve list for stewarding and camping at the Cricket Ground from Thurs pm. Havnt told me mother as she will get the jobs list out if she knows Im in town!

Leaving the other half and the dog to their own devices.. suspect they will share a beer or two... the dog will do the washing up... as usual.

See you all there.
fxx

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25 Aug 06 - 03:53 AM (#1818471)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: My guru always said

Safe journeys all!!

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25 Aug 06 - 06:04 AM (#1818519)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

It was. Slow traffic at the Ray Hall interchange (M5/M6) even at 7pm. Looks worse going south. To get to the County Ground I took the B4380 Roman Road via Moele Brace Island but don't panic if it says to Bridgnorth. the junction of A5191 & A5112 needs a bit of thought but with the maps & a navigator.............
Then hang a right at Port Hill roundabout up to the Frankwell roundabout. Aim downhill and follow the signs.

The most important thing is that despite the yellow official signs the last leg is through a carpark and I had to put an arrow up because if you are towing you wouldn't choose to go through a carpark you can't yet see until you were sure. So when it says coach park and carpark look for the cardboard arrow and slow over the bumps. See ya here.

BTW - anyone needing internet access I found a stall upstairs in the Market Hall - near all the charity shops. twixt Clairmont St & Market St basicall uphill from the Quarry toward the centre of town.

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25 Aug 06 - 07:07 AM (#1818550)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Cathie

Thanks for your info Mr Red

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28 Aug 06 - 04:53 AM (#1820543)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

I enjoyed the variety of music and things to do.
I came home on Sunday night, so could anyone tell me what the weather was like on the Monday please?

thanks

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28 Aug 06 - 05:18 AM (#1820547)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Lizzie Cornish

You can hear Genevieve Tudor's BBC Shropshire's 'Sunday Folk' programme for the next 7 days on Listen Again.

Genevieve did the entire show live from Shrewsbury Festival, many interviews with various artists, as well as some great music...next best thing to being there!

Here's the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/music/folk/index.shtml


Lizzie :0)

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28 Aug 06 - 08:45 AM (#1820638)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,A well wisher

Lizzie Cornish,
You need to be aware that there is someone called Albion Lizzie on the BBC boards (not just the folk one) who is impersonating you. She has your style and mannerisms down to a 't' but she is causing havoc and distress due to her ridiculous attention-seeking behaviour.
Although she claims to be a fan of folk music she is doing the music a huge disservice.
She has denied being you and although I cannot see why she would lie, many people are clearly unconvinced.
I'm sure you would want to visit the board and disassociate yourself with this person.

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28 Aug 06 - 11:18 AM (#1820735)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

Just got home from Shrewssbury FF.

A truly fabulous w/end do.

Me & the Fiends attended the fringe events in the pubs around the town, chiefly the Wheatsheaf for the songs & tunes-a-round.

Met lots fab siners & musos, faces both familiar & new.

Was impressed with the organisation on the main sites, security & on.

I'd like to pass on many thanks to the Stewards who helped our two blind musician fiends,Anna & Phil who attended the marquee concert on Saturday night, who made sure they both got inside safely & got good seats.

Looking forward to going again next time.


Cheers,

Mr H

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28 Aug 06 - 04:19 PM (#1820939)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: the lemonade lady

To GUEST,A well wisher
Date: 28 Aug 06 - 08:45 AM

Why on earth do people do this? What a sad lot you are to bitch like this.
******************************************************************
I came home from the fest today, first thing, having not opened my trailer you may have noticed. I had a stinking migrain and heaved all night. I went to bed 9pm Sunday and slept thru the loud row coming from the main marquee. Then woke up vomitting and being kept awake by some (very talented) musicians in the food shelter. Trouble is caterers have to sleep to provide for the demands of you guys all day, some from 9am till mid-night. The security guards asked them to stop at 3am but did they 'eck, 4.30am Robbie!!! I know it was you cos I heard you do 'Bee's Wing'.

When I arrived, pitched my tent, I had no idea that I was going to kept awake all night, so any wise guy who says I should have moved... up yours! I sleep next to my trailer to keep an eye on it and growl at any b***tard that can't be bothered to find a loo and p**s up against it.

As you all know I go to fests all over the place. The music was way too loud in that main marquee. Why? It didn't have to be, surely? And that Indian band... I've heard more talent from the local nursery school. I'm so glad Keith got his own back.

Folk fests are changing. You can see this by the amount of rubbish that's scattered about. Folkies don't do this so who is doing the abusing. Bridgnorth was clean up till about 3yrs ago. The crap started with the general public and loud commercial bands. There was a time when folkies would leave a place cleaner than when they arrived.

On the whole I congratulate Alan and Sandra, Margaret and Martin, Jill and Terry, Ron, Stewards and all involved. I don't envy them all and i hope they can all sleep when it's all over. This is going to be a big date on the calender for Shrewsbury. I'm not sure it's going to be on mine tho.

Sal

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28 Aug 06 - 08:05 PM (#1821156)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins

Sal ,having wasted the whole of saturday night Weekend Ticket ; Cant see anything we paid for ".Season Ticket Holders House Full " ! WE Did Get seats for sunday night. Indian Band started and I asked Hils if "she could cope with this crap" Which made others smile! Seats vacated later. Glad we did . The final one was worse. Gave up and went home early Monday

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29 Aug 06 - 05:54 AM (#1821475)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Noreen

Just returned home Tuesday morning and want to say how much Stewart and I enjoyed the Shrewsbury festival.

The setting is lovely, the townspeople welcoming and the town itself is wonderful, with a marvellous selection of old cosy pubs with a fine selection of real ales. We felt we were at a beer festival as well as a folk festival :0)

There were obviously a few teething problems with the running of the festival, associated of course with moving an established festival from one town to another (which I know many will be only too happy to moan and whinge about at length) but overall with workshops, concerts and singarounds we had a lovely time and are already looking forward to next year.

