MOSELEY FOLK MESSAGE BOARD
We welcome your feedback and love to hear your thoughts on all things Moseley Folk.
23/09/2008
Lovely Festival
Like many, it was my first visit to MFF and I went on the Friday for the day. The weather was gorgeous which helped tremendously but my friends and I loved every minute!! It was like stepping into a 'secret world' - totally idyllic!! I even bought a violin from one of the trade stands 20 years after giving up playing - so thanks to MFF for reacquainting me with the fiddle!
I echo everyone's thoughts re: toilets - need to have more. Also, the bar area needs to be extended or spread over 2 areas of the site because you couldn't buy drinks that easily and I believe some people left the festival temporarily to buy drinks at the pub on the High Street and then coming back.
Also, whilst it's good to evolve the festival, please keep it at the size it is as that is part of the charm!
Looking forward to next year!
By Anna from Solihull
22/09/2008
Claret say 'Thanks'
Hi we were the band (trio) who opened the Saturday moon stage. If anyone has comments/photos or videos of us we would love to get hold of them. From an artists point of view the back-line sound was great and the sound men were great, we hope what went out front was OK as there are a few comments about sound volumes, and we noticed this too. I was the one who cried when I got off stage (sorry sound chaps, and thanks for the water)as I only lost my Mom 6 days before, so things were a bit of atall order for me that day. Thanks too for those who attended the Dance and musician's workshops and the cedilidh as we played for that too on the Sunday in the Marquee so we have been busy for you!
Thanks Gerve and Pam Bishop for including us. We hope we can do it again if we may, if not next year perhaps the one after. We will be away the time of 2009, so a bit disappointed aout that. See us at our music club Thursdays
See........ http://clarettheband.tripod.com
Best Wishes, the Band
Sandra, Tim and Bryan
By Sandra (and Tim Robinson) from Sutton Coldfield
20/09/2008
Friday and Saturday
I only went on these two days as Seth Lakemen didnt really interest me. I only went for Morcheeba, Jose Gonzalez and The bees. I had already seen Jose Gonzalez before and i thought he was amazing both times and i totally disagree with him being the dullest act as he is truely talented and people don't appreciate how hard it is to play guitar at his standard. I hope the lineup is twice as good next year and hopefully won't have acts like spiro. Cheers.
By Eleanor leech from Norwich
13/09/2008
A word about the toilets
We'd just like to apologise for the poor toilet provision this year.
We're still a little baffled as to what went wrong. We used the same toilet company as Cropredy and we took their suggestion as to how many toilets would be appropriate. Despite being cleaned each day they were in poor state by each afternoon.
Suggestions we've had include more toilets, a gent's urinal block and cleaning twice a day. You can rest assured we'll be doing all this for next time. We're sorry if this spoilt anyone's enjoyment of what was an otherwise fantastic weekend.
By Moseley Folk from moseley
11/09/2008
Fantastic Weekend
First time visiting the Festival and with luck it definitely won't be my last. We had an absolutely brilliant time over all three days!
With so many excellent acts it would hard to mention all the ones that I enjoyed, but my favourites would have to be The Destroyers and, of course, the most magnificant Seth Lakeman. (Seth's headlining was what got us to book in the first place.) Definitely saved the best 'til last as far as I'm concerned!
Downsides? The toilets have had plenty of mentions already. I have to confess I'm in agreement with an earlier comment from Keith, whilst Jose Gonzales is good, he didn't come across as headline material for me (nor for our friends).
That said, thanks for great time and I'm looking forwards to next year already!
By Anne Gilbert from Birmingham
07/09/2008
The Sunday
Good festival but rained again like a couple of years ago.
Must be doomed.
Sounds off the main stage seemed a tad muffled to the LHS of the stage.
Didn't seem alot for the kids to do inside having remembered creative stuff happening before. Like a few other comments about the toilets - they were a disgrace - not even close to being acceptable for even a festival site. Would have to be something special on the line-up to come again.
By NIGEL WALTON from West Midlands
04/09/2008
MFF comments
Went to MFF for the first time, just for the Sunday. The two stage idea worked well, but there were too many acts. Restricting wonderful performers like Ruth Notman, Tams and Coope to 40 minute slots and Waterson-Carthy to less than an hour did not really give them a fair chance to perform the full range of their music.
By Rod Bowes from Banbury
04/09/2008
thanks
It was our first time at the mff,we went on sunday and loved every min of it even the rain lol.The sound was better from the lunar stage,maybe next year they will get it right for the main stage.Seth lakeman was fantastic. Also we wished john tams and barry coope played for longer. I hope they get more tents up for next year as they did promise to do so for this year. See you next year
By ginnny from birmingham
03/09/2008
Thanks!
