TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

First list of acts announced for the new festival:

Eddie Reader
Cara Dillon
Steve Harley
Tom Robinson
Bella Hardy
Webb Sisters
Kiki Dee

More to come

Blackpool in January no ta! expensive parking too!

Good luck to the organisers but not for us. Location, accommodation costs, parking...

Think we might make the effort. Decent line-up already and it's a bit closer than Skegness Also, based on our one experience of East-Coast Butlins, the accommodation, however it might pan out, has to be an upgrade, that's for sure.

When looking at accommodation, may be worth looking down the coast at St Annes where hotels likely to be better value/quality. Decent bus service to centre of Blackpool. Also far better places to eat and drink in Lytham and St Annes

Took a punt and booked, Premier Inn next door, awaiting for the train tickets booking to open ... it might be poo but nothing ventured and all that!

http://www.solidentertainments.com/folk/west-coast/tickets.html

Click the above link for almost everything you need to know . I seem to have been “Roped in” to do a bit of promo .

Richard Thompson added to the top of the bill. Looking very good.

uk west coast sounds a bit more glam than Blackpool  ;D

And Joshua Burnell (find of Cropredy for me) to the under bill

Might be a goer, and we can drive every night!

Is there anything more Glam than Blackpool?

Try Skeggy!!!

in the winter? yes, Blackpool in the summer  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Cara Dillon has tweeted today that she has pulled out "owing to unforeseen circumstances"

That leaves a huge hole in Saturday night unless they bring someone else in

Apparently, Louise & Chris Regan are doing a second set on Saurday, so a) saving money & b) not giving us equivalence of Cara.

Words will be had.

Ive seen rumours of Martyn Joseph being replacement? could that be correct?

No, he’s playing Isle of Wight on Saturday and the Brook on Sunday.

On Steve Harley's website says he has cancelled - looks like he has cancelled all his Jan 2024 gigs

Steve Harley's new year message on his website probably explains a lot....

2023 has not exactly been an annus horibilis for me, as the first half was often magical, with some great nights on stage with Barry, Oli and David. And the full rock band in Holland and Belgium, and Denmark….out there, on the road, that’s where I come alive.

The second half, well…cancelling Live dates is heartbreaking. I’m aware of the stress and financial strain it can place On you.

But I’m fighting a nasty cancer. My oncologist is pleased with the treatment’s effects so far. It’s tiresome, and tiring. But the fight is on. And thankfully the cursed intruder is not affecting the voice. I sing and play most evenings.

Did anybody at the Fest get to see Jon  Palmer Acoustic Band.
If so I’d love a review……

Chatting to people on f book it seems there were only 500 people there.
Seems financially unviable for the lineup.

well yes and the venue hire?

I went and to be honest was expecting a car crash but couldn't be more wrong.

It was well organised, the staff couldn't have been more friendly and helpful and the venue was beautiful.

I didn't get to see Jon Palmer but I heard he won the Introducing Stage for Sunday.

For me Eddi Reader, Tom Robinson (he needs some new anadotes) and Mr Thompson were the weekend highlights with the non-appearance of Cara Dillon and Skerryvore the only disappoints (I actually liked the twiddly diddly stuff but then at times they sounded like Westlife!).

I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it . Good sound, good lighting,good turnaround of acts and a beautiful venue but rubbish beer . Lucky pubs very close by selling decent real ale .
All in all a lovely winter break . Great meeting up with Dad Volt and Debs was a treat .

UK West Coast Folk Festival. Friday 10th Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th January. 2025.
Put this in your diary . It was very good . I’m starting saving up for it . Early bird tickets are £140 I believe

Glad it's running again. I was looking forward to a trip back to the hometown in January,  but life got in the way. I'll be prepared next time..