more festivals

But before talk of the next festival...I must remark on the Fantastic May Day celebrations at the Spur Redoubt in Portsmouth....the first time I'd ever managed to celebrate singing and dancing in the May.....and it won't be the last..... what a wonderful spectacle of the ferries bringing over the visitors and watching the expressions on their faces as they were greeted by the Morris Dancers in full swing....wondering if it was in fact England that they were visiting!!!!
Following that I went with friends to the Sweeps Fair in Rochester, a real treat to see the town taken over with dance sides and music sessions in the pubs and marquee......lovely atmosphere and a great time was had by all!
One of the more disappointing festivals was the Winchester Mayfest, which was very under advertised and attended. Hopefully, with a new management team in the offing, 2010 will see a return to former glory. I was singing in St. Lawrence Church...... a fantastic venue with wonderful accoustics and although I felt nervous in the surroundings...imagine!!!!.....really enjoyed the experience. I sang: Sheepcrook and Blackdog;Bay of Biscay; Silver Dagger and Swallow Song......and it was fine.
Before May was out, I spent the weekend with friends at the Chester Folk festival...... a really top class festival in wonderful surroundings with lots of great people.
Friday evening saw us at the folk club, where Dave Fletcher and Bill Whaley were main guests. I had a spot and sang two old favourites: Bay of Biscay and Sheepcrook and Blackdog which went down well.
On Saturday we saw Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley (great...... despite the fact Denny had virtually lost his voice...but we had the cure for him!!!), Tom Napper and Tom Bliss....who were very good and Pete Coe...always a fantastic performance.
Another full day of music on Sunday saw us enjoying Bob Fox and Stu Luckley and Lau who are an all time favourite of mine. I was so pleased to see Kris Drever back to his best and in the company of friends who bring out the best in each other........Martin Green and Aidan O'Rourke...wonderful.
By Monday, we were fairly "musicked out" so just had a little dabble in what was on offer.
A must for 2010