Holmfirth Folk Festival Programme 2016 by Holmfirth Events

Programme and Timetable

Friday - Sunday 6-8 May

2016

Introduction - Whither the Festival? As usual it’s a pleasure to welcome everyone to the Holmfirth Festival of Folk - but in doing so once again for 2016’s event I must sound a warning. For almost 40 years there has been a folk festival in Holmfirth on the second weekend in May. During that period it has developed from a one-day celebration for English folk dance and song enthusiasts into today’s all-embracing community event. It seems always to have been here. However, in recent years it has come under increasing threat from three directions. Firstly, the current event rose ten years ago when a group of people who had been largely responsible for its expansion in the 1980s rescued it from the ashes of a decision by their successors to take it elsewhere. They and their contemporaries still run the event today and are past their 55th birthdays, in some cases considerably so! Irrespective of whether their ideas are still relevant or in need of freshening up, without the infusion of some younger blood into the organisation there will be no festival within the next 5-10 years. Secondly it currently costs around £20,000 per year to stage the festival and that isn’t all collected in those buckets you see being shaken around the town, welcome though their contribution may be. Outside funding on which we rely has become ever more difficult to obtain as cuts ordered by London-based politicians bite ever deeper. Kirklees Council continues to assist the festival financially but even the present reduced contribution is under threat in the face of the cuts in council services being demanded of it. It cannot even support public buildings like Holmfirth’s own Civic Hall any longer. There are two ways of making up the shortfall in funding. One is to increase ticket prices and to charge for events which were once free. The other is to raid

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

reserves built up through prudent management in the years of plenty. The contents of our piggy-bank will not last forever. Once again the horizon is only a few (say three to five) years away unless things change. Which brings us to the third factor. We acknowledge that local people and local businesses are themselves going through hard times and have less money to throw at an event like the festival. Because the committee thinks that Holmfirth Festival of Folk should benefit Holmfirth businesses it has in the past turned down every enquiry from food franchises from elsewhere wanting to set up a stall. Yet many of those beneficiaries won’t even take out an advert in the programme any more because, they say, “we do well enough on the weekend as it is!” Well, the programme shows you plainly enough which businesses have supported this year’s festival. We urge you to support them. The others will lose the income from this weekend sooner rather than later if the problems raised in this article are not addressed within the next couple of years. Obviously I don’t want to undermine the enjoyment I hope you derive from this weekend’s events, which we think measure up reasonably well to the standards set over recent years. But I hope you will, when it’s over, take on board the message behind this introduction. There’s a limit to what can be achieved with the present personnel and the present level of funding. Whether you’re a resident or in business here; do you want a folk festival in Holmfirth? If you do – you have been warned! Philip Jenkinson, Secretary Committee member Holmfirth Folk Festival 1984-1993 Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2007-2016

What’s Where in This Programme ... Booked Singers and Musicians (listed in alphabetical order of surnames or band names: no

definite article so ‘The Kinks’ would appear under K and in cases of multiple surnames we go off the first one so that ‘Janis Joplin & Eddie Cochran’ would appear under J): a bit about them and when they’re on .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 4

About the Venues:

What’s on in the various venues, whereabouts to look and where you might have to pay ... ... 20 Map of the Town Centre... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 48

All I Really Want To Do - different types of event described .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .22 Timetables and Special Events... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23-27 Events for Families, Children and Young People ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 28 Dancing in the Streets:

A bit about the Morris dancing tradition ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 33 Description of the dance sides, mummers, etc. in alphabetical order .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 37 We hope that any late changes to the programme will be conspicuously displayed at the Festival Office and that more detailed specific timings and running orders will be shown on the door at the venues.

Who’s to Blame?

Holmfirth Festival of Folk is an unincorporated group of members, several of whom serve on a committee. Those involved this year have included Alex Beaumont, Ruth Bower, Robin Bowles, Jenny Burkinshaw, Alex Bywaters, Jo Collier, Hugh Dailly, Paul Drury, Sue Gaffney, George Healey, Philip Jenkinson, Carol Macklin, Alison Peaker, Ian Roberts, Sheila Sutton and Helen Wilcock. We try to hold two public meetings a year, one shortly after the festival at which we can gather feedback from the event just past, and then another at the end of the summer at which we invite suggestions, new members and volunteers for the following year’s event. We already know that we shall be looking for new recruits next year. The date for the post-festival meeting may be advertised in the office but if not and you are interested ask to be put on our mailing list.

