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MFAB Archive 2005 - 2010

June 2011 saw the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival run for the first time in its 21-year history, by the Middlewich Town Council, instead of a team of unpaid volunteers.

Unfortunately for me, my tenure of the MFAB website ceased in November 2010, more-or-less simultaneously with the remaining members of the MFAB Directors and Committee resigning. The Middlewich Town Council didn't give me an opportunity to continue hosting this resource and they never even asked if they could use the existing databases or the archived information that existed from when I began hosting it in 2006. Their replacement website may still be found at http://www.midfest.org.uk

It seems a particular shame that this resource should just be discarded so I decided to resurrect it on one of my own domains – whether it will serve any purpose to anyone remains to be seen! I don't intend to promote its presence to the search engines in order to gain any rankings so it may be some time before it is found by anyone (if at all), but I reckon that the first registration attempt, or comment made, or forum posting is likely to come from a spammer (such is the state of the Internet nowadays)! We will see ...

FESTIVAL DIARY 2010

Tim Turner - MFAB Marketing DirectorNow the dust has settled, and my brain is working again, it's time for a few thoughts on MFAB 2010 in the form of a daily diary.

Thursday June 17

This evening is when we put up the tents - not the big marquee, which is erected by the suppliers - but all the other ones. Usual small crew turns up; I've put my back out in the past week so can't lift, stretch or twist, which rules me out. Finance Director Laura finds me a suitable job: signing cheques ready for the weekend!

Friday June 18

Early afternoon, and we're almost ready to receive visitors. Stalls are going up (including the very important coffee stall) and it's beginning to look like a Festival. The sponsor's banner is up, and someone comments that the blue and white striped marquee now looks like a Tesco carrier bag. Unintentional, but apt! Michelle Martin arrives in the office with her signed contract, and we have a chat about how much we're looking forward to the weekend. A true 'folk and boater', Michelle is an excellent singer/songwriter and comes to the Festival on her canal boat from which she also sells her artworks. And she's an extremely nice person.

A rush of people picking up tickets and wristbands, and all too soon it's time for the opening concert, which begins in storming style with a great set from Stan's Magic Foot. Then the madcap antics - and great music - of the London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra who get Town Mayor Mike Parsons up on stage, dress him in Hawaiian shirt and grass skirt and sing him a song. In between the bands I try to attract Keith Donnelly's attention to get him to announce the raffle and find myself part of his act for the next few minutes. Should have known better!

Back's holding up OK, but when I get home it's an hour before I can take my shoes off.

Saturday June 19

Couldn't move when I woke up this morning, but after a 'where are you?' text from Laura manage to get down to the office to meet the charming Japanese lady who is there with her crew filming canal activity for Japanese television. The whole site seems to be buzzing, and there are people everywhere. Laura says one of Middlewich's cash machines has already run out of money and she needs to find one later. I don't need any money until tomorrow but decide to get some today in case any more machines run out. Having found one I ring Laura to tell her and she asks me to get her some money too. My bank will think I'm acting very strangely getting two lots of money out within five minutes!

Afternoon concert, with Nigel Beck, Nicol and Cool, and the amazing Mabon, goes down a storm. Mabon's drummer, Iolo Whelan, asks the audience for a round of applause for the Festival organisers for staging such a great event. Very nice of him, and much appreciated. 

The evening provides almost too much choice, but then it depends what you like. And once again I wish I could be in more than one place at a time. The first-ever Comedy Showcase kicks off at the British Legion with Dom Collins and Keith Donnelly and apparently goes down pretty well. Might do it again next year then.

In the Civic Hall the Ceilidh, with Festival favourites All Blacked Up and guest caller Fee Lock sounds to be going down well for those who still have some energy, while in the marquee Queensberry Rules, Tom Palmer and Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes has sold out and the tent is packed. Stephen Dent, one of the many ex-organisers around, says the atmosphere is like it used to be years ago. A great compliment from someone who knows what he's talking about. A great night, and our thanks go to all the performers for making the place rock (if you can do that in a tent!).

When I eventually get home, I don't make the mistake of last night and this time take off my shoes the moment I get in. Much easier.