Perhaps those who have criticisms can keep them positive and forward-looking, rather than "Bridgnorth was better" and "I'm not conming back next year".

I would be very interested to know what the townspeople thought of the festival and its visitors - perhaps some feedback from local newspapers from anyone in the locality?

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29 Aug 06 - 07:48 AM (#1821522)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Noreen

Just a few of my personal highlights:

Two wonderful sets from George Papavgeris
Eliza Carthy and the Ratcatchers
The Wilsons' workshop on the songs of Graham Miles
Mrs Ackroyd (...Don't play me your concertina....)
Spooky Men's Chorale... :0)

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29 Aug 06 - 07:56 AM (#1821524)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

Bridgnorth was better.

I will be back next year to Shrewsbury but there is a size and an ethos that makes any folk festival metamorphose into entertainment. When the prime motivation is to earn a living &/or the acts get bigger and more arrogant.

Frankly they don't come much bigger than Louden Wainright and I saw no arrogance. AND I didn't have to wear earplugs to hear him. I only left the Wheatsheaf when the session slowed down but I would have seen Louden for just one song regardless of the volume. I stayed.

Steeleye-Oysters Tickled-Puce Caberet specialists take note.

YOU DON'T NEED VOLUME - as a substitute for stage craft - I don't care how musically skilled the world thinks you are.
Those who insist it needs volume should note that only the person who needs it is the one saying it needs it. The music needs music.

FWIW there are two Wheatsheafs and the Frankwell one was descended upon by mistake. The Landlord and the regulars thought Christmas had arrived. Everyone there had a great time - apparently. If in doubt - next year either will be good though maybe Frankwell works better in the evening.

I was dancing at that time and I didn't need earplugs. I did notice a sound meter and plenty of H&S assessors.

An overflow camp site is needed for next year and loads of other things unique to the campsites. But I will be collecting my thoughts and sending them to Alan & Sandra.

---

29 Aug 06 - 08:28 AM (#1821550)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Folkie

On the whole we enjoyed Shrewsbury but there is one very big problem that needs to be sorted out for next year - the dire shortage of loos on the County ground. In addition, although there are some excellent public loos around the town, they were all locked up in the early evening. I would suggest that arrangements should be made to keep them open over the festival weekend.

Sessions at the Wheatsheaf were very enjoyable but the Friday night session pub wasn't such a good venue.

Spooky Men's Chorale were wonderful!

---

29 Aug 06 - 09:30 AM (#1821614)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: My guru always said

There were ups & downs, but for a major 'first time' Festival I reckon it was a jolly good try! I just know that the downs will be at the top of the list if the same sites are used again. Congrats to Alan & Sandra for all the effort they've put in and also to all the stirling work of the Stewarding teams!!

Was very impressed by all the 'trouble-shooting' that was going on through the weekend, attempting to fix problems as and when, though the problems surrounding the shower block on the County site obviously were insurmountable.

Loved the town, pubs, beer, company etc. Managed to miss some of the good stuff like the open-mike, zulu warriors, spooky men, water taxi & the Fab after hours sessions in the Quarry. Better luck for me next time - it's a learning curve *grin*

---

29 Aug 06 - 10:18 AM (#1821657)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Mo thecaller

'Hear, hear' to Mr. Reds' comment about volume.
I was dancing at Whitby to that excellent , young, exciting band 422 and didn't need earplugs, so it can be done.

---

29 Aug 06 - 10:57 AM (#1821705)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins

It was good to see stewards who worked so hard collecting winges. Issues resolved will make Shrewsbury better than Bridgenorth. This town has so much to offer. I think more tickets were sold than expected which caused problems ,but there should be a good financial base for next year . It didnt help the situation selling day tickets for site only, but It brings the Festival to the town people and benefits traders. I was conceerned about those Oak Chippings put on the grass, If they were coated in Roundup Weedkiller they should kill anything they toutch. I do hope that doesnt become a major Oops.

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29 Aug 06 - 12:08 PM (#1821752)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: John J

Arrived home from Shrewsbury yesterday evening after a good weekend, a most enjoyable festival. Considering that this is a 'new' festival I think it went very well thanks to the very hard-working stewards and to the planning put in by the organisers. Well done!

No doubt there will be plenty of gripes...you can't please all the people all the time...but as has been said before: this festival is on a learning curve. I don't think anyone will complain provided lessons are learned.

My thoughts:

The campsites had very good access to town.

The showground site was particularly good unless you were on the 'far' field which looked rather lumpy.

It is obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the 'new' festival, the organisers must be thanked and congratulated for that.

The stewards were very good indeed with one proviso: my wife (who is registered disabled although doesn't use a wheelchair) was refused a seat in the disabled area of the main marquee because she doesn't have a wheelchair. We ended up sitting in very unsatisfactory seating. This is a personal whinge that should not detract from the festival as a whole. It is a difficult one to deal with. It could perhaps be made simpler by issueing disabled attendees with an additional pass.

I got the impression that the local council were very happy to have the Festival in town and they seemed to be making a good effort to make everyone's stay as pleasant as possible.

The campsites could be bigger:
Not a lot could be done about this unless the festival is moved again!

More bogs:
The showground site suffered badly from lack of bogs and the bogs that were there needed emptying far more frequently.

More beer:
A difficult one. If the weather had been better the beer would have run out even earlier, if the weather had been worse there would have been loads of beer left. A dicey commercial decision, one I'm glad I don't have to make.

At the end of the day the festival is going to be compared to Bridgnorth for a few years to come and there will be those that prefered Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury and vice-versa. Me? I can't wait until next year!

John

---

29 Aug 06 - 12:34 PM (#1821779)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: danensis

There certainly were teething problems, and one or two were sorted out at the time, but the main ones were those not enocuntered at Bridgnorth - crossover noise from one venue to another, and the failure to allocate camping space correctly on the county ground, such that those arriving later found the early arrivals had sprawled so liberally there was no room left.