Steve Robinson One person who will sadly not be contributing to this year’s festival is Steve Robinson, who for the last ten years or so has been a festival steward and hosted singarounds and/ or the Spoken Word event at Sid’s. Last year he was, to all intents and purposes, the Steve we had known and loved for all that time and longer; at the end of the summer he was diagnosed with what turned out to be so aggressive a throat cancer that it took his life within four months. Steve was a welcome and friendly presence, not only at Holmfirth but at many other festivals up and down the country. His ability to oversee the duties mentioned above will be missed as much as his easy-going singing style which, accompanied by guitar or delivered a capella, was often delivered with firm political conviction; but more than all this, we shall miss the man himself.

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

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Singers and Musicians

Alterego

http://www.alteregocb.net Noel Jackson, mandolin, vocals Olga Jackson, bohdran, percussion Steve Jackson, bass, vocals Steve Marshall, guitar, mandola, vocals

Alterego started out as a Jackson family band. For the last year they have been joined by Steve Marshall and he has added an extra dimension with his clever guitar style, mandola and vocals, allowing Steve Jackson to concentrate on his beloved bass. They play lively ceilidh music, some of it self-written, and this weekend will also be singing some fairly well-known folk type songs as well as some contemporary ones. Saturday, Brambles, 3-00

Beggar’s Bridge

www.beggars-bridge.co.uk

Having started out as a duo, playing mostly local venues, this Hull-based band has since blossomed and expanded into a six-piece capable of venturing into the realms of stirring folk rock, while retaining the ability to perform songs more in keeping with the stripped-back nature of traditional folk music. Many of their songs are based upon the folklore that has developed around the people, places and events of their home county of East Yorkshire. The spaces in between the songs are a notable feature of any Beggar’s Bridge gig too, as the musical and lyrical content is complemented by fascinating background stories, often interlaced with a good helping of Yorkshire humour. Saturday, Spice 4 U, 9-00

Bird Man Stone Bird Man Stone sees the union of two of West Yorkshire’s most loved singer-songwriters, Steph Stephenson and Matt Bentley. Although often beautiful and wistful, Bird Man Stone present songs with emotional barbs that deal in frustration and collective wonder. Separately they are great - together they are stunning. Saturday, Tap House, 2-00; Sunday, Parish Church, 1-00

Leo Brazil

https://www.facebook.com/leobrazilandhistwitch

Leo Brazil and his Twitch bang drums, pluck basses, blow trumpets, whizz violins and abuse guitars...sometimes they whisper, sometimes they shout. Here is a concotion of things people have said about the band edited so they’re all talking at once...try and read it aloud without taking a breath: “Never fail to entertain with their exquisite songs...they brought the house down tonight! What an awesome set...compulsory toe-tapping, hand-clapping, head-nodding... keeps you on your toes...their style of music is certainly unique...rocks with fuzzy blues... something for everyone...absolutely fantastic set, one of the highlights of the festival... makes a very strong impression indeed... lyrically delightful...energetic songs and lively performances; memorably avant garde folk rock, thoroughly eclectic - everything from urban blues, Morricone, hoedown - a discernible political theme - stellar performances... rare because it has ethical depth, political truth and emotional significance...the musicality is also beautiful. Postcard, Friday, 8-30”

The times shown in this section are generally the starting times of the events at which the artists in question are appearing and not necessarily the time at which they might actually appear. In a few cases where precise timings are already known they are shown and any discrepancy between them and the timetable in the centre pages should be seen in this light. We hope to have full running orders and timings at the office and on the doors of the venues.

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Break a Leg

Caffrey/McGurk/Madge

People first hearing Break a Leg! say that their stripped-back combination of voice, clarinet and guitar is quite different and unexpected. They mix folk, jazz and their own songs with passion and feeling. They have a loyal following in Sheffield, their local gigs often sell out, and won the 2015 Edinburgh Folk Songwriting Competition with their poignant tale, Harriet Quimby.

This popular trio continues to explore the delights of traditional and contemporary folksong with good humour, informed understanding of the song subjects, a particular flair for harmony and enthusiastic performance.

Karen’s more formal training in classical music and jazz, and Chris’s experience of folk music, skiffle and learning to play in a beat group in the 1960s, mean that nothing they do is taken for granted; each song arrangement has been negotiated with care as well as some humour which comes over in their relaxed style of performance. Friday, Nook, 11-30; Saturday, Gonzo, 5-30.

