Ely Folk Festival 2003 Review

by John Blackwell

Anthony John Clark on the main stageThis year the Ely Folk Festival was a true record breaker with ticket sales up 50% on 2002. Saturday evening was a complete sell out. Stars of the show were Oysterband who did us proud and the acoustic set in the beer tent was something else, quite simply magic and already entering folklore, thanks guys!
On Friday evening the festival openers were Alie Byrne and Chris King. As competition winners they were rewarded with the opportunity to present their stuff on our main stage. The duo has previously played in competitions at Towersey and Sidmouth and occasionally plays clubs and festivals. This was folk with nothing taken out. With some fluid guitar from Chris and stories aplenty to illustrate the songs, Ali sang beautifully and won the warm applause of an appreciative audience. The only dissenter was a rogue dog that decided to howl mournfully during the second song thus prompting Ali’s comment that at future gigs everyone should switch off his or her dog before the start of the show!
In the beer tent that evening members of E2K were on hand to give a warm up performance prior to their appearance on the main stage. A large crowd gathered as they ran through some numbers and most were especially impressed with the warmth of Neil Fairclough's bass lines. The beer tent gigs became a firm favourite of the festival with some memorable performances including those from Oysterband and culture from local choir The Goldsmiths.
Also appearing on Friday night was Mundy Turner. They are: Catherine Mundy and Jay Turner, an acoustic, original song-writing duo based in Brisbane, Australia with influences across the board from pop to blues. The impression of a Kookaburra that Catherine treated us to was something to behold. The Australian flavour was further enhanced over the weekend by a set from Emaline Delapaix, who is a singer songwriter that can blend truly beautiful vocals with lush fiery melodies.
On Friday night Mundy Turner were followed by an acoustic set from Mick Ryan and Pete Harris; this was due to a terminally ill floodlight that dumped the festival site’s electricity supply! The sterling efforts of our site technician, Roger Fentiman, soon had us back on line. And who can forget Malinky, surely going from strength to strength with their striking vocals, song-based repertoire and instrumental flair.
Morris dancers on Ely High StreetSaturday was sweltering as Ely burst into Colour and Music with Morris & Molly dancing in the streets. On every corner there was something to see and lots of people were there to see it. The city centre procession is now firmly established in our calendar and is, for us, an important part of the occasion – this really brings folk into the centre of the city’s activities. This year we had more than twenty dance sides appearing over the weekend.
At the Festival site sessions were in session, children’s entertainment was happening and the beer tent was doing a fine trade. Once again, due to the fine stewardship of our treasurer, an excellent range of beers was on offer and even if there had been no music it would have been a creditable mini beer festival.
The Saturday’s music followed in Friday’s vein, again with memorable sets from all of our artists. For about the first time ever we had to stop selling tickets, the strong evening line up of Spiers & Boden, Malinky, Rory McLeod and Oysterband had put too much pressure on our site and the gate had to close. To all of those we had to turn away – sorry! There is no doubt that the Ely Folk Festival is growing and entering that list of “must not miss” festivals. In 2004 we are planning a larger main marquee and hope to avoid the problem.
Sunday had a slightly less hectic feel as Musicians & Festival goers relaxed after the previous days & nights revelling. Early morning TaiChi and Yoga sessions started the day while Jan (the blackboard van) bagged the kids up in a back to the womb. "rebirth" experience!
Performances from Cross o’th Hands, Anthony John Clarke, Sid Kipper, Spike Divers and Dansaul rounded off the day and as the weekend came to a gentle close, the organisers felt satisfied to have survived the 18th Ely Folk Festival.
We, the Ely Folk Festival Committee, all enjoyed 2003 - a great weekend with some great artists. So, we are going ahead with the next one so put the 9th – 11th July 2004 in your diary.
The weekend could not go ahead without a small army of helpers, stewards, supporters, and traders and, of course, the festival going public. Many thanks to all and with special thanks to our “weekend before” market square performers, Andy Wall (when will you produce that CD) and Nuada (if you get the chance to see them – take it!). See you in 2004.
The following artists performed at the 18th Ely Folk Festival:
• Anthony John Clarke
• Cross o’th Hands
• Dansaul
• e2K
• Emaline Delapaix
• Jabadaw
• John Spiers & Jon Boden
• Kettle of Fish
• Malinky
• Mick Ryan & Pete Harris
• Mundy Turner
• Oysterband
• Rory McLeod
• Serious Kitchen
• Sid Kipper
• The Spikedrivers
• Wide Glide Band
Together with following dance displays:
• Bourne Borderers Morris
• Bury Fair Morris
• Chiltern Hundreds Morris
• Coton Morris Men
• Cottonmill Clog Morris
• Devils Dyke Morris
• Earls of Essex
• Ely and Littleport Riot
• Gog Magog Molly
• Golden Star Morris
• Green Dragon Morris
• Haverhill Harlots Morris
• Kirkburton Rapier Dancers
• Kits Coty Morris
• Manor Mill Morris
• Maenads Morris
• Ouse Washes Molly
• Oyster Morris
• Pretty Grim
• Rattlejag Morris
• Slubbing Billy’s Morris
• Witchmen Morris
• Wrigley Head Morris
Children’s Entertainment:
• Splats Circus
• Jan with the Blackboard Van
• Heads and Tails
Health!
• Tai Chi with Sheila Lum
• Yoga with Sophie Leek

Dansaul playing in the beer tent

Jan the Van face-painting

Morris Dancers at the Cathedral

Sid Kipper
Bodhran workshop
Preparing the beer!