I was pleased to see that another gate was opened by Marquee 2, clearly the organisers had only thought about people returning to the county ground and not those staying in town, who had to walk all the way round the dingle on the Friday night.

There also seemed to be some poor decisions on allocation of venues and artists. We watched the Doonans and Vin Garbutt in Marquee 1 on Friday night, then went across to Marquee 2 to see New Rope String Band - and the place was packed. Even when we managed to get a seat we found that someone had thoughtfully stuck two whacking great loudspeakers in the way so it was not possible to see what was going on. Idea for next time: put the aisles in line with the speakers, so no-one's view is blocked. And whilst on the subject of sound, the voal/instrumental mix was poor on almost every artis we watched in Marquee 2. A lot of folk songs have lyrics, and it would be nice to hear them above the instruments.

It struck me that all the big names had been booked for Saturday, and Sunday was a bit of an anticlimax.

I also thought that the traders in town could have been better informed, we found several restaurants that had "Closed Sunday and Momday" signs - you'd nver find that in Bridgnorth!

The final comment is with regard to stewarding. One of my party choked on some food, and we manged to get him out, but the stewards were less than helpful. There was no first-aider in Marquee 2 and the stewards sent us down to the main entrance, where we found an amateur vrew who wer not well versed in first aid or adequately equipped. THe best advice they could give us to dislodge the sharp object in my friend's throat was to wat some bread. We ended up trailing round Shrewsbury on SUnday afternoon trying to find an open bread shop!

John

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29 Aug 06 - 01:47 PM (#1821851)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

Plenty of bread on the food stalls. I don't know who booked the Ambulance but St John would be at Onslow Park for the steam rally. AND the terrain was not altogether ideal for a larger vehicle - even if the numbers warranted it.

The only comment I feel able to say about stewarding (being on the reserve stewards desk sending them hither and thither) it does need more reserve stewards. I was on the radio to harrassed task force constantly.

Terry had a big job (no pun intended) getting the loos fully papered - the emptying was done by a commercial outfit and ditto the showers. They both did an average job - the showers crowd were - showers (pun intended).

But it has to be said - the attendees were more numerous than expected - and you only find that out when all the contracts for facilities are signed and the million other revellers have nabbed all the spare capacity - it was a Bank Holiday!

I can't avoid comment when walking around (not that I court it - mind) - and all of it acceptable as in most festival towns except Redditch - more ditch than red.

The water taxi was too small and not a patch on the steam train - if it rained it was no better than walking and I could beat the boat anytime, and escape the rain halfway.

I still prefer Bridgnorth. Even if the walking is as far and more hilly.

Still, for the overflow camping - a quiet site and a festival bus at a nearby school must surely be a possibility. Think of the shower/loo improvements.

---

29 Aug 06 - 02:43 PM (#1821913)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Briansquire

I was disappoimted We were in the area as it was my sons 21st nearby and went in on the monday and couldnt get into anything not even to get a beer or look at the stalls .Eventually found one session in the town but couldnt even get through the door. Surely more involvement with the town as in Bridgnorth would help promote the festival and allowing locals and visitors to get to the craft and music stalls would help there sales

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29 Aug 06 - 05:01 PM (#1822051)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss

Read all the comments and agree with most of them.

So sorry you were ill Sally, hope you are feeling better now.xx

I was on the reserved stewards list and sat on gate duty in the rain. Helped put up Dr Sunshines marquee; helped at the drumming workshop in the bandstand... werent the youngsters good!

Poo.. did nt that bark stink!!!

Shrewsbury is my home town, although I live near Telford now. It was about time that the COunty town had a decent festival. I spoke to the chap from the Borough council who issued the licence. He was prowling near marquee 2 on saturday night at 11.30 checking on noise levels. He was thrilled with the organisation and is very keen for the event to continue in the future. He did point out that the concerts need to end on time... to keep the local moaners happy.

I thought the litter teams did very well and the site looked very tidy.

I agree about the lack of loos at the county ground. Someone complained that they were emptied too early in the morning... so they came later Sunday and Monday when there were queues... preferred to be woken early and have clean loos.

Didnt try and have a shower because they didnt work on the county ground, but the chap from the council did make sure they were mended... well they still didnt work.

My main problem was being on the reserve list and being camped at the county ground. It meant I had no base during the daytime as I wasnt not up to walking there and back a couple of times during the day. I relied on the stalls for food, nice grub but it was a bit pricy.

Being local I bumped into several friends who hadnt heard till the weekend that there was a festival on.

The Wheatsheaf in High street seemed unaware of what was going to hit them, but were chuffed to bits. Its a shame there wasnt much room for those who wanted to listen. I think more pubs should be enlisted next year. Perhaps several more fringe concerts in other pubs.

Went to listen to Daylevel at the Albion, great ta. Loved the way no2 son kept joining in! Must put a link to you, thought I had.

I met Alan Surtees last thing on Monday evening as he was saying bye to LW III and thanked Alan for a wonderful festival.

We Brits love queueing and moaning and if we can moan in a queue all the better. Yes there were teething problems. But despite all those people in the town there was no violence, not even much heckling from local youths; and could you say that of a football festival?

Fliss
ps My daughter, son in law and his mum loved the Ceilidh. The latter 2 hadnt been to one before.

---

29 Aug 06 - 08:28 PM (#1822229)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins

Regarding the showers and loos on the County Ground site. Having visited the water tank in the roof on Saturday !!! Tank empty trickle feed . Caused by leaking main to the building underground. Shame a low pressure valve couldnt have been fitted to make them work as a temporary measure. I winge against the Council that maintain it!