Bric-a-Brac

http://www.bricabracmusic.co.uk Bella Gaffney - voice, guitar, mandolin, concertina. Chris Elliott - voice, fiddle, guitar, mandolin. Caitlin Jones - voice, whistles, flute, recorder. Heather Sirrell - voice, bass guitar, guitar.

Bric-a-brac are a lively young folk band playing original music and their own arrangements of traditional material. Hailing from exotic corners of Yorkshire and the Midlands such as Bradford, Sherwood Forest and Moseley Bog, they play an eclectic mix of instruments; songs and tunes in their repertoire can be led by anything from concertina to 5-string bass!

Nick Caffrey and Ed McGurk have been friends for over forty years and sang together as a duo and then as a folk-rock band named Litany many years ago. They rejoined forces in 2009 and more recently Robin Madge has added excellent concertina, whistles and bass harmonies to the mix. Friday, Spice For U, 8-30

Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker In the space of two years Josienne and Ben have had something of meteoric rise from being virtual unknowns on the folk circuit to winning the accolade of best duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2015. When you hear their latest album it is easy to understand why; it’s a beautiful piece of work, lush chamber ensemble orchestrations with Josienne’s exquisitely nuanced and emotionally affecting voice and Ben’s intricately expressive, adroit guitar technique. Friday, Parish Church, 8-00

Bric-a-Brac have played a number of gigs in West Yorkshire recently to great reviews and audience response, including a church fundraiser here in Holmfirth. Saturday, Spice 4 U, 1-30

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Commonground

Roger Davies

Commonground formed in 2013, bringing together two well-regarded folk club artists from Reading, Alison and David Fenner, with Kevin Bown and Fran Wade, from the Stroud area. Songs are drawn from across the folk spectrum but are mainly traditional with some more contemporary material and some lively tune sets. They combine vocal harmony with accompaniment on guitar, concertina and, more unusually, strings provided by fiddle and cello. Alison first came to the spotlight in the harmony group Bread and Roses while David’s vocals and distinctive guitar style have delighted many a folk audience over the years. Kevin and Fran have a wealth of experience in ceilidh bands as members of Grand Union, Flying Clouds and currently part of Phoenix with Rod Stradling, appearing at all the major folk festivals, including Sidmouth and Whitby.

Roger followed supporting folk rock legends Fairport Convention on their recent 30 date UK tour, by celebrating the release of his latest album Live at The Topic Folk Club in April. He received an LMPA Award for his previous album The Busker and is now following in the footsteps of his musical heroes: Harvey Andrews, James Taylor, Jake Thackray and Richard Thompson, establishing himself as a songwriter of renown.

http://commonground-music.co.uk

Sunday, Masonic Hall, 2-00

Deadwax

https://deadwax.wordpress.com

A (very) young blues act from the muddy banks of the River Holme; old beyond their years and seemingly possessed by the spirit of the Delta. Catch ‘em now while you can still see them up close and personal. Friday, Gonzo, 7-00

www.rogerdaviesmusic.com

No stranger to Yorkshire audiences, Roger has sold out concerts at the Square Chapel Arts Centre in Halifax and the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield and regularly supported this festival as well as appearing at those of Beverley, Cleckheaton and Otley. Saturday, Parish Church, 3-000

Didikai

beckytaylor.info/yorkshirepiper/didikai/

Didikai present a broad and diverse range of material with their enthralling new duo featuring Becky Taylor, one of the most respected female Uilleann pipers and multiinstrumentalists of her generation, and the sultry vocal talents of Amy-Rose Atkinson. Together they present an amazing breadth of line-up encompassing duelling fiddles, uilleann pipe and fiddle duets, and songs accompanied by uilleann pipes, duet concertina, guitar and fiddle (not all at the same time!) and even some Northumbrian small-piping and clog dancing delivered with more than a hint of humour and style. Sunday, Spice For U, 12-00

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Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Druce & Jones

https://www.facebook.com/druceandjones

Emily Druce and Steve Jones perform original songs with blues, country and gospel influences. They use guitars, vocals, fiddle, mandolin and harmonicas in their live shows. Both grew up with a love of the blues and Bob Dylan and weave these influences into their own material. They have been performing as a duo since 2001 and have toured widely, releasing two albums and featuring in BBC radio sessions. Nook, Friday, 8-00; Saturday, Nook, 2-00 (Emily only)

