2002 - 38th Billingham Festival Programme by BillinghamFestivalVirtualMuseum

J-

fu-r

Br EL

Mr. Joe Maloney Festival Director General Secretary CIOFF UK

Ald. Harry L. Davies, M.B.E.

Mrs. Olga Maloney

Festival Chairman

Artistic Director

President of Northern European Sector CIOFF

Festival Secretary

Treasurer CIOFF UK

The Worshipful the Mayor

Ald. Maureen Taylor;

of the Borough of

M.B.E.

Stockton-on-Tees

Festival Vice Chair

Councillor Mrs Jean O'Donnell Festival President

Programme produced by TOTAL

lNC. . 08707 50 90

Mr. David Otter Festival Treasurer

Miss Elisabeth Croot l/C Festival Sales

Mrs. Sonia Lawson Housekeeper

Mrs. Jean Ogden Assistant Housekeeper l/C Festival Draw

Mr. Brian Padgett Dance Course

Coordinator

Mrs. Ann Watson

Mr. George Watson

l/C Transport

l/C Parades

Mr. Brian Lightfoot

Miss Lisa Maloney

Town Representative

l/C Catering and Meal Services

Mrs. Linda Pickering Children and Youth Advisor

Mr. lan Russell Stage Manager

Mrs. Olive Watson Assistant Housekeeper

l/C College Security

Mr. Joe Watson

Councillor Mike Stoker Stockton Borough Council

Mrs. June Welch

Children and

Youth Advisor

Mr. Nick Welch Festival Marquee

Arena Manager

Welcome to our 38th Festival! For

thirty-eight years, time after time, Billingham has attracted the best the world of folklore has to offer. Our loyal supporters will again see that we have attracted back groups who have performed with great credit at our event and new groups we know our audiences will appreciate. Joe and Olga Maloney have taken the high standards set by our first director Phil Conroy to new heights. There can be few cultural events around the world, the quality of the Billingham festival, that are entirely run by unpaid volunteers from the Director downwards. This includes all the ticket sellers, marshals, stage crew and the myriad of helpers you do not see serving meals, looking after the security of the accommodation and a many more jobs they do around our festival.

festival cannot continue. lt does face many challenges in the next few years. The first is the disappearance of the Billingham Stockton College of Further Education. This is the last year that we will be able to use it to accommodate the 350 performers,

interpreters etc. lt has played host from the very first festival but now we need to find other accommodation. Fortunately the schools have, without us even asking, rallied to our aid and offered to provide accommodation. This may not be as central as the College but it will ensure the survival of the event. We also lose the College Theatre as a venue after this festival but more significantly, in the long term, the Forum Theatre, the showcase for our event is under threat too. Those problems have to be met but let us concentrate on the present year and enjoy this feast of folklore.

We have also a large following of festival fanatics from all over the UK. lf you are here for the first time we hope that you will enjoy what you see and want to come back for more for without your support the

s,m,-

Without the loyal support of local companies Billingham lnternational Folklore Festival would not be able to maintain the high standard it has achieved over the years. Boyes Stores has, from the year it occupied its present premises in the West Precinct of Billingham, been one of our main sponsors. lt is therefore a great pleasure for us to have as the Opener of our 2002 Festival

Mr. Andrew Boyes, the Joint Managing Director of Boyes Stores Ltd.

Andrew Boyes - Joint MD

a a a

a a a a a a

FESTIr'AL COMPERES

a a a o a a o a a a a a a a a a a a a o o a

Mr. Stewart MacFarlane, M.B.E.

from

BBC Radio

Compere at the Forum Theatre; Opening & Closing Ceremonies

a a a a a a a a a

a a a a a o a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a

Mr. Edmond Beaumont Compere at Park Concerts

Mr. Nick Welch Compere at the College Theatre

SATURDAY AUGUST IOTI{ 2OO2 FESTTI'AL ilfrAilQuGf

FORUM THEATRE

COTLEGE THEATRE

JO}ITI WHITEHEAD M,NX 2.filprn tlPENlilG PARADG

7.3opm Concert featuring dance groups

dome and enjoy.the tpedacular

from

Opening Festival Parade of all the lnternational Groups accompanied by Eillingham Sifuer Band and Newton Aycliffe Royal Brhish Legion

Nepal, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan, Ukraine, Chile.