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30 Aug 06 - 07:14 AM (#1822531)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

I thought the music was superb - some brilliant sets from artists who outperformed their usual high standard (Vin, Oysters, Doonans etc), BUT I did not enjoy the infrastructure and felt a lack of atmosphere generally. The toilet situation on the Quarry site was ridiculous and SOOOOOOO predictable. 2 banks of 8 loos for the campsite, 1 bank of 8 for Marquee 2 and 10 I think for Marquee 1/beer tent/ craft & food fair combined. (Mostly unlit - yuk!) I book 8 loos for my bike club event with only 200 people attending!
Marquee 2 had a top class lineup but was a second rate venue with dreadful vision (only a third had sight of the performers), poor loos and a bar which was at best limited and empty of bitter by 9pm Saturday.
Main site also missed Moor & Coast badly, having no "simple food", breakfast bar or late night supper venue......
Personally, I thought the town lacked the charm and welcome of Bridgnorth, but that cannot be helped if the festival needed a new venue. Heard lots of moans from locals tho'.
On a positive, it seemed a very safe venue despite being in town and was also an attractive if muddy (& smelly after the bark chippings) area. Afraid we came home earlier than planned as we never quite got that "festival feeling".

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30 Aug 06 - 07:15 AM (#1822533)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

will people please stop saying how good shrewsbury is, or we'll be inundated by all those yobbos presently at towersey !

On a serious note, the campsite situation seems to be becoming a problem at several festivals because of the empire-building by some attendees. Its not uncommon for people to turn up with a big vehicle towing a caravan which then has a large awning attached, and then to put the icing on the cake they have a gazebo and windbreaks. Consequently one couple end up occupying what could have probably held four tents.

Which festival will be the first to charge camping according to the square feet occupied, it will have to happen soon.

Did towersey round to banning gazebos this year, as they suggested doing in the newsletter last year?

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30 Aug 06 - 07:39 AM (#1822548)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Trevor

I wasn't able to get to the festival, although I only live up the road, and I really appreciated Genevieve's broadcast on Sunday evening.

One thing that struck me was the lack of knowledge about the event locally. I work in the centre of town and colleagues have been asking what was going on in The Quarry at the weekend. There were a couple of banners up but I saw little else in the way of publicity. I did wonder if it was a strategy to keep a fairly low profile in the first year so that teething problems could be sorted out with a minimum impact on the locals. (I'd be interested to know what the moans were that Guest heard).

The comment about cafes and restaurants being shut rings true. I don't understand why it should be - Shrewsbury is a 'touristy' kind of place and I would have thought there was a chance of people being around at Bank Holiday regardless of the festival. I understand Guests comments about the town lacking charm and welcome - I don't agree but can see that there may be that perception. The Flower Show, a couple of weeks ago, (which is of course well established) had the town buzzing - people come from all over the place and enjoy the ambience of the town.

I think Shrewsbury has needed something like this for years. More power to the Surtees.

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30 Aug 06 - 07:56 AM (#1822556)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

Yea, charge per acre to the greedy, the territorial, and the me generation. How you administer it I am not sure.

Chippenham have specific, marked-out areas. Though they are generous. It is a fire issue, the local officials' bogey - obviously.

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30 Aug 06 - 08:14 AM (#1822575)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Folkie

Yes at Chippenham there are stewards directing punters to an allocated amount of space.

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30 Aug 06 - 08:32 AM (#1822594)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Pickle

I thought that the Festival was good, but as with all things it had its teething problems. I think there was a lot of people making comparisions with Bridgenorth and I heard one couple winge all weekend in the tent next door about this and that...perhaps if they didn't winge all the time they may have had a good time!

Good points: Having the right to park your vehicle next to your tent..after visting other festivals this was amazing. No lugging of tents etc and also a place to store any valuables! Yes people did take up a lot of space, so maybe an idea to restrict size of tents/caravans.
Good line up and I liked the fact I could take photographs at the side of the stage, and also listen to some of the music without the noise of the bass.
Showers: They were excellent at the Quarry-they were clean and hardly any queues.
Bad points:
Not enough entertainment throughout the day and the first day/last day of the festival. Some people do like to stay up late and a late area would have been nice. It is the earliest I have been in bed at a festival..although I did get a good nights sleep.
Would have been nice if the toilets had been kept cleaned on the last night for those who stayed till Tuesday morning.
Not enough beer-less said on that the better
More food/craft stalls although you can walk into town from the site.
The fact that bands could be heard behind stage tuning up/practicing before appearing on stage. This spoilt a lot performances-Vin Garbutt/Keith Donnelly's were ones that I remember.
Drum workshops being too close to the main marquee and tents-I love the workshops but not early on a sunday morn and whilst I am listening to performances in the main marquee.
Highlights: Julie Matthews and Chris While-wonderful!
The Badgers- I know the name change but what the hell!
Eliza Carthy-I have some fantastic photographs of her.

Thanks for the festival though, I will return back to my home town for this one...was good to see my old haunts!

---

30 Aug 06 - 10:20 AM (#1822698)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mrs_Annie

Which festival will be the first to charge camping according to the square feet occupied, it will have to happen soon.

Cambridge already does.

quote
The charge is for tent space not the people inside, so camping costs may be shared. One camping ticket entitles you to a plot large enough for a 2/3 berth tent space of max size 4.5m x 3.5m inc guy ropes, measured from the longest to the widest point. To camp, you must purchase a Full Festival ticket and sufficient Camping tickets for the size of your tent for the campsite of your choice

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30 Aug 06 - 01:17 PM (#1822807)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

I have no doubt that Alan and Sandra will be reading this (Hi) and accommodating what they can into next year's programme.

To be honest - I don't think they realised how big a draw Louden would be. And the line-up in general was strong without him.

As long as they made enough money to continue it will be a success.

FWIW I think more proper cider is called for. None by Sunday night for sure. AND Woodpecker and Strongbow are not cider. Legally you have to declare the ingredients and cider is a legally defined ingredient. So are artificial sugars and sweeteners (it says so on the can) - they give you headaches (and they don't tell you that on the can).

