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Welcome … … <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Festival</strong> <strong>Director</strong> Welcome to <strong>Sidmouth</strong> <strong>Folk</strong>Week 2012 So here we are at <strong>the</strong> 58th <strong>Sidmouth</strong> <strong>Folk</strong>Week <strong>Festival</strong>, not just <strong>the</strong> oldest, but finest <strong>Folk</strong> <strong>Festival</strong> in <strong>the</strong> UK. With over 650 events <strong>the</strong>re’s a range of activity that isn’t matched anywhere else. Throw in <strong>the</strong> prettiest seaside town in <strong>the</strong> South West, some great music and dance, workshops galore, fun family events and so much more besides like ice creams, tasty festival food and drinks and you have got quite a party, or even an action packed holiday! Our job is to make this unique We know that <strong>Sidmouth</strong> <strong>Folk</strong>Week has a special place in people’s hearts. Is it because of <strong>the</strong> stunning seaside location? Is it <strong>the</strong> sheer diversity of <strong>the</strong> programme – celebrating all aspects of culture with roots in tradition, <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> grass roots to <strong>the</strong> cutting edge, <strong>from</strong> home grown to distant shores? Is it <strong>the</strong> sense of community here – welcoming one and all, across <strong>the</strong> generations? Is it <strong>the</strong> opportunity to participate at every level with <strong>the</strong> extensive workshop events? We think it’s all of those things … and more. It is many festivals within a festival – offering something new and something different whatever your interests. <strong>Sidmouth</strong> <strong>Folk</strong>Week is all about new adventures and old friends. What makes this year special? We want to shout <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> rooftops about so many aspects of this year’s festival, but a few special events are particularly noteworthy. We are delighted that Norma Waterson makes her return to performing this <strong>week</strong> after a prolonged illness. Her velvet-rich voice has been much missed and she joins with daughter Eliza Carthy and The Gift Band in a Ham Concert. Welcome back Norma. Spotlight Scotland events run throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>week</strong> showcasing <strong>the</strong> wealth of talent <strong>from</strong> north of <strong>the</strong> border – thanks to <strong>the</strong> generous support of Creative experience better each year for our customers. This year we are bringing you a bigger, more exciting festival with season tickets at 2011 prices and no booking fee, so costing you less. Expect to find <strong>the</strong> usual tweaks and improvements in <strong>the</strong> facilities and venues – even in-house loos for Ham Marquee concert goers – whatever next? A special thank you to you for coming to share <strong>the</strong> experience with us. And thanks to our supporters in <strong>the</strong> Town, District and County Councils and local business sponsors. Toge<strong>the</strong>r with Scotland. The breadth and depth of creativity and talent found in contemporary Scotland is well represented. Amongst those we welcome are legendary greats Dick Gaughan and Archie Fisher and fast-rising stars such as young singer and guitarist Ewan McLennan, Rura featuring three of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of <strong>the</strong> Year finalists and multi-award winning Rua Macmillan Trio. Don’t miss <strong>the</strong> epically proportioned Treacherous Orchestra at The Bulverton who promise to blast your socks off with <strong>the</strong>ir mighty wall of sound. And a special Caledonia’s New Hardy Sons show features both contemporary and traditional arts <strong>from</strong> Scotland with Sokobauno Puppet Theatre and altfolk singer Alasdair Roberts presenting Scottish Mummers play Galoshins with live music, puppetry and shadow <strong>the</strong>atre, and also songs <strong>from</strong> Gaelic singer Gillebride MacMillan and Roberts and friends. Two pre-festival special events get <strong>the</strong> <strong>week</strong> off to an inspirational start. The emotional triumph War Horse will be performed as a unique reading by one of Britain’s most celebrated children’s authors and former Children’s Laureate, Michael Morpurgo with songs, to cradle <strong>the</strong> tale, <strong>from</strong> song-makers John Tams and Barry Coope. A rare and moving opportunity to hear <strong>the</strong> Devon-based author tell his own story of Joey and his journey <strong>from</strong> peaceful Devon to <strong>the</strong> First our dedicated Volunteers, <strong>the</strong>y help to keep <strong>Sidmouth</strong> at <strong>the</strong> head of UK <strong>Festival</strong>s. From <strong>the</strong> whole <strong>Festival</strong> team and <strong>the</strong> town, a very warm welcome. John Braithwaite <strong>Festival</strong> <strong>Director</strong> See page 55 for Key to Ticket Prices What makes <strong>Sidmouth</strong> <strong>Folk</strong>Week so special? World War battlefields of France, <strong>from</strong> farm horse to War Horse. The Big Chris Barber Band bring <strong>the</strong>ir unique brand of traditional jazz and blues to town. Now in his 63rd year as a bandleader, jazz trombonist Chris Barber heads up a fantastic 10-piece band, filling <strong>the</strong> night air with soulful blues, stylish grooves and <strong>the</strong> steamy sounds of New Orleans. An evening of stirring and joyful music <strong>from</strong> a master of his art! This year, our media sponsors fRoots magazine present A Cellar Full of <strong>Folk</strong>adelia at some funky afternoon shows at Kennaway House showcasing some of <strong>the</strong> sounds <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> leftfield with The False Beards, Zimbabwean mbira player Chartwell Dutiro, Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell, English eccentrics Duck Soup, Cornish duo Corncrow, Nova Scotian banjo songster Old Man Luedecke, Scottish singer Alasdair Roberts, ‘English Emmylou’ page 3