7.3opm . CEILI Whether you're an expert or just someone who likes a fun night out, this Ceili, with the

Fipg$anrd Or,urnj, The Parade irdll gq:llorn th, Telstar along Marsh House avenue via The

H (IG,

sponsoredt,

ALL SEATS f7.OO

i!.qrr*le,Fe:rtival

Mdlqu@ in rJ$An,gltiitehead Pad<, where the official Festival Opening will take place. 23Fn r (lPEHilG(Cf,EilOilY

Waggoners Folk Dance Band (caller Brian Padgett), is the event for you. There is also cabaret by the Norway & Portugal groups to give you time to get your breath back. Or join us for a drink or two in our fully licensed bar. ALL TICKETS f4.OO

&c(r*(-tr

Performan<e from ALL the 10 INTERNATION,AL DANCE GROUPS

(rlE)

Sponsored by

ALL SEATS f7.OO

. . .. . ... . .. . . ..

. .. .. . .. .....

..a r e o o r r r

iir ltr,! r r r

FESTIVAL MARQUEE ,OHN WHITEHEAD PARK

2.00pm . FAREWELL CONCERT FEATURING AtL THE INTERHAfIONAL DANCE GROUpS. PRESENTATION OF PENNANTS INTERNATIONAL FARANDOLE All ten international groups parade into the Festival Marquee in the park from the College via The Causeway, Here they give their very last performance and receive as a memento of their. i/isit the Fertival P6nnant, As: tho concert ends the groups joln hands with their new made friends in an lntemational Farandole to bring the... .r afternoon to a happy and exciting conclusion. Sponsored by

ADUII f4.50 . CHILDIOAP f2.so 7"30pm . CLOsING CEBEMONY With Hedmark Danselag (Norway), Walker Family, Billingham Silver Band, Newton Aycliffe Royal British Legion Pipe & Drums A concert by Walker Family entertains our large enthusiatic Festival Family as they await our friends from abroaii True to tradition, the Newton Aycliffe British Legion Pipe & Drum Band are joined in specially orchestrated ;..r' numbers by Billingham's own Silver Band. As the lnternational Groups arrive, the Closing Ceremony beginr;'The'". .

festival flagsareloweredasthetrumpetersplaytheLastPostandtheFestival on an emotional climax.

f4,00 . CHILD/OAP f2,0O 8.45pm . FARANDOLE & TORCHIIGHT PROCESSION ADULT

hymnissungtobringtheFestival

..r.ir,

The Festival ends on a dramatic and successful note with the traditional torchlight procession.hdaded by the i : Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, which will wind its way down The Causeway and into the Festival MErquee in lohn

whitehead Park.

10,00pm r FIREWORK DISPLAY ln a display of fireworks the 38th Festival is brought to a spectacular end in the John Whitehead Pa.rtand we look forward to the 39th Festival from 9th to 16th August 2003.

Back by popular demand, stopping

off in Billingham on the whistle stop CIOFF tour; Ladies and Gentlemen, we are proud to present BAFOCHI. This group first appeared in

Billingham in 2000, and has proved to be one of the most popular Groups ever to appear on our stages. Formed in '1987 this professional group has performed over 2500 times at Festivals all over the world. The Director and Choreographer Pedro Gajardo Escobar, especially asked for Billingham to be included on

their tour as BAFOCHI, found the people of Billingham very warm and friendly, and have extremely good mernories of their time spent here. During their visit the group will perform dances from all corners of Chile, from the Mapuche lndians, the Huasos dances accompanied by the haunting sounds of the Pan Pipes to the sultry sounds of the Easter lsland, 5o'please give them a great Billingham Welcome return.

ln Southern Bohemia, among the foothills of the Bohemian Forest, where the gold and pearl bearing river turns east, stands the ruins of the Prachen Castle, which has given its name to this dance group. The Prachen Ensemble was formed in 1949, and brings together lovers of Folk Song and Dance. Over 500 members have been involved in bringing to life the traditions of Czech Folklore for over 50 years and include over 2000 public performances in over 110 tours all over the world. This group is split into three sections, The Bagpipe Band, the Dance Group and Girls Vocal

Group, and is regarded as one of the leading Czech Folklore Groups.