Scrumpy Jack is OK (also made by Bulmers) - it is cheaper and does not bragg about any artificial crap. But if it is request time - Thatchers "Harvester".

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30 Aug 06 - 01:18 PM (#1822809)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Yellow

Well if it is request time - ceilidh bands - I vote for the "Banana Band"

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30 Aug 06 - 07:37 PM (#1823093)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Pickle

I forgot to add the link to my photographs from the Shrewsbury Folk Festival....
Enjoy!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/funkipickle/sets/72157594260357342/show/

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30 Aug 06 - 08:01 PM (#1823113)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: John J

Excellent pictures, thanks.

John

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30 Aug 06 - 08:33 PM (#1823138)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Happy

........well, I'm aghast!!!!

Although me & my 6 fiends weren't on either of the fest campsites, nevertheless had a fantastic time.

I can only reiterate thanks to all the Stewards {were some of them Council Workers?}, who did their very best for our visually impaired chums,who r both Chris & Julie fan[atic]s!

We struggled along at Church House caravan park at Melverley, about 10 miles from Shrewsbry, but were able to enjoy a small but intimate sinaround in the nearest pub[in Wales!] on Fri nite, complete with mystery audience!; who contributed to the ambience with much applause. - well they must've bin esily pleased.


Invariably over the past several years, me & pals attend & contribute towards the fringe events of mainstream & DIY fests & gatherings - & almost always have a fantastic[but belevable] experience with other like minded folkies.


We experienced NO PROBLEMS WITH:


Toilets - only 2M + 2F on site - but no Q's; & VERY Cleen!
+ plenty bogrolls! + ensuite washbasins & liquisoap!

Also the bogs were very easy 4 everyone inc visually impaird fiends to b INDEPENDENT day & nite!


Showers - only 1M + 1F - but no Q's, & VERY Cleen!


Pitches - we were lucky & were able to book the last 3 vacancies.


Prices - only 5lbs per person per nite.


Unexpected extras:

Large fairly empty barn doubling as giant gazebo adjacent to our tents.


Used for impromptu concerts & practices to entertain/irritate the other campers!

Also used as camp kitchen & late nite sining & drinkin den!!


**********

Had brief glimpse of both OFFicial FESt sites - looked fine from where we were stud but from reading above looks like some peeps had probs.

*********

Well I thort Shrewsbury town was GRATE!


Very attractively laid out with flowers all over, the river, quaint old bulingds, mostly authentic b & w framed houses - superb!

Very lively & friendly responses from locals too when we engaged with them in various eateries around the town during the evenings.

As mentioned above, lots didn't kno about the Folk Fest being on - but were aware of the Steam Rally & the Raft Race on the Severn.



*********


All in all, I much prefer it to Bridgnorth for these reasons:

No hills

More pubs

More Eateries


On the spot access from campsites to town


I'll think of more but I'm getting a bit Sleepy now ........... snore...

---

31 Aug 06 - 08:11 AM (#1823466)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: muppitz

I feel the need to put my two-penny-worth in!

Generally speaking I had a great time at the festival being one of the Moor & Coast staff, I was quite happy being able to close for the day and enjoy the festival as I only managed to see Show of Hands and go on the train last year at Bridgenorth!
I know this didn't agree with everyone, no simple brekky's/late food on the Showground and NO WHITBY COD, some of you were mortified!

As for the showers, I had a shower on Friday morning, a good wash on Saturday and the rest of the time I acquired swimming passes which were available to all, especially ideal if you were camping on the Showground and you didn't have to go swimming, you could just go in for a shower if you wanted to!

I agree that the seating was a little substandard in Marquee 2 with the speakers being in the way, but where else can you put them?
Marquee 1 was only a problem when the bark went down and caused the twinning stench of creosote and sweaty bodies, perhaps Hay or straw would be a better alternative, it's almost in farming country anyway!

Poor Tim and the bar staff, I'm sure they'll know better for next year, but if you're left with beer, what the hell can you do with it, like the festival itself, they'll be on a learning curve! We had to do 2 extra shopping trips as we also didn't anticipate the demand but it's easier to go shopping for food than barrels of beer!

All in all, I think it was a great festival, but there are some lessons to be learnt as other people have had problems and as someone has already said, you can't please everyone all of the time!

Highlights for me were, Seth Lakeman, Tams & Coope, Mrs Ackroyd Band ("Don't play me your concertina......."), the Wilsons (I love those fella's!), While & Matthews & clean toilets, don't give a monkeys about lights in them as long as you don't have to smell 2 day old shite that doesn't even belong to you!
I would imagine I'll be back next year, hopefully the Bridgenorth die-harders will come around (They won't be moving it back, so you might as well!) and hopefully the festival committee can iron out this year's problems!

muppitz x

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31 Aug 06 - 05:24 PM (#1823901)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Yorkie

Thanks Pickle, for the photos. Some are fabulous in themselves; and all-together they give an excellent overview of the festival.

I thought the festival was, apart from a few minor problems, superbly organised and offered a really wide range of acts. The highlights for me? I'm not going to list them all, because I enjoyed most of the booked acts I saw - and got what I expected - but I must mention the song session in the Boathouse on Saturday. I loved the Kawa Brass Band; Loudon playing that tiny uke; but, most especially, Van Eyken (with Nancy Kerr and the best drummer of the weekend) and Genticorum (with the best foot percussion of the weekend AND he was a great singer and fiddle-player at the same time!)

The only disappointment was the MIDI backing band and the bag-piper who played repetitive and unadventurous patterns for far too long and far too loud. So, I moved on and found better music, very easily, within minutes.

Thanks Alan, Sandra and everyone else involved.