Sunday June 20

Back still holding up - just. Get down to the site as the service in the marquee is ending. Have a chat with the owner of the Chinese food stall, who says he loves the fact that everyone is so friendly. Tell him we don't allow unfriendly people in. Apparently you can hardly move on the towpaths and on the Salinae site, where Madcap are getting everyone dancing.

Afternoon concert another great one with Queensberry Rules (again; they insisted on doing two gigs!), Thom Kirkpatrick's amazing 21st Century one-man-band, and Little Johnny England playing as though they hadn't been away at all. Really enjoyed that one.

Then into the evening with a great set from Peter Knight's Gigspanner and a stomping performance from the Lonnie Donegan Band with Pete Donegan who close the Festival in an appropriately lively manner. Laura even manages to get me bopping, although without moving my feet! Chairman Julie makes a nice little speech thanking everyone for coming, and they all go home happy.

We stagger off to the Boar's Head for a couple of pints, where once again various musicians prove you can have three sessions going at once in the same pub! Dave Roberts - another ex-organiser - says he reckons it's been the best Festival for some years. Mike Parsons says that now he's not involved in organising it, he gets to see much more of the festival. I know what he means (about not seeing it, that is). I spend most of the time pressed against various walls (when I can find some spare space) trying to relieve my back before giving up and going home.

Monday June 21

Don't wake up until nearly 11, then down to the field to help clear up, take down tents, put things away etc. Julie's lost her phone somewhere, which explains why I couldn't contact her earlier. Do a lengthy phone interview with the local paper (gets me out of hard work anyway) and just as I've finished, something really spooky (but nice) happens. A voice from behind me says "I'd give you a hand but I've got to get going on my boat". I turn round to find Michelle Martin with another document for us. So she's both the first and last performer I see at the Festival. Couldn't think of anyone nicer to fill that role.

So that's it for another year. It's been a great event, I've had lots of great chats with performers, stall-holders and visitors. Met up with old friends and made some new ones - which is what festivals are all about. Didn't manage - as usual - to hear anything on the Fringe but it all seems to have gone well.

Helen, who sorts out the stalls, has just taken over the cafe at Boosey's Garden Centre in the town, so I, my wife Diana and Boat Festival Director Kate pop down there for a restorative cup of tea and a bacon bap (best ones in Middlewich).

So that's it for another year. Hope you enjoyed it too, and we'll see you all in 2011 for the 21st Anniversary.

Tim Turner

Marketing Director

 

THANK YOU ALL

Well, that's another Festival over, and if you missed it you really missed a good one.

I'd just like to say thanks to (in no particular order) all the visitors, performers, stallholders, boaters, fringe venues, stewards and sponsors. And to the 2nd Middlewich Scouts for running the campsite and providing great food for the campers.

And a special thank-you from me to the rest of the Festival Committee for working so hard (in their spare time and for nothing) and being such good friends. Without the team the Festival would never happen, and then where would the rest of you be?

As it is, thanks for your support and we'll see you all next year on the 17th, 18th and 19th of June.

Tim Turner

Marketing Director

WELL-DESERVED PRAISE

...FOR THE MFAB STEWARDS AND FIRST-AIDERS.

Received today by the MFAB TEAM:

I just want to say thank you to the stewards and first aiders who helped me when I sprained my ankle dancing to Mabon at the festival yesterday. They were wonderful, and not only helped with immediate first aid, but also one of the stewards (Maxine) drove me and my friend to the hospital so I could get it checked at A & E, and saved seats at the evening concert for me and my friend so we didn't miss seeing Show of Hands at the evening concert. Thanks very much to all involved.

Regards
Fliss Davies

 

IT'LL BE A LAUGH

Dom Collins - On Grandads :: YouTube video
This year, for the first time at the Festival, we've introduced a Comedy Stage for those of you who feel in need of a good laugh.

It's at the Royal British Legion at 6pm on Saturday, it's family friendly, and tickets are only £5 (and no, there are no concessions for this one).

Compered by, and starring, Festival favourite Dominic Collins (click the pic to run video) - who's been described as "Jim Royle meets George Formby in Coronation Street" -

Keith Donnelly - It's Fun At The Folk Festival :: YouTube video
and with the assistance of Keith Donnelly - according to Jasper Carrott "Keith could make sheep laugh" - the show will also feature several of Dom's friends from the Manchester comedy circuit.