Our first visit to Moseley, unfortunately just for the Saturday.It was great,we loved it,and now we are listening to the superb cd,which is such a great idea. Only one complaint...guess what,the awful toilets!With such a small capacity festival we think they could be a lot better!!
Hope to be back again next year!
Thanks, Jo & David
By Jo & David from Cambridge
03/09/2008
Thank you
Thank you for a fantastic weekend.
Just concerned that MFF may become a victim of it's own success - can the idyllic Moseley Park cope with the swelling audience (the toilets can't - they were so very grim)
My teenage children were happy to attend - and they insist they don't like folk music!
At times we found it difficult to hear the talking/banter of the artists on the main stage and in fact felt the sound levels were actually better on the Lunar stage.
Please,please invite Martyn Joseph,Show of Hands,Julie Fowlis,Karine Polwart.
With best wishes and thanks for a special time.
By Beth from Solihull
03/09/2008
Videos
Hi,
Some videos of Friends of the Stars Sunday performance
http://www.vimeo.com/user718366/videos
Thanks for a great festival.
By Commercially Invable from Birmingham
02/09/2008
Photos
Great festival, as always. I was mainly drinking tea from the Mashed tent so didn't have a beer issue. Always struck me as more of a tea festival this one.
Anyway, my photos are up on Flickr here:
http://flickr.com/photos/peteashton/sets/72157607058898324/
Hope you like!
By Pete Ashton from Birmingham
02/09/2008
review of MFF
Hello,
there is a review of MFF up at www.the-fly.co.uk on the Birmingham page of the regional blog. (it is currently being edited down for the national main front page)
Please send us your comments and what not. Your photos would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Andy
By andy from Birmingham
02/09/2008
Volume Levels
First time we came to MFF loved the whole festival and the good atmosphere. My only complaint (other than umbrellas blocking the view) is that too many singer songwriter acts and a lot of the "acoustic" acts on the Lunar stage simply were not given the the volume levels that most of the main stage or rock acts achieved. It was a struggle to clearly hear obviously talented acts like the Toy Hearts and John Smith from the area around the disabled tent. Other than that a great weekend that we thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to the organisers.
By Ade from Birmingham
02/09/2008
Sunday
Only made the Sunday.
Really enjoyed Seth Lakeman, a fitting headliner.
Thought Waterson Carthy, Coope & Tams, Ruth Notman and the Old School Band, Ian Campbell were the other highlights of the day and would have appreciated longer sets from them.
Liked Rachel Unthank but could hardly hear the performance from not too far up the hill.
Scott Matthews - Dissapointing and I think he realised that.
Well organised and thanks for the entertainment put on for the youngsters.
We attended with my 9 year old son and the only complaint is to echo Clive Davies comment about language both from the announcer and more so from Chris T-T (who was one of the weaker acts anyway). If the event is pitched as a family festival then this is unaceptable and not what I would want to expose youngsters too.
By GB from Wythall
01/09/2008
seth lakeman
what a GREAT weekeend !! and to be rounded up with a great set from S L.
GREAT !!
someone has posted a couple of vids of seths performance on you tube... worth checking out !!
By steve from birmingham
01/09/2008
Weekend
Generally a great weekend but I agree with others that Saturday was a bit weak on the folky front. Chris Woods flew the flag well (joke and all) but the day was redeemed by the incredible Destroyers who I had never heard of but overshone the lack-lustre Jose Gonzales and non-folky Bees. Sunday was much better although I think that the likes of John Tams, Waterson: Carthy and the Unthanks should all get a full hour. Why invite such great acts to play for a mere 40 minutes. I thought even the lunar stage acts were better on Sunday although I realise that Saturday had much more appeal to pop music fans (I didn't even bother turning up on Friday...). If the bar didin't sell out then they can only blame themselves for the queues, prices and fairly samey beer. This is the West Midlands and we want mild! (and the odd pint of stout would go down well in the rain)
By Jo from Birmingham
01/09/2008
Jose
I had a great time at the fest and thought it was even better than last year. Can't agree with Keith's comments about Mr Gonzalez - I thought he was superb and second only to the bees.
My only gripe was the beer tent on Friday but it seemed fine for the remainder of the festival. I've nursed a hangover today after the cider was sold off at £1 a pint!
By Matt from Kings Heath
01/09/2008
Getting better
It was my second MFF, and this years was a great improvement on last years. The acts seem to flow better, along with the improved interaction from the compare with the audience. Agree with comments regarding the toilets....they got nastier as the day went on! I enjoyed the line up on Sunday- it was a good mix of traditional and modern. Especially liked the Moon Music Orchestra. Well done on the improvements and will be back next year.