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01 Sep 06 - 08:32 AM (#1824461)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,AndyC

I went to the Shrewsbury Festival, never been to the Bridgnorth one so I can't compare. Most of the problems that I experienced could be put down to teething troubles and perhaps over-stretching themselves a bit (lack of space for latecomers on campsite, non-funcioning showers at County Ground, unable to get into ANY of the main marquees when it was raining). I'm sure all of these could be easily resolved next year. My main complaint was that there were no 'feedback' forms for anyone to make comments like this, I enquired at the stewards' office and was told that they'd only give me forms if I was going to say nice things. which kind of suggests that the organisers aren't interested in the paying customer or in improving things for next year. Shame that, because it could become a really great festival.

Highlight for me was Louden - never seen him live before but he held the audience for nearly two hours, just one man and an acoustic guitar, awesome! The sessions and morris dancing at the Boathouse pub (over the wobbly footbridge from the main site) were well worth checking out too...

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01 Sep 06 - 10:00 AM (#1824537)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

there are feedback forms on the festival website. probably better than printing paper ones that most people lose, and gives people a chance to mull over what they want to comment on.

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01 Sep 06 - 10:24 AM (#1824565)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GerryMc

Enough shower talk already. We managed with baby-wipes (as we always do at festivals) and clean clothes and we didn't smell. And we played 6 times and hauled the bull-fiddle around all weekend in the Maclaren Buggy. Aren't you meant to rough it a bit? If it's super-clean loos and showers you're after then a)book into a hotel or b)stay at home.

I thought it was a damn fine weekend. Highlights for me were sitting on the grass outside marquee 1 watching the ratcatchers through the 'door' and the late night session in the 'food' tent. I'll be going next year anyroad.

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01 Sep 06 - 05:01 PM (#1824936)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Steve in Sidmouth

A summary of some aspects of the festival are on this webpage (link below) . I am pleased to see that some of you agree with me about sound levels, they have become absurd even in ceilidhs. No one wants it, and it upsets the natives.

As always, sensible comments are appreciated. The page is only in draft form, hurriedly dictated. Next job is to get my 22 year old car through its MoT.

my views of Shrewsbury

If anyone else agrees with me that the ceilidhs were pretty low quality (except the last one) please say so. To see my summary of the latest Sidmouth festival, replace 95 by 92 in the above web address.

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02 Sep 06 - 05:27 AM (#1825248)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GerryMc

but surely, Steve in Sidmouth, that's just YOUR opinions albeit with a few facts thrown in. I didn't find the sound levels an issue.

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02 Sep 06 - 05:46 AM (#1825260)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

sound levels in the ceilidhs and marquee two were good. but in marquee one were too high, often having a sludgy sound with no clarity of words.
There does seem to be an unfortunate tendency for some bands, or is it the soundmixers, to think that more noise is more exciting rather than aiming for a good mix at a reasonable level.

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02 Sep 06 - 06:13 AM (#1825270)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Yellow

Ceilidh volume was acceptable. The Sound-desk had a meter and they knew how to use it. No earplugs for me - and that is the acid test.

The volume for Marquee 1 was hardly the level for people sitting quietly in their seats. A good job they didn't let people in for the sound checks - on health and safety grounds I would bet.

M Pantin was a not what I would call "perfect" but plenty of hardened ceilidhnauts on E-Ceilidh liked them. Grand Union were on form. And John Kirkpatrick was all you would expect from a "notso minor deity". Well crafted intros, puns, walkthroughs - a beacon of almost perfection. When he becomes perfect - shoot me.

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02 Sep 06 - 06:30 AM (#1825278)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Cod Fiddler

No wonder most people in the town didn't know much about it. Apart from a few banners and a few sessions, the festival remained locked in its ghetto by the river. Take the festival to the town! Why weren't the dance teams competing in the lovely town square?

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02 Sep 06 - 12:56 PM (#1825449)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Steve in Sidmouth

I heard a lot of negative comments about marquee 1 and have had some by email since the festival - mainly too loud, poor quality sound, poor quality acts and no spaces left. So maybe lots of people were happy or did they just sit it out to the end hoping it might get better? Overcrowding was apparently an issue on one occasion - stewards told not to let people back in if they went out (!?). What was going on?? It all seemed a sharp contrast to the Ham concerts at Sidmouth - I've heard nothing but the highest praise - and on the odd occasion I listened in for half and hour the sound was superb.

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02 Sep 06 - 05:09 PM (#1825580)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss

Ive never been to Sidmouth so cant compare, but it is a well established venue with years of practice, while Shrewsbury was in its first year.

Several local friends have commented that they didnt know the festival was on.

The sound from Marquee 1 travelled loudly to Marquee 2... Ive put my brain in gear and come up with the answer... the Quarry forms a natural Amphitheatre so sound is projected off the Kingsland bank and steep sides of the Quarry and amplified. Im sure some bright spark will come up with a solution.

No hills in Bridgnorth? Its built on a hill.. High Town and Low Town.

I went to the Bridgnorth festival in 2000 and loved the ride on the train. Steam trains do come up to Shrewsbury station. I heard one over the weekend. Wouldnt it be great to have one that ran to Bridgnorth and back next year! ALso there is a big river boat that is away being mended (I think). A river taxi service is a must for next year, and one that doesnt stop at 6pm.

hugs to all friends.. fxx

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02 Sep 06 - 05:18 PM (#1825582)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss

Ps thought Id post this link here too

Loads of photos from Virtual Shropshire. Paul says there are lots more to follow when they get back from holiday. Enjoy


http://www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/gallery/shrewsbury_folk_festival_06_d1?page=1

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02 Sep 06 - 07:07 PM (#1825630)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Steve in Sidmouth

Nice try, but does a natural Amphitheatre explain why people were leaving marquee 1 because of the sound level inside it? We had a natural Amphitheatre in Sidmouth - it was the outdoor Knowle Arena (5000+ people on a good evening) but sadly it is no longer a part of our downsized Folk Week. Most of the colour of the International aspect has gone too, and so has Kate Rusby.

