I almost didn’t write a review this year because as being one of the performers and being slightly involved as a MC and P.A duties at the festival, I felt it might be viewed as being a slightly biased report. However, this did give me a different insight as to what goes on behind the scene. A lot of people just take it for granted these events just happen, but this isn’t so.
Held in the grounds of the O.C. Club in Bromborough, on the Wirral, just 6 miles from Chester. This festival has grown from a relatively small event spread out amongst various venues on the Wirral 7 years ago, to one of the most popular festivals on the calendar, and quite rightly too. It has certainly earned its spurs!
At the risk of repeating myself, I said some years ago the festival would grow, – and it has. The attendance this year I am sure was the highest yet recorded. This only goes to serve as a testament to the popularity and quality of the festival. This is due to the organisers, a superb venue, and choice of guest artists. The concerts had something for just about everyone, – whatever your taste. Acoustic music has changed a lot, even in the past 5 years. ‘Wirral Folk on the Coast’ must be congratulated on moving with the times and offering a good broad spectrum of artists and events, – plus free fringe events and singer-rounds – in-fact something for all.
As a performer this year, I got more insight to seeing a little of what goes on behind the scene. There is an immense amount of work that goes on from the organisers-planning committee and the ‘team’. They are headed by John & Angie Owen. I think a big vote of thanks should go to these people who, all for little or no reward, other than the love of folk music, work behind the scenes to make the festival a big success, and ensure you the customers enjoy it. Even down to the stewards, and the MC’s. Well-done folks. You know whom you are – take a bow.
So what’s behind the scene at the main stage? Surprisingly there is not a lot of room. Plus when you have a big band with drums, it gets even less! Little more than a corridor in fact. This is cluttered with drum cases, guitar cases and other baggage the artists require. It is the M.C’s job to ensure the concert runs to schedule. For example, if the guest artists running up to the headline artist is allotted a 45mins spot, this has to include any encore (always, assuming there will be one!). Most professional artists will build this into their set list for the allotted time. Plus the proceeding artists have to remove from the stage all their instruments and stands as quickly as possible. At the same time the guest trying to get set up on stage with the P.A assistant. If you think it is hot down in the auditorium, this nothing to the heat generated by the spotlights!! But hey, this is show business, and I wouldn’t swap it for the world.
Richard Digance, who was of course very professional headlined Friday evening concert. Everyone seemed to enjoy him. Because of other duties, I had to miss the supporting artists, but I understand from reports that the evening went well.
Saturday afternoon saw Vin Garbutt in the headline spot with Other Roads, Tyde, Naimh Boadle, and The Deacons giving support.
Sean. Paddy and myself (The Celtic Notes) opened the evening concert for Hughie Jones (ex Spinners) followed by Flossie Malavialle, before Peter Donigan and the Lonnie Donigan Band came on. I have to confess I wasn’t sure about Peter Donigan when I saw him headlining in the program, – but he was brilliant. A superb performance, with such energy. The evening was topped off when the seats were rolled back and everyone ‘bopped’ to the Beatles tribute band ‘The Jeps’ – what a night!
Sunday afternoon concert saw Kimbers Men, Gareth-Davies Jones, The Hut People, Les Barker, and Anthony John Clarke all strutting their stuff admirably. Before the final evening concert got underway, the schools song and songwriters competition awards were presented, this year it was won by Dawn Beth Evans & Alan Hesford. Fake Thackery, Jamie Landsborough, and Martyn Wyndam-Reade – all extremely good with brilliant performances. Closing the festival this evening was the ever-popular Tom Topping Band. With their humour, music and harmonies they went through their paces. I hated every moment! Envy can do this you know.
Looking ahead, I understand next years festival will be held from Thursday, the 7th to Sunday, the 10th June 2012. It has been moved back to its usual second weekend in that month. Put it in your diary.
Miss it at your peril.
See you there.
(O.C. Club in Bromborough, on the Wirral, Chester, england, 24th – 26th June, 2011)
Peter Massey.
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