It's sure to be a great night, and could well become a regular Festival attraction. Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to say you were at the first one? So book your tickets now and make sure you don't miss out.

 

FESTIVAL CEILIDH

The Festival Ceilidh is always popular, so make sure you book your tickets early. This year we feature favourites All Blacked Up, one of the best bands around for getting your feet moving, with the wonderful Fee Lock (the poshest - and possibly the most glamorous - caller in the business) doing the calling. If you think you'll have energy to spare on Saturday night the tickets are only £10. So buy them now and get ready for a superb if tiring night.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PATRON

Greetings boating folkers, and indeed folking boaters. Once again it is my pleasure to welcome you back to one of the great friendly boutique boot camps of the festival calendar. In order to ring the changes my band The Family Mahone and I have decided to take a sabbatical this year to allow the programme to advance, as none of us want over-familiarity to breed contempt do we?

And so throw yourselves into the music, the pubs, the atmosphere - but not the Big Lock itself as you will get a mouthful of something that is better not taken internally.

I look forward to seeing you revelling and reeling around the town and expect to be bought drinks as a thankyou for not subjecting you to our ramshackle rantings this year.

Welcome back Middlewichers old and new. Let the carnival begin!

Mark Radcliffe

 

2010 Headliners

Here is some information about our headline acts. Click on the pictures to open the bands' website (in a new window).

Friday evening

London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra

To the LPSO, skiffle means "anything goes", as long as it is musical, entertaining and fun.
Our performances are energetic, colourful, bizarre, tuneful, virtuoso and hilarious incorporating a wealth of instruments, costume changes and numerous props.
And we are full of surprises ...

 

Saturday afternoon

Mabon

Mabon’s music is well described as Original, Interceltic, World Music. Composed by frontman Jamie Smith, and brought to life by six highly accomplished musicians, it draws inspiration directly from the traditional folk music of the Celtic countries.

This is not Welsh music, nor Scottish or Irish; this is Interceltic music, a true exploration of forms and styles found in Celtic music and their forging into something bold and new.

 

 

Saturday Evening

Show of Hands

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England.

Knightley, who writes most of their inspired material and Beer, a dazzling multi instrumentalist, have built up a huge following which has seen them sell out the Royal Albert Hall three times, headline major festivals from Glastonbury to WOMAD and playing all over the world, from Europe to America, Australia and India.

Voted Best Live Act by the public at the 2004 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the jury is still out on just what kind of music they play. A genre defying mix of rock, roots, blues, country and trad, and often influenced by the music of other countries, it is played out on an array of instruments from slide guitar to fiddle, mandolin to South American cuatro.

They will joined by Miranda Sykes who has been performing with Show of Hands since 2004.

As well as being a superb vocalist and double bassist she continues to surprise audiences with her musical versatility, and demonstrates her ability as a guitarist and interpreter of song, slipping effortlessly between genres. She has a strong repertoire of songs and is currently developing material for her 4th solo album project.

 

Sunday Afternoon

Little Johnny England

Little Johnny England are a unit comprising five musicians all of whom have worked within the folk/traditional and mainstream for many years.
 
As individuals they really do have it covered, credits include Peter Kaye, Fatima Mansions, Show Of Hands, Ruby Turner, The Steve Gibbons Band and Albion Band to pick just a few. They have combined their experiences to become quite simply a live act in every sense, as equally at home working in an acoustic manner as they are in a major concert setting.

Their aim in the last 10 years has been to take traditional and contemporary folk music to a wider audience and have attracted a lot of attention not only from press within the genre but also mainstream national press - having achieved a glowing four star review in Q magazine for their album "Mercs & Cherokees". This proving that their aim is not only achievable but is coming to fruition.

After sporadic shows over the last couple of years mainly due to individual projects, they are back stronger than ever with a new studio album 'Tournament Of Shadows', released in October 2009. A ten year retrospective double album 'Ten Years On' was released on 16th June 2009, documenting the band's journey so far.