Shrewsbury did very well overall, just bad luck that a few minor technical problems caused so many complaints. There are some lessons to be learnt, but also a large number of possible enhancements. Like I said, a festival to be watched!

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03 Sep 06 - 08:57 AM (#1825876)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

I had a super time. Some of my images can be seen here:

Festival Images

Alex

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03 Sep 06 - 02:35 PM (#1826056)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: the lemonade lady

The lighting for the Oysters and Shoolenifty and the complaints about the sound quality... all sums up my feelings about the wkend. My son, 13, was deafend in his left ear by Mrs. Ackroyd!!! Now this is a teenager who likes his music loud in his bedroom, but he came out of Marquee 1 cos HE said it was too loud.

I have gone right off music and folk since that weekend. I don't want to sing or listen to anything. It's Sunday a week later and I feel no different. Bromyard is in week's time - do I want to go? Only if I don't hear any music. Shot Dogs have a practice on Tues, a gig on 14th in Coventry and another on 28th locally. Do I want to do them? No I do not.

Sal

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03 Sep 06 - 02:52 PM (#1826069)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

In all fairness, you can't expect perfect sound from every seat in the house. Think about where the mixing desk is.... at the back in the middle. That is where you will get the best sound as that is where the man with all the knobs sits.

A large tent isn't ever going to be the best accoustic environment, but that is half the fun of live music. It's raw, it's mixed as it happens and is never going to sound like a CD.

If it's too loud for you, wear ear plugs. You will still hear perfectly well but it takes the edge off the air pressure and makes it more comfortable.

No point moaning about it when there is a lot you can do yourself to help matters.

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03 Sep 06 - 02:53 PM (#1826070)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: the lemonade lady

Well, Guest Pickle, I wasn't at all impressed with your pics, couldn't see them at all in fact!
Sal

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03 Sep 06 - 03:36 PM (#1826106)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Binky

I am sorry for those of you who have lost the will to listen to music.

I have lost the will to open any more moany messages on this thread.

I enjoyed every minute of Shrewsbury FF.

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03 Sep 06 - 04:08 PM (#1826127)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,pickle

Hello Well the last time I looked the link to my photos worked fine....shame their is a pic of your stall.
what operating system you using?
Anyone else had a problem accessing them?
Cheers
Pickle
:o)

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03 Sep 06 - 04:10 PM (#1826129)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Pickle

You may have problems as the site needs broadband to operate really as high res photographs. My boyfriend Alex has posted some on his website above as well....you might have better luck with those.

Apologies for the typo above their should have been there!
Pickle
:o)

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03 Sep 06 - 07:23 PM (#1826229)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins

Steve in Sidmouth . Your link was Positive for next year in my view . Constructive on years of experiance I presume ! Positive for Allan and Sandra then . Yes I did notice the half inch Main water feed at 5 AM . No usage for hours and tank had only enough to sort one blocked loo! If The Council replace the ruptured main with with a 32 mm one it should work, high bemand uce should be fed via the tank though ?

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09 Sep 06 - 07:42 PM (#1830883)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Kevin Tranter

I went to the Shrewsbury festival with my wife, two sons and their girlfriends, who had never been to a folk festival before.My wife an d I had been to Bridgnorth last year, and enjoyed it so much, and being resident of Shrewsbury didn't want to miss this one. We all had a great time, and I would just like to comment about the whingers that are complaining about the sound levels in marquee 1, saying that some of the bands were 'commercial' rather than pure folk - I'm sorry, but even folk music has to keep up with the times, these sort of festivals will die if the younger generation are not attracted to them, It is still folk music, however it is presented, and the varied music, acoustic and electric, that was showcased at Shrewsbury is a credit to the organisation of the event. If people want to 'stick their fingers in thir ears' that is up to them, but by doing so they do no favours to the younger generation that are now realising that folk is not purely the domain of bearded, waistcoated old diehards with tankards strapped to their waistbands.

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10 Sep 06 - 04:41 AM (#1831032)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Cathie

May I echo your sentiments Kevin?

I went with my 22 year old son who passed up the offer of a ticket for Reading to accompany his ol' Mum who has never camped or been to a folk festival before.

I loved the variety and I enjoyed being entertained.
He praised every event he saw and was pleasantly surprised that folk music exceeded his expectations - another convert.

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10 Sep 06 - 05:41 AM (#1831043)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Steve in Sidmouth

Only a small fraction of the people who attend fall into the category "bearded, waistcoated old diehards with tankards strapped to their waistbands".

There is a suspicion that excessive sound levels may sometimes be a substitute for poor artistic quality. I didn't attend any of the marquee 1 concerts but I heard several comments about the 'loud rubbish' of some Indian band (Jaipur Kawa?) - and some people left Shooglenifty because (so I was told) the bass was just so loud it felt like they were being shaken in their seats. Pity - their music is generally very listenable (and danceable) in the right setting and at an appropriate volume.

Some youngsters may already have impaired hearing as a result of too much exposure to rock concerts (and IPods at too high volume?) which again is a pity.

A specific comment about Shrewsbury is that the sound from marquee 1 apparently interfered with events in marquee 2 - again I was only told this, I have no direct experience. It was certainly the case at the last Chippenham festival - people in the concert hall complained about the sound level of Florida in the adjacent ceilidh. And then the organisers ask in their handouts - please be quiet leaving the venues to avoid disturbing the locals !!!

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10 Sep 06 - 05:46 AM (#1831045)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Steve in Sidmouth

By the way - if anyone is interested in a few pictures of floods in Shrewsbury - I've copied an Environment Agency publication here:

pdf file allow time to download with Acrobat reader

The County Ground can be under a metre of water - but only when there is so much water in the Welsh hills they can't contain it any longer.