Veszprem Folk Dance Group has been touring abroad since 1984 and has been to over 30 different Countries covering Four Continents. This 40 strong Dance Troupe, through dance has preserved the traditions of the Carpathian Basin, which borders the Ukraine.

The programme of Veszprem mainly reflects the rich music and dance traditions that the Billingham people have become to love and appreciate, ranging from

the authentic Recruiting Dance to the famous favourite Czardas. The Groups aim is to create a

unique performance to delight the Billingham audiences, and I am sure we will not be disappointed.

We are extremely excited that Tenochititlan has agreed to this return visit to Billingham. They first appeared last year and delighted our audiences

throughout the Festival with dances covering all regions of Mexico from Veracruz to PreHispanic to one of my personal favourites the colourful "El Culebra", the Snake Dance from the heart of Jalisco on the West Coast of Mexico.

The Director of this exceptional Group Saulo Romero, has chosen the Cr6me de la Cr6me of his Dances to accompany the 13 Strong professional Mariachi and Singer. This group has dedicated their lives to the research and

preservation of the traditional Mexican Dance Culture,

The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal, home to Mount Everest and the Yeti, has rich ethnic culture, customs and dance. This group was formed in 1999 and will present dances depicting

the Hindu and Buddist Religion well as dances about the very lovable animal the Yak and the

Yeti, which people believe lives hidden in the Himalayas. To perform these dances the group wif l wear masks, but these are to name but a few as this group covers Folklore from all regions of Nepal.

Most of the Nepalese music consists of Tantra Mantra (magic spells) the dances are also UaseO

on the Tantrik movements and actions. With traditional make-up jewellery, costumes and masks, this group should prove to be extremely colourful and unusual. They are also bringing with them traditional arts and crafts including Nepalese Silver.

Hedmark Danselag was formed in 1991 with the ain of preserving Norwegian Folklore and sharing

their Song and Dance with audiences from all over the world. They appeared at the Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer and Paraolympics in 1994. Their programme consists of traditional Song and Dance from all over Non4ray. They are also bringing with them a couple of trolls, who live in the deepest parts of the Norwegian Forests. (if they can obtain passports).

Our Portuguese visitors come from a town called Meadela and they bring with them 22 dancers, 8 singers and 8 musicians. The Group was founded in 1934 and since then has won at all the folklore competitions in which it took part and appeared in numerous television programmes. They have toured extensively in Europe and Latin America. Its repertoire comprises of some of the most genuine and graceful dances of Viana do Castelo folklore, including "Gota da Meadela"-ajewel of Portuguese folklore.

Molodoy Kuzbass is from Kemerovo in Siberia. Formed in "1972, their aim is to revive the lost of forgotten Russian Folklore along with the firm favorites of the Billingham audiences. Some of the dances depict competition in strength (men competing with each other through tricks), Human Vices, (laziness and Hard Drinking) and an old man who thinks he is a lady killer (this should be interesting) This ensemble performs on each

national holiday in Siberia, and has attended Festivals spanning three continents and been awarded many diplomas and prizes. They wish to express their

excitement and honour at being able to present their National Folklore to us, and hope that through music and dance they will be able to strengthen friendship and mutual understanding.

The Yi-Tzy Folk Dance Troupe,

Taiwan was established in 1996, and has developed its own repertoire of Taiwanese and

traditional Chinese folk dances. Each member of the dance troupe is fully trained in ballet along with modern dance and traditional dance. Most of the programmes are traditional Taiwanese and Chinese dances, but the versatility of this young group, allows them to perform dances from other races in order to promote traditional art and beauty throughout the world. This group wishes to bring joy and happiness to the people of

Billingham through their beautiful music and dance.

MUSIC ORCHESTRA

From the ancient town of Lutsk which boarders poland, this ensemble was formed in 1959.

The repertoire of this group is based on authentic Ukrainian Folklore. They perform traditional, domestic and historical songs and dances depicting Wedd ing Ceremonies, youth Beauty and Happiness, all of which play a major part of the

programme. Because the region this ensemble comes from boarders Poland, we will be treated to Polkas as well as the usual Ukrainian tricks performed by the men. The musicians play traditional instruments lik bugai, koza-bas and bagpipes. This well travelled group has performed in Festivals all over Europe and the Middle East.