By Louise Whillock from Olton
01/09/2008
Photos of MFF needed!
Hello,
What a spiffing weekend it was.
Does any one have any good quality pics of the festival that they can email me please?
I'm submitting a review to The Fly's website and need some images.
I can offer no payment, maybe a bag of biscuits if you're lucky.
Thanks.
andrew-roberts@hotmail.co.uk
By Andy Roberts from Birmingham
01/09/2008
comment
I didn't go this year as the line up didn't take my fancy. However whilst you did have some folk -ish acts on, no way is Morcheeba and The Bees anything like folk or ish! Please get Martyn Joseph or Martha Tilston next year.
By mark from west mids
01/09/2008
Thank you!
Hi,
Me and my family went to the festival yesterday and I would just like to say that we had a really great time, and that all the acts were brilliant!
I was really impressed with the line-up. It would be great if you get The Levellers for a future festival.
Anyway, thankyou for a great time and well done to all those involved!
By Kathy D from Wolverhampton
01/09/2008
Another Top Weekend
My second MFF, and another top weekend!
Coming from London, we only saw Saturday and Sunday. We thought that the acts on the Sunday were generally much stronger than the acts on Saturday (with a few notable exceptions)... But can this still be billed as a "folk" festival when so many of the acts clearly have little, if anything, to do with "folk as we know it"?
Good stuff: Scott Matthews, Ruth Notman, Ian Campbell, The Toy Hearts, Waterson:Carthy, KTB, John Smith, Spiro, Son Of Noel And Adrian, John Tams and Barry Coope, Chris Wood (not the Gary Glitter joke though)....all of which makes for a pretty good hit rate!
Not so good: Jose Gonzales - sorry, but is this guy really a headliner? And can someone please teach him how to tune a guitar in under 10 minutes? Dullest act of the weekend by a long way.
We didn't see any problems with the bar on Saturday or Sunday, and the cider was top-notch.
A couple of minor suggestions: can we have a signing tent? I lost count of the number of acts telling us that they had CDs for sale, so how about giving them a small tent where they can sign some? Works a treat at Cropredy and they sell bucket-loads, which the artists must surely appreciate?
Second Cropredy-ish comment: the toilets were pretty grim this year, worse than last year. Cropredy somehow get this spot on - I know that they're a much bigger festival, but is there anything that can be learnt from them or their supplier?
Excellent festival overall though - there wasn't anything you could do about the weather! Keep up the good work!
By Keith from London
01/09/2008
Thank You
I think most would agree that was a fantastic weekend in the park. A big thank you to all of you for coming, the atmosphere was wonderful.
Just a few thank yous to some that weren't mentioned in the programme. I'm sure I'll think of more later.
Thanks to Paul Murphy, Janice Long and Zit (Czech for Dave) for compering.
Thank you to Selina for stepping in at the last minute to organise, guide and enthuse the festival knitters to knit a technicolour 50ft scarf. Ian Campbell was very touched by your gift.
Thanks to all of our stewards this year, you did a fantastic job, we'll be in touch with you all about stewarding next year.
We'd just like to apologise for the long bar queues on Friday, I do agree with Malcolm and Mr Sober. We made our feelings known to the bar concession on Friday night. In fairness they did get their act together on Saturday and Sunday.
To answer Chiquita we don't announce our performance times till the festival which I believe is standard practice. The website lists the acts in reverse order of appearance. I answered emails and phone messages until Friday morning before the festival.
Mr D, Cat Girl is also known as Lucy and the Caterpillar.
We do appreciate all of your comments and suggestions. We'll try our best to polish any rough edges for next year.
By Moseley Folk from Moseley
01/09/2008
What fun for the Little Folk!!
Fantastic fun for the kids - the time travelling pirates were on top form again and the eco fairground rides were amazing fun. And free!! Toddler carrom was also an unexpected delight/distraction. Some of you older little folk learned how to knit too! Bring it all back for next year please!!
By Vanessa and Larry from Kings Heath
01/09/2008
Brilliant Weekend
Gerv & Carl and all from the Moseley Folk Festival - Just to say thankyou from me and Issy - we had one of the most brilliant weekends ever. The standard of production at the festival was amazing and the vibe was wonderful. Congratulations to all involved - thankyou for a truly pleasurable time and some great music. Paul Murphy and the Destroyers were a personal favourite - where do they get the energy? And The Bees were really on form, the entire park was dancing at their set. Heres to next year!