 

Sunday Evening

The Lonnie Donegan Band with Pete Donegan

The Lonnie Donegan Band is as the name suggests. This is the band that toured with the legend for the last 30 years. For those of you who saw Lonnie Donegan perform in more recent years, then you will instantly recognise them:
Paul Henry     Lead Guitar
Chris Hunt     Drums
Sticky Wicket     Percussion
Eddie Masters     Bass
Peter Donegan     Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica, Mandolin, Lead Vocals

The band reformed after Lonnie's passing to perform at the Rock Island Line tribute concert for Lonnie, at the Royal Albert Hall, backing artists such as Joe Cocker, Chris Farlow, Rolf Harris, Roger Daltrey, Mark Knopfler, Van Morrison, Chris Barber, to name a few...

Currently the band tour as the same line up as the last tour with Lonnie, featuring Lonnie's son Peter Donegan on keyboards and harmonica - only this time Peter also performs lead vocals, acoustic guitar and banjo, fronting the band.

 

 

London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra

Click here for the London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra websiteLondon Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra

UNIQUE is what we are !

To the LPSO, skiffle means "anything goes", as long as it is musical, entertaining and fun.

Our performances are energetic, colourful, bizarre, tuneful, virtuoso and hilarious,

incorporating a wealth of instruments, costume changes and numerous props.

And we are full of surprises ...

Click here for the London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra website.

Show of Hands

Click here for the Show of Hands websiteShow of Hands

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England.

Knightley, who writes most of their inspired material and Beer, a dazzling multi instrumentalist, have built up a huge following which has seen them sell out the Royal Albert Hall three times, headline major festivals from Glastonbury to WOMAD and playing all over the world, from Europe to America, Australia and India.

Voted Best Live Act by the public at the 2004 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the jury is still out on just what kind of music they play. A genre defying mix of rock, roots, blues, country and trad, and often influenced by the music of other countries, it is played out on an array of instruments from slide guitar to fiddle, mandolin to South American cuatro.

They will joined by Miranda Sykes who has been performing with Show of Hands since 2004.

As well as being a superb vocalist and double bassist she continues to surprise audiences with her musical versatility, and demonstrates her ability as a guitarist and interpreter of song, slipping effortlessly between genres. She has a strong repertoire of songs and is currently developing material for her 4th solo album project.

Click here for the Show of Hands website

Mabon

Click here for the Mabon Official websiteMabon

Miss Mabon at your peril! For the past few years these high octane festival favourites from Wales have been fizzing, frothing and fermenting into the intoxicatingly heady brew they are today.

Shades of Shooglenifty and Peatbog Faeries there may be but Mabon’s music is self styled, singular and toe-tappingly good – an insatiable blend of world music, Celtic roots and rabble rousing funk folk. One minute you’ll think you’re in a Breton bistro, next there are echoes of klezmer, and then they perfectly capture what it says on the can for fusion tracks like “A Hungarian in Brittany” and “Gower Flotsam in Bordeaux”!

Led by the indecently talented  accordionist and tunes meister Jamie Smith, this six- piece band also features Young Scottish Musician of the  Year finalist Calum Stewart on wooden flute and Ruth Angell ( Rainbow Chasers, Lark Rise Band) on fiddle.

Freewheeling through a frenzied repertoire of feelgood tunes the band is also capable of slowing down the tempo for mellower, moving numbers. But not for long!

A knock out in Europe and beyond, they have played castles in Poland, forest parks in Italy and woven their magic in Mexico, Canada and Australia.  Back on home turf they will showcase numbers from their acclaimed “huge grin of an album” OK Pewter. 

So stand by for infectious, energising, life affirming music in spades. The only problem will be how to stop yourself leaping out of your seat or just when to stop dancing. Prepare to party!

Click here to visit the Mabon website

MORE NEWS OF THE ANNIVERSARY HEADLINERS

We’re all set now for another great Festival, and there’s lots to tell you about what we’ve got ...