The Group was formed in 1979. The Clog Dancing performed by the Group is traditional and includes hornpipes and waltzes to traditional music in wooden soled

miners wore clogs. Tapping toes and heels became popular pastime and so clog dancing competitions began.

shoes (clogs). These dances are

Being so close to the Scottish

normally danced on wood as this produces a good sound.

Border; the group also performs

Highland Dancing.

The steps the Group performs a{e traditional, originally performed by the miners fronr'the coal mines of NorthEast England. This is called

the "Northumberland and Durham" style. Clog dancing was introduced in the nineteenth century from early as 1870, when coal

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaoaaoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa The Organisers woutd like to thank the following sponsors for their support:

H BQrCUCqjryxllr STOCKTON.ON.TEES

trffi

ffi

@trt rElaEtlA tdn HB'â&#x201A;ŹtrNs',"w

Rhvt*tu Tioxide

Billingham Silver Band will be making it's 38th appearance

at the Festival, having performed at every event.

Mr D.V. Evans, a former instrumentalist, has conducted the Band for 23 years.

The Newton Aycliffe Royal British Legion Pipes and Drums was established on the 26th November 1997 numbering only 4 people, 3 pipers, 1 Drum Major. The call was put out for pipers and drummers wishing to join and within a year the band what you see this day, numbering in strength 12 pipers, 5 side drummers, 2 tenor drummers, 1 Bass drumme; Drum Major; Standard Bearel 4 Highland Dancers, 12 students learning pipes and drums. The number one uniform is that of full highland dress which dates back as far as the 16-17th century. The Tartan

+gttt

reB

lf you would like some assistance to find work, Action Team for Jobs is here to help. Operating as part of The Jobcentre Plus Network, DWP, we can offer help to people who live in Billingham or the following areas of Stockton ' Hardwick, Portrack and Tilery, Mile House, Roseworth,

Newtown or Parkfield.

Our personal advisers work out in the community and give individually tailored advice and support to tour client. We can help with a wide variety of issues including:

. Finding

vacancies

. Arranging childcare

Supplying work clothing or equipment

. Producing .

a CV

Paying fares to interview/work

. Training in interview techniques/ work skills

ln work benefit advice

. lntroduction to local employers . Advice on transport issues

. Updating

skills through training

You will be amazed at the help available!

For more information Ring us on 01642 343434

And MUCh MOfe!

operatins as part or rhe Jobcentre ptus Network, DWp

I I

www. billinghamfestiual.co. uk As the list of the names of the group members and their arrival details are now with ui for this year's festival our thought again turn not only to 2003 but also to 2004 when the festival reaches 40 and middle agel

early days to establish the popularity of our event are brought back to

perform at Billingham. Of course we will study many more videos before finalising the line up and any suggestion you have to make will be seriously considered.

For next year we have already sent jrtvitaljons,to a very good Swiss

group. The South American groups from Mexico and Chile have brought so much colour and excitement to the

festival that the Director is now seeking a Peruvian group. Our thoughts too are already forming on the 40th festival when old friends like

As usual Olga, our Artistic Director, is

planning the spectacular finales, which have become such an attractive addition to our programmes. With rehearsal time here very short Olga sends the music to the groups and

arranges the choreography too.

'Roque Nublo'from the Canary lslands and other groups who helped in the

Whatever the problems we face I am sure our festival will go from strength to strength with your continued support.

rotil us 150 festival goers have already become 'Friends of the Festival' and 50 have become Members of our charity.

4. All Friends and Members will be invited to the 'Chairman's Night', a social evening

UI,IIAT ARE THE BEIUEFITS? 1. As a Friend you receive 10% discount on all tickets purchased, as a member you

Application forms available from and should be returned to:

receive

150/o.

2.'You can book any number of seats for any performance before the Box Office officially opens in May.

3. Each Friend or Member will receive two newsletters keeping them in touch with :preparations for the next festival plus a Festival lfa{let:around March/April and a free copy of the Festival Programme.

in the College Theatre.

Ltd, Stockton Business Centre, 70 Brunswick St. Stockton-on-Tees. T518 lDW Tel: 01542 553220 E-mail: info@bi I I inghamfestival.co.uk Website: www. bi I I i nghamfestiva l.co.u k B.I.F.F.

BC}YHtn i

fi*xffsr $li*$$irr$

?EIilEtIA I

NTEFINATIONAL LANGUAGE SERVICES