From: Sidmouth FolkWeek [sidmouthfolkweek=btinternet.com_at_mail91_dot_us2_dot_mcsv_dot_net] on behalf of Sidmouth FolkWeek [sidmouthfolkweek_at_btinternet_dot_com]

Sent: 03 August 2012 00:59

Subject: Sidmouth FolkWeek Press Release - Off to a Flying Start

Press release

Sidmouth FolkWeek
Off To A Flying Start!

Sidmouth FolkWeek (3^rd - 10^th August) is underway! A rollercoaster of a summer hasn't dampened our spirits as we embark on another great week of music, dance and song.

Now in its 58^th year, this enduring favourite of the UK folk calendar attracts thousands of people to the stunning regency coastal resort of Sidmouth in East Devon to take part in the vibrant and colourful musical celebration.

FolkWeek events take place in venues throughout the town.

The main venue is the thousand-plus seater Ham Concert Marquee, at the end of the Esplanade, nestling under Peak Hill and beside the river Sid. Three concerts a day, at noon, 3.15pm and 8pm, feature some of the finest names in homegrown and international talent.

A pre-festival special at 3pm on Friday 3rd in the Ham Marquee features the internationally-renowned story of War Horse - in a unique concert with reading from the author Michael Morpurgo and songs from John Tams & Barry Coope.

Evening events include local heroes Show Of Hands (Friday 3^rd Aug), Irish traditional dynamos Dervish (Saturday 4^th), Celtic maestros Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle (Sunday 5^th); a welcome return to singing from folk's first lady Norma Waterson with daughter Eliza Carthy with The Gift Band (Monday 6^th); popular duo featuring Bellowhead front men Spiers & Boden (Tuesday 7^th); diamond-fingered guitarist Martin Simpson Trio with special guests June Tabor, Dick Gaughan, Jon Boden & Fay Hield (Wednesday 8^th); the mighty combination of June Tabor & Oysterband (Thursday 9^th); and Irish legends Donal Lunny, Padraig Rynne & Sylvain Barou (Friday 10^th).

Afternoon Ham Concert Marquee concerts include: Zimbabwe's high stepping Black Umfolosi (Saturday 4^th); English singer-songwriter Chris Wood (Sunday 5^th); the sweet-voiced Jackie Oates (Monday 6^th); the brass-filled wall of sound of Brass Monkey (Tuesday 7^th); Mick Ryan's folk opera The Pauper's Path To Hope (Wednesday 8^th); mighty oaks of the Scottish tradition Archie Fisher and Dick Gaughan (Thursday 9^th) and a capella group Crucible Trio (Friday 10^th).

The Bulverton Marquee on the edge of town, near the Festival Campsite, is the venue for high-energy Festival Clubhouse events. The evenings kick off at 7pm with a music session, a support act at 8.15pm and the main act at 9.15pm. The dynamic line-up includes: Bhangra fusionists Kissmet (Friday 3^rd); young Italian roots band Stygiens (Sat 4^th); Devon's own Seth Lakeman (Sun 5^th); party-time roots reggae from Edward II (Mon 6^th); Treacherous Orchestra (Tuesday 7^th); the elegant morris dance spectacle Must Come Down - Morris Offspring - start time 8.35pm (Wednesday 8^th); Canadian roots reggae Jason Wilson Band (Thursday 9^th); and a concert set from Whapweasel (Friday 10^th).

Elsewhere in town, other venues such as the Manor Pavilion, Bedford Hotel, Kennaway House and Woodlands Hotel host more intimate concerts - from the traditional to cutting edge!

For dancers, there are daily ceilidhs featuring some of the country's top dance bands - amongst them Polkaworks, Tickled Pink, Spiers & Boden, Peeping Tom, Hekety, Blackbeard's Tea Party - with a dance caller to explain the moves. For social dancers, there's plenty on offer, including a brand new venue at Stowford Rise and a jam-packed programme of dances and workshops. For those who prefer to watch, the streets and esplanade will be filled with colourful traditional dance.

A diverse range of workshops is on offer for those who like to get involved, offering the chance to learn new skills and develop existing ones - instrumental, singing and dance.

Families and young children are at the heart of FolkWeek with Blackmore Gardens as the hub for children's activities on offer every day - from tinies to teenies, from the Little Folk Sessions (0-3s) to the SLOAFS youth club! Music, dance and song workshops, craft sessions, circus skills, concerts, ceilidhs, big games and magical bedtime stories are featured each day. The Family Sidmouth Programme, with details of all the events aimed at children and families, is only £1 from the Ham Box Office and from the Blackmore Gardens Box Office.

For teenagers, Shooting Roots are back at Sidmouth with a fantastic range of workshops for budding young actors, artists, musicians and singers to expand their skills and a dramatic ?F-Factor' themed showcase finale. 

Festival Programmes are available for only £5 with full details of the hundreds of events taking place this week, artist biographies and much more. Available at the Festival Box Office and the Merchandise stall at the Ham or available to download at www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

Flexible ticket options include All-In-One or Week season, we look forward to seeing you for the Weekend, Day, or Individual Events - all choices catered for with our flexible ticketing options.

Come and join us!

Box Office 01395 577952
Book Online
www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk

All 2011 Ticket Prices held for 2012 + No Booking Fee = lower cost!

##ends##


Notes to editors

Media queries to: Alan Bearman Music on 020 7263 0425 or info.abm_at_btinternet_dot_com

Full details are available at www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk
Photos available on request



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