Friday 18th June

...kicks off in boisterous fashion with the Middlewich debut of the London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra, ably supported by local favourites Stan’s Magic Foot. The LPSO may sound huge (not sure how many musicians normally make up an orchestra, but I think it’s a lot) but there’s only four of them; superb musicians, lashings of comedy, and a good night for everyone. And if you think you know what skiffle is, then you ain’t heard nothing yet! Add to that the amazing mix of music that is Stan’s Magic Foot, and you have a concert guaranteed to send everyone home with a smile on their face. And – like all mainstage concerts this year – it’s in the Marquee!

No Family Mahone! :(

Unfortunately for their fans, there’s no Family Mahone this year. Mark Radcliffe has decided to ease up on the workload (or watch the football) and two of the band members have other work commitments, so they couldn’t make it this year. Never mind, there’s always another time, and we’re sure you’ll love the concert we have put on for you instead!

Saturday 19th June

There’s also – while we’re on the subject of things not happening – no parade through the town on Saturday morning this year. It’s been left out of the event in an effort to cut down the Policing costs, which are carving an even bigger hole in our budget every year. It has cut some money off the estimate, but we still have a fair old whack to pay. In case you’re wondering, it’s over 5% of our turnover! Anyway, it’ll give you more time to see the boats, visit the stalls and have a look at the wonderful Flower Festival in the Church, and there will be lots of dancing to keep you amused before you head to the Marquee for the afternoon concert – which is a biggie!

Headlining are Mabon, the exciting six-piece Celtic band from Wales. If you haven’t heard them, the music they play isn’t just from Wales, it covers the whole range of Celtic sounds, and it really swings. Supporting are Nicol & Cool, aka Ken Nicol and Phil Cool, featuring the guitar virtuoso and member of Steeleye Span with Phil showing his more serious side as a singer and songwriter – although there will be a fair bit of humour as well! Also appearing in this concert will be finger-style guitarist and songwriter from Nottingham Nigel Beck, who’s making a big name for himself on the circuit.

Late afternoon/early evening there’s a Comedy Showcase at the Royal British Legion with Dom Collins, Keith Donnelly and friends, then we’re into the evening concerts:

In the Marquee we’ve got Show of Hands, widely acknowledged as the finest acoustic roots duo in England; or trio when, as here, they appear with Miranda Sykes. Supporting are Stoke-based The Queensberry Rules, one of Britain’s most exciting folk roots acts, and Tom Palmer, one of the country’s best-loved songsters carrying on the troubadour tradition.

In the Civic Hall there’s the Festival Ceilidh, with All Blacked Up and caller Fee Lock, for those of you with the energy to get up and dance.

Sunday 20th June

..in the afternoon (in the Marquee) you’ll get Little Johnny England, back together after individual projects and reportedly stronger than ever. Supporting are The Queensberry Rules (yes, again – they wanted to do two spots) and Keith Donnelly, a man who, according to Jasper Carrott, could make sheep laugh. Not sure where that leaves the rest of us!

Sunday night we finish the Festival in really upbeat mood with The Lonnie Donegan Band – that’s the band that accompanied Lonnie on his last tour – led by son Peter Donegan. A great mix of skiffle, blues, jazz and foot-stomping fun. Support comes from another refugee from Steeleye Span, fiddle player Peter Knight with Gigspanner: a multicultural blend of music that crosses all boundaries and should really get you tapping your feet.

You can keep updated on any developments either through the website or through

MySpace, Facebook and Twitter

. Yes, we’ve finally reached the 21st century! So get those tickets booked and we’ll see you in June.

Tim Turner
Marketing Director

EarlyBird Tickets by Post

This Earlybird Offer is only available until midnight, 30th April 2010†

† NOTE: envelopes received must be franked before 1st May 2010, or they will be returned.
Please do not leave posting until the last minute — thanks in anticipation!
 
Booking Form HERE (PDF document — Print and/or Save — opens in a Javascript window) — contains the following info:
Date
Venue
Artist
No. x Full Price No. x Concessions No. x Youth
(10 - 16)
All Weekend June 18 - 20 All Venues All Artists, All Venues*
x £65
x £60
x £30
Camping Per Adult per night (accompanied under-18s are free)
x £5
 
 

Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival reserves the right to make any changes to the timings and/or line-up of artists appearing.

Please make cheque payable to MFAB. Post form to MFAB Box Office, 121 Warmingham Lane, Middlewich CW10 0HL    Total: £

NOTE:   MFAB does not issue conventional paper/card tickets for the above** — in common with many other festivals and similar events, wristbands are issued, as once attached, they are non-transferable.
Therefore, tickets/wristbands will be available for collection only from 4pm Friday 18th June from the Festival Box Office. See website for maps. Bring proof of purchase and, proof of concessionary eligibility.
† NOTE: envelopes received must be franked before 1 May 2010, or they will be returned. Please do not leave posting until the last minute — thanks in anticipation!
* Booking confirmation will be by e-mail only unless you enclose an SAE (stamped addressed envelope), so please remember to correctly write it in this very important field, immediately below.
** Exception: individual concert tickets (not on sale until May 1st).

Name:
Email:
Tel:
Address:
How did you get to hear about MFAB2010?

The personal information you supply here will only be used internally and never distributed elsewhere or used for marketing.
If you wish to be kept informed of MFAB events, please subscribe to our free Newsletters on the website.

Tickets by Post

Tickets by Post 2010*

Download the form from the link below. Please do not leave posting until the last minute — thanks in anticipation!
 
Booking Form HERE (PDF document — Print and/or Save — opens in a Javascript window) — contains the following info:
Date
Venue
Artist
No. x Full Price No. x Concessions No. x Youth
(10 - 16)
All Weekend** All Venues All Artists, All Venues
x £70
x £68
x £35
All Saturday** 19th June All Venues All Artists, All Venues
x £35
x £33
x £17.50
All Sunday** 20th June All Venues All Artists, All Venues
x £35
x £33
x £17.50
Friday 18th June, 8pm Main Marquee The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra + Stan's Magic Foot + MC Keith Donnelly
x £12
x £10
x £6
Saturday 19th June, 2pm Main Marquee Mabon + Nicol & Cool + Nigel Beck
x £19
x £17
x £9.50
Saturday 19th June, 6pm British Legion Dom Collins + Keith Donnelly + friends — Comedy Showcase
x £5
x £5
x £5
Saturday 19th June, 8pm Main Marquee Show of Hands (trio) + Tom Palmer + The Queensberry Rules
x £19
x £17
x £9.50
Saturday 19th June, 8pm Civic Hall All Blacked Up + Fee Lock — Festival Ceilidh
x £10
x £10
x £10
Sunday 20th June, 2pm Main Marquee Little Johnny England + The Queensberry Rules + MC Keith Donnelly
x £19
x £17
x £9.50
Sunday 20th June, 8pm Main Marquee The Lonnie Donegan Band w/Peter Donegan + Peter Knight's Gigspanner
x £19
x £17
x £9.50
Camping Per Adult per night (accompanied under-18s are free)
x £5
 
 

Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival reserves the right to make any changes to the timings and/or line-up of artists appearing.

Please make cheque payable to MFAB. Post form to MFAB Box Office, 121 Warmingham Lane, Middlewich CW10 0HL    Total: £

NOTE:   MFAB does not issue conventional paper/card tickets for the above** — in common with many other festivals and similar events, wristbands are issued, as once attached, they are non-transferable.
Therefore, tickets/wristbands will be available for collection only from 4pm Friday 18th June from the Festival Box Office. See website for maps. Bring proof of purchase and, proof of concessionary eligibility.
* Booking confirmation will be by email only unless you enclose an SAE (stamped addressed envelope), so please remember to correctly write it in this very important field, immediately below.

Name:
Email:
Tel:
Address:
How did you get to hear about MFAB2010?

The personal information you supply here will only be used internally and never distributed elsewhere or used for marketing.
If you wish to be kept informed of MFAB events, please subscribe to our free Newsletters on the website.

MFAB 2010 INFO PENDING

 
 

Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival 2010

~ INFORMATION PENDING ~

 
  • We apologise that the information you were hoping to find here is not yet available for publication ...
  • In the meantime, once the content contributors to the website provide their updates, these will be integrated into the revised layout — all sections will hopefully be updated before 1st May, however, items like the Fringe and Workshops pages may not get published until very close to the time of the Festival ...
  • There is a priority to publish documentation for stall-holder applications and the 2009 page will remain for the time being in order for prospective vendors to fill in the online application form (link halfway down the page) ...
  • There are similar forms for Stewarding applicants and Boat Registrations and these should be addressed shortly.
Thank you for your patience!
 