By Berni Good from The Heath
31/08/2008
swearing
dont think I am a fuddy-duddy, I work on a building site where every 2nd word i blue, but was it appropiate for the MC to use the F word? Moseley is a great family festival, it was bad enouth for one of the acts on the Lunar stage to swear during his songs, but I can put that down to artistic expression, but not the host!, slap his wrist please. Other than that a great day! my 1st MFF but not my last I hope.
By CLIVE DAVIES from birmingham
31/08/2008
festival 2008
Fantastic!Had a great time.Good food.Lovely people.Wonderful surroundings and awesome music.
Thank you all.
By sue from Hall Green
31/08/2008
Timings...
Can anyone tell me when John tams is on ?
By Claud O'Grady from Quinton
31/08/2008
Dogs
Are we allowed to bring our dogs to the festival
By John from Dudley
30/08/2008
Catgirl
I never managed to grab the name of the lady with the cat makeup playing the Bohemian Jukebox stage on Friday evening. She was really entertaining and I would like to hear more. If anyone could give me more details that would be cool. Great festival so far!
By Mr D from Brum
30/08/2008
Saturday ticket
I've traveled down to visit my brother & take in the festival.not buying in advance i've just rudely discovered that tickets have sold out.!.its a day ticket for the saturday I was hoping for....if anyone has a spare please email me.i'm sat in "jibbering records" across the road from the entrance.please get intouch anyone who can help.
By Stewart from Highlands of Scotland
30/08/2008
Bar Q
I understand why you prefer us wrinklies with our own chairs to sit towards the back of the field. That is fine when the bar is keeping up with demand but all Friday evening, from about 6:30, the queue for the bar spilt out way beyond the environs of the beer tent & the constant, loud hubub spoilt our enjoyment of the music. The 30+ minute queue to be served was clearly unacceptable to anyone wanting a drink. Bigger bar with more staff next time please.
By Malcolm from Barnt Green
30/08/2008
Program
Where do you obtain a program from? What time are the destroyers and the bees playing please?
By laight from b'ham
30/08/2008
seth lakeman time
Any idea when seth lakeman is on stage?
By elaine noble from nr.stourbridge
30/08/2008
Frustrating!
Hi. Many people have asked for the line up times for today - i.e. when are Jose Gonzalez and The Bees playing? Any chance we could have an answer?
Why have a message board and an email address when you don't respond to enquiries!
By Chiquitiqua from Brum
30/08/2008
Has it all got a bit too big?
We popped along for a couple of hours last night and the queues for food and drink seemed pretty ridiculous compared with the last two years.
I'm looking forward to the next two days but hope that the number of people there doesn't take away from the atmosphere this year.
Morcheeba sounded fantastic...
By Phillippa W from Moseley
29/08/2008
Awful bar don't bother
ON SATURDAY, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT BOTHER TO GO. THE BAR IS A DISGRACE, WITH A HALF EMPTY FESTIVAL IT TAKES 3/4'S OF AN HOUR TO GET SERVED, IMAGINE WHAT IT WILL BE LIKE ON A DAY THAT IS SOLD OUT.
.......THREE YEARS AND YOU STILL CAN'T GET THE BAR RIGHT AND THE WHOLE GIG IS FULL OF BLAND SINGLE WHITE BLOKES WITH AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR -THAT AIN'T FOLK IN MY BOOK
By Sober from A land of enforced prohibition
29/08/2008
Spare tickets
Desperately looking for one possibly two spare tickets for tomorrow. Anyone?
By Joel Essex from Selly Oak
29/08/2008
Saturday tickets for sale
I have 3 tickets for Saturday I need to sell for £40 for each.
As they are etickets I can email the details to you on Friday evening.
By Daphne Welch from Kidderminster
29/08/2008
Performance times
Does anybody know what time the bands are playing?
By Matt from Birmingham
29/08/2008
Vijay Kishore-
Vijay will be opening the mainstage on Saturday afternoon at 12 o'clock (I know its early) but just telling anyone out there who would like to catch him .
By Rob from Brum
29/08/2008
Smoke Fairies
Does anyone know where / what time the Smoke Fairies are playing? On their website it says they are playing on Sunday, but can't find them listed on here.
By John from Birmingham
29/08/2008
Spare Tickets
Anyone got two spare tickets ??
I`ve left it too late as usual. Can meet in Moseley to swap
Nice one, chris
chris.donovan@hotmail.co.uk
By Chris from Moseley
29/08/2008
tickets and times
Hiya
Anyone know if you can buy a ticket on the gate?????
Also what time is Morcheeba playing?
Cheers xxx
By kelly from Shirley
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