Bob Fox

www.bobfoxmusic.com

Bob Fox has long been a favourite on the live circuit and in the opinion of many has one of the finest voices in English folk music. He has twice been nominated as Folk Singer of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and for the past three years played the role of Songman in War Horse. We are delighted to welcome him to Holmfirth. Saturday, Masonic Hall, 8-00

Tony Griffin Tony is back from Rotherham to be at our festival for a fifth successive year. At other times he fronts a bluesy rock band, but always says that his solo acoustic performances allow for real soul and communication with listeners. Expect covers of Richard Thompson, Roy Harper and the Strawbs, but also increasing amounts of Americana (Jeffrey Foucault, Ryan Adams etc). His own songs are also just around the corner ...

Holme and Dry Named so because the members all live in and around the Holme Valley, and are therefore possibly the most landlocked group of sea shanty singers in the country! Formed in 2013, Holme and Dry consists of male and female singers who mainly perform a rousing range of traditional and modern sea shanties and the odd song or two about drinking a capella, with the occasional appearances of guitars, concertinas and whistle. Saturday, Gonzo 1-30; Old Bridge, 2-30Â

The Hokum

https://www.facebook.com/hokum.the

Forged in Sheffield The Hokum are an amorphous collective of professional neâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;erdo-wells that sometimes obey the rules laid down by founder members Ant and Jake. They play original material that speaks of love and loss, our hopes and fears and the occasional farm animal. They often start and finish songs at the same time when in public. Saturday, The Nook, 5-00

Shaun Hutch A singer/songwriter/guitarist from Sheffield who plays a mix of traditional and contemporary folk songs as well as his own material. His love of mountains, moors, wildlife and all things in nature forms the subject matter of many of his songs A stalwart of the Yorkshire folk scene, Shaun runs a folk club, hosts sessions and plays concerts throughout the county. Spice 4 U, Friday, 8-30

Nook, Sunday, 3-00

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Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Gloria Jeffries Gloria has been, in one form or another, a familiar figure on the folk circuit over many years – an accomplished and vivid live performer who is always interested in stretching those boundaries – musical or otherwise. Using acoustic and electric guitars, flute, electric cello, voice and loop pedal she constructs unique and unforgettable versions of great songs old and new. Sunday, Parish Church, 1-00

Klonk

www.klonk.co.uk

Lana and the Lion http://latl.co.uk

Local folk-rock band encompassing instruments from fiddle, guitar and mandolin through to its own brass section, all forming a sound you are sure to remember. Recently on hiatus as the band had to part ways for university and other life directions they have made their way back to Holmfirth to play again at the Festival of Folk. Saturday, Brambles, 8-30

Eddie Lawler

www.eddie-lawler.co.uk

Kick-ass Gypsy Funk and Klezmer Madness! Klonk played the Saturday headline slot at Gonzo last year and despite the catastrophic power cut which meant they played acoustic and by candle light; they were utterly barnstorming. They have unfinished business here at Gonzo; this year they’re back to plug in and kick off! Saturday, Gonzo, 9-30

Jackson Lake A singer/songwriter from Keighley, West Yorkshire, where he began his musical career some 15 years ago. Now based in the city of Leeds, Jackson is frequently seen playing shows all over the UK and has gained a reputation for his combination of strong vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. In 2015, Jackson released his debut album Putting Out Fires to a hugely positive reception, gaining lots of airplay on various radio stations including BBC Radio Leeds. 2016 sees Jackson continuing full steam ahead with many live shows planned, including a short tour of Ireland in September and the release of his second album, The Humble Fool, due in June. Sunday, Parish Church, 1-00

Known as ‘The Bard of Saltaire’, Eddie performs original songs, many in the folk idiom, reflecting local and national topics, with a bit of ‘bite’ and lots of entertainment value. He has plays, musicals, stories, poems and five albums of original titles to his name, with plenty more to come. Saturday, Parish Church, 3-00

Los Pacaminos

http://www.lospacaminos.com

Paul Young and Los Pacominos headline the Saturday night party at the festival with the very best in Tex Mex Border music from The Texas Tornadoes and Ry Cooder to Los Lobos and even Roy Orbison. The Picturedrome becomes the perfect cantina setting for a great night’s rocking with the cactus-sharp, tequila-fuelled, stