| Confessions of a Festival Junkie |  Never one to scrimp on costs, North West Folk sent intrepid reporter Kath Simmons to not one, but three folk festivals.
Ok, that’s a lie. She was going anyway and agreed to pen a few words. Read on, unless you were part of the shower who ‘organised’ the debacle at Morecambe, in which case you might want to look away now.
And so it began…
As first-timers to Shrewsbury we were very impressed by the way everything was on the one site. Caravans and campers all within an easy stroll to high quality entertainment, food and the bars. The atmosphere was friendly and the weather kind.
The highlights had to be Show of Hands and Spooky Men's Chorale. We also caught up with Steve Turner and Trio Threlfall, both acts recently guesting at Bromley Cross Folk Club. Yes we were also part of the audience at the main arena ready to join The Proclaimers in singing ‘I'm Gonna Be 500 miles’. Well, nothing’s perfect.
We were treated to the Darwin Song Project. Various artists, including Chris Wood, Karine Polwart and Jez Lowe had been asked to compose a series of songs about the life of Charles Darwin who was born in Shrewsbury. The thought which went into the creating and rendition of the songs made the evening truly memorable.
There was so much to do and see at this festival that it was difficult to decide where to go next. Even in the bars there were various sing-a-rounds and instrumentalists gathered. A festival well worth a visit.
Things begin to go down hill…
On to Fylde and a rainy, wind rain swept caravan site. A very different experience as all the venues were spread out between various buildings with the Marine Hall being the main area of interest.
Again the main problem was deciding who to go and watch and where. The North Euston venue was decidedly cramped, but listening to newcomer Maz O'Conner and stalwarts Gary and Vera made up for the environment.
Unfortunately, due to illness, Tony Benn wasn't able to appear with Roy Bailey, so his replacement, Steve Knightly came to perform with Roy. Together they gave a concert which was very good considering they had hardly been able to rehearse beforehand.
The highlight was Eric Bogle and John Munro. They are so professional on stage and yet only a few minutes before their performance, John was stood outside the hall chatting. It is so sad to think they will not be performing together in this country again. They will be missed.
Newcomers to the Fylde Folk Festival Chris and Siobhan Nelson seemed to be performing everywhere we couldn't get to (at least 130 events to choose from, so sorry Chris and Siobhan). This was a real pity as they are a wonderful duo and deserved the opportunity to display their talents to a wider audience. I hope they will be invited back next year.
Alan Bell and his committee have made this folk festival happen for 37 years. Long may it continue.
Last and definitely least…
Heather decided it was a good idea to go to Morecambe, to the maritime festival. On the Sunday it must have been the warmest day in September and everyone else went to the seaside as well.
We eventually arrived and found a parking spot. Then we had to find the music. It wasn't a case of following the crowds, more fighting through them. When, at long last, we found some live sea shanty music to listen to, there were eight people in the audience.
Two Sheets To The Wind were very good, as were the other artists but it must have been disappointing to perform to so few people. We found this particular venue by following some hand written signs.
Elsewhere things might have been better organised and attended but we were not inclined to find out. After treating ourselves to an ice-cream apiece, and saying ‘Hello’ to the statue of Eric Morecambe, we found the car and headed for home.
- Kath Simmons |
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