MFAB At A Glance

 

Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival 2010

Festival Guide at-a-glance

 
  • Here's an at-a-glance outline of the headline musical events of the festival, from Friday night through to Sunday Night (start times to be confirmed).
  • Please remember that there will also be a huge variety of fringe musical events at many venues around the town, with accompanying Morris and Dance performers and separately, events specifically for children.

Friday 18th June Time Venue Performers
  8.00 pm Main Marquee The London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra + Stan's Magic Foot + MC Keith Donnelly
Saturday 19th June Time Venue Performers
  2.00 pm Main Marquee Mabon + Nicol & Cool + Nigel Beck
  6.00 pm British Legion Comedy Showcase — Dom Collins + Keith Donnelly + friends
  8.00 pm Main Marquee Show of Hands (trio) + Tom Palmer + The Queensberry Rules
  8.00 pm Civic Hall Festival Ceilidh — All Blacked Up + Caller Fee Lock
Sunday 20th June Time Venue Performers
  2.00 pm Main Marquee Little Johnny England + The Queensberry Rules + MC Keith Donnelly
  8.00 pm Main Marquee The Lonnie Donegan Band w/Peter Donegan + Peter Knight's Gigspanner

ARTISTS FOR THE ANNIVERSARY

Thanks for waiting - here are some of the artists and bands we've got lined up for you this year. All subject to contract of course.

In no particular order, we're bringing you MABON, SHOW OF HANDS, QUEENSBERRY RULES, TOM PALMER, LITTLE JOHNNY ENGLAND, PETER KNIGHT'S GIGSPANNER, THE LONNIE DONEGAN BAND with PETE DONEGAN, STAN'S MAGIC FOOT, PHIL COOL and KEN NICOL.

There'll be lots more too, and names will be added as soon as we've got them; the EARLYBIRD TICKET OFFER - which is open until April 30 - will be on the Booking page in a few days time with full weekend tickets at just £65. We've held ticket prices for the second year running, so look out for it and save yourself some money.

Please note that tickets for individual concerts will not be on sale until May 1. So try not to be too impatient.

What the Papers Said

Middlewich Guardian

Bands, boats and laughter make festival a huge success

MIDDLEWICH was awash with music, dance and laughter at the weekend as thousands of families, folk music fans and boaters flocked to the town for the 18th annual folk and boat festival.

The concert venues were packed to the rafters and narrowboats lined every inch of the town’s waterways for the three-day event that organisers have hailed a resounding success.

Festival fever also came in the form of a lively and colourful procession through

Wheelock Street
with a whole host of folk groups taking part including Clerical Error and Mortimer’s Morris. Young dancers from the Quick Step School of Dancing were wowing their audience in the Bull Ring with their fancy footwork and nifty moves.

Boating enthusiasts were in for a special treat this year when the Cheshire Floating Garden Festival moored up at Town Wharf festooned with flowers and fauna.

Hayley Collins

for the full version see www.middlewichguardian.co.uk/news

The Sentinel

LEGEND GIVES MASTER-CLASS

WHETHER singing a cappella or alongside pianist Huw Warren and violist Mark Emerson, June Tabor's voice trickles into your ear like melted honey. It's warm, rich and enticing, leaving the listener in little doubt as to why she is noted as one of the best female folk vocalists of her generation.
Appearing at St Michael's Church on Friday night as part of the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival, she greeted the audience with a sensual rendition of Andy M. Stewart's Where Are You Tonight I Wonder, which quickly made the hairs on the back of your neck spring up.
If you are unfamiliar with Tabor's voice, this concert couldn't have served as a better introduction.
The church setting created a wonderful atmosphere and the acoustics, although not brilliant, created a haunting feeling.

Liz Rowley

for the full version see www.thisisthesentinel.co.uk

And don't forget to visit www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/apr/23/folkfestivals.uk to see our Top Ten ranking