14th August 2012

SIDMOUTH: Eliza Carthy - one of the highlights of Sidmouth Folk Week

The 58th Sidmouth Folk Week has come to an end, but what a scorcher it was, filling Sidmouth with colour, music and a serious amount of folk fun.

With over 650 events across many different venues in the town, there have been some spectacular performances.

Highlights of the week included the emotional return of singer Norma Waterson after a prolonged illness, putting on a triumphant performance to a full house. Joining with her daughter Eliza Carthy and The Gift Band, the event had people on their feet applauding their musical efforts.

The highly energetic Treacherous Orchestra also captured festival goers at the Bulverton Clubhouse with their inspiring ‘Celtic Wall of Sound’, whilst the Morris Offspring brought Olympic standard dance to the stage.

The occasional rain didn’t hinder the folk festival spirit and the hysterical street theatre act - Granny Turismo - on their high speed motorised shopping trollies zoomed along the Esplanade, proving grannies are cool.

There was a chance for festival goers to test their own folk talents. With workshops galore, visitors could try their hands at celidhs alongside the likes of dance bands Tickled Pink and Polkaworks, social folk dances, instrumental workshops and even sessions led by Spooky Men choirmaster Stephen Taberners.

And children didn’t miss out either, with folk stars in the making trying their hands at circus skills with Stiltskin, imaginative story telling, mini concerts, folk crafts, and magical workshops.

Ending with a bang on Friday, the torchlight procession moved spectacularly along the Esplanade before a fireworks display finale.

Alongside the visual climax, the week ended on a musical high as Irish Legends Donal Lunny, Padraig Rynnne and Sylvain Barou lit up the Ham Marquee with their musical wizardry.

Festival organisers said they were pleased that another folk week had been a resounding success, showing that the folk spirit is still alive in Sidmouth.

Festival director John Braithwaite said: “How can it be over already? Such a lovely 58th festival - so many high spots and fond memories. It’s been a vintage year!”

Next year’s Sidmouth Folk Week will run from August 2nd to August 9th.

PICTURE 1 AND 2: GRANNIES ARE COOL: Street theatre act ‘Margery Long’ and ‘Doris Day’ of Granny Tourismo raise a smile from passers-by

PICTURE 3: Youngster Zac entertains the crowds along Sidmouth Beach during folk week

PICTURE 4: Silly Seadogs of Sidmouth