The first news is in about the lineup for Sidmouth Folk Week 2010. Building on the excellent happenings of 2009, some top performers are booked.
The Ham Marquee will play host a number of top folk artists over the week, including Blue Murder (a collaboration between Martin and Eliza Carthy, Norma and Mike Waterson and Coope, Boyes and Simpson), Brass Monkey, Andy Cutting and Friends, John Tams & Barry Coope, Mawkin:Causley, Jon Boden & Remnant Kings, Jackie Oates, The Fay Hield Trio, Belshazzar’s Feast and Belinda O’Hooley & Heidi Tidow.
Meanwhile up at the Bulverton there is a veritable feast of lively bands, including Bellowhead, Cordelia’s Dad, Salsa Celtica, Schooglenifty and Michael McGoldrick’s Future Trad Collective. After the success of 2009’s Silent Disco, 2010 will feature the very first Silent Folkin’ ceilidh!
For the dancers however, there are yet more treasure to unearth - with ceilidhs from Blowzabella, Toothless Mary and the début of the Spiers & Boden Ceilidh band, amongst others.
Social dancers will have a diverse programme of dance workshops, with afternoon and evening dances, put together by Robbie Thomas. A host of display and morris dance sides will add to the festive atmosphere throughout the town. The traditional music and song programme has once again been put together in conjunction with John Howson.
There will be plenty of events for families and children. In addition to a full children’s festival and lots of youth workshops and activities, we’re looking forward to The Music of Bagpuss, featuring Sandra Kerr and John Faulkner (the voices of Madeleine the Rag Doll and Gabriel the Bullfrog in the original TV production) plus Nancy Kerr & James Fagan. Put on your Charlie Mouse mask and join in the fun!
The workshop programme will be as exciting and varied as ever, and will include the ever-popular instrumental workshop from John Kirkpatrick, and Sandra Kerr’s choir. Singer and fiddler Tim Eriksen will also be teaching American Shape Note singing workshops.
Brush up your Christmas carols and prepare to share a glass of cheer...as this year’s theme is Christmas in August!
Season tickets will go on sale in January. On-line tickets are available from 1 January 2010 from www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk and by post and telephone from 4 January 2010 from the Box Office, Sidmouth TIC, Ham Lane, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8XR. Tel: 01395 577952.