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10 Sep 06 - 04:50 PM (#1831352)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: danensis

My son is 14. He thought Shooglenifty were too loud, and we were in Marquee 2,

John

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10 Sep 06 - 05:19 PM (#1831380)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,salopian

Re floods.
There hasn't been a flood in the town of Shrewsbury since the flood defences were installed. It may have been true a few years ago, but to say the County Ground can be under a metre of water is pretty silly....after all the council have just spent millions on a new Guild Hall at Frankwell (a hundred yards from the County Ground), so you'd have thought it would have been one safest places to be!

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11 Sep 06 - 12:35 PM (#1831926)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

DON'T GET ME ON THE SUBJECT OF VOLUME.

There is a problem with sound crew - they may be deaf. One or two I have spoken to show signs. The ones to avoid are those that show Rock Bands on their cv.

FWIW (TO A POINT) - the ear can cope with raised levels of volume by altering the viscosity of the inner ear fluid - but it takes about 1/2 second to reach a percentage of protection. Loud staccato music has crashes shorter than that and if the beat is slow (say a sound check) then the average is hardly worth talking about (=no protection). Consequently the ear is subject to the full force of the impact without natural protection, and the little hairs that "IS" hearing, break in the wave-front and fall into each other. The breaks cause deafness, and the touching ones cause tinnitus. High frequencies go first in both instances. It is the luck of the draw as to which or both you notice first.

Working with machinery that amounts to tin-bashing or boilermaking can do it too. Don't argue - I am living proof. So were boilermakers when they existed.

If you can feel an effect 5 minutes after, damage is a danger, if you still feel effects the day after exposure - damage HAS been done.

I agree the drumming was intrusive a Shrewsbury - the ceilidh was not. AND the two were at least far enough apart not to start the war of the volumes.

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11 Sep 06 - 05:32 PM (#1832147)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss

I danced with Mr Red at the friday night Ceilidh... does that count as my 15 mins of fame? :-)

My daughter, son in law and his mum came to the ceilidh. They had a great time. The ladies said... you didnt tell us there were sales stalls at the festival! Son in law made a bee line for the food. I think Ive converted them.... bang goes my freedom!

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12 Sep 06 - 07:47 PM (#1833081)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins

Mr Red So True. Blame the Sound Man on the desk. I did compliment the one at Bromyard In person though. Perfect sound for Audiance and Artists

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13 Sep 06 - 04:59 AM (#1833345)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw

Thank you Richard - and the others that also commented.
However, it was also little old me doing the Sound in Marquee 1 at Shrewsbury. The difference was that at Shrewsbury, there were a lot more loud bands on, each of which brought their own Sound engineer, and over which I had little control. We DID have a maximum sound level set at the sound desk and this WAS monitored, and we never exceeded the Environmental Health limit at the boundaries of the site (for those that are interested, this was set at 65dbA). But on several occasions, I have to agree it was bit over the top.
My obvious comment is, if you go to festivals that put on these type of artists, and you don't like loud music, you are going to be disappointed.
The difference between the 2 festivals was that Shrewsbury had a much bigger marquee, and the difference between sound levels front to back was more pronounced. It is always going to be louder at the front, but there are measures that we can introduce for next year which will minimise this.
I have to say that, despite the vocal minority who complained about Shrewsbury ( and I am not trying to devalue your opinions in any way), there were considerably more who have complimented us on the quality of the Sound. To paraphrase old Abe Lincoln, "You can't please all of the people all of the time".

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13 Sep 06 - 01:22 PM (#1833639)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

Yes, I thanked the Shrewsbury ceilidh sound desk. I did not need earplugs. And I noticed the sound meter at the sound desk.

The general rule is the bigger the festival the biggeer the egos and the bigger the volume.

It is a warning to any festival organisation. The trusty stalwarts will frift away when numbers, noise and nuisance reach their particular threshold. There will always be a trickle of new steards/helpers but they will not have the expereience, it has to be managed rather than deplored helplessly. The nnn triumvirate is a problem at Towersey by all accounts.

There will be an element that haven't had their inconsiderate noses put out of joint yet and they may spoil it for some of the Yoof that are a credit to Folk. It is the price of the current success that Folk is enjoying.

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13 Sep 06 - 04:26 PM (#1833775)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: danensis

Surely the sound level that matters is that 1m from the speakers? If that is kept within H&SE limits the other levels will follow.

If bands want noise, then turn up the stage monitors, don't punish the punters.

The reason the sound people get so little negative feedback is that those of us who like to hear the instruments, and their dynamic range, are fed up of commenting that there are other settings than 11 on a fader.

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14 Sep 06 - 12:54 PM (#1834468)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Mr Red

I have said to them that "the volume knob works both ways". They look blank at you. My dynamic range - given I start with very little is chronic, earplugs make it worse.

There is a band that are arrogant about their noise. If you don't like them - don't book them - they say. But I don't book bands. I don't dance to them - because they are too fast for the dynamics of the second order system that is my mass and spring rate (muscles/tendons) they are beyond my resonant frequency and that takes more effort and is no fun. Fast walk is all you can do. They want to be a caberet band - well bloodywell hurry-up then. You know who you are.

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14 Sep 06 - 09:02 PM (#1834846)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Richard Atkins

Graham seen other sound men take over the desk in the past. You and I know they Bugger it. Thanks for your brill work.

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14 Oct 06 - 07:25 PM (#1859008)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: Fliss

In the Shropshire Star that the festival is moving to the West Mid Show ground. Big site, not as atmospheric as the Quarry, but will probably suit better.

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15 Oct 06 - 05:37 AM (#1859219)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

Might be a good idea to start a fresh thread on this

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15 Oct 06 - 03:00 PM (#1859544)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST

refresh

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10 Dec 06 - 04:02 AM (#1905146)
Subject: RE: Shrewsbury Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Sandra

Mentioning floods on the County Ground is all a bit pointless as we are not using that land again. I know the West Mids Showground is only on the other side of the river but I think it is very unlikely there will be floods in August. Anyway we have booked the sun for next year......

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