more festivals

Another friendly festival is at Leigh on Sea in Essex and I enjoy going there just for the day to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the morris dancing, singing and playing. It was a great day this year, only marred by the lack of power! Only the pub/ businesses were without electricity, but it spoiled the sound systems and one of the larger stages hooked themselves into a local's power supply....wouldn't like to have to pay that bill!!!!!!!
My next festival was Priddy....never been before, but wonderful location....weather permitting....which it didn't for much of the weekend...never mind had to get wet within aswell as out!!!!Only problem was I had the pleasure of staying at a friend's close by, but the other side of Cheddar Gorge...bit hairy getting back late at night in the stormy weather!
However, the music was great and I will certainly go again.
The Askews were there, so caught up with the whole family this time....great company.Sara Grey was another first for me and I felt very moved by her set....I'll look out for her again. Swarb's Lazarus...well what can you say..just marvellous! Pete Coe was up to his usual high standard, Martha Tilston was a revelation...I had heard some of her recordings and found them a bit "airy fairy" so wasn't going to bother...but she gave a tremendous performance and I'll take back all my previous thoughts! Her dad also did an entertaining spot the following day. Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies had the misfortune of finishing the evening off when there was a force whatever gale blowing and many were battening down their tents or risk losing them....they were great, just a shame not more people braved the elements.
Jackie Oates and James Dumbelton were wonderful and Jackie was also fantastic in Mick Ryan's folk opera The Navvy's Wife. This was the first time I'd seen the production and I thought it was really great as did the whole audience who responded with a well-deserved standing ovation. If you haven't seen the production yet .....it is a must and you certainly won't be disappointed.
The grand finale for the weekend was a first class performance by Lau...they just get better and bettr...a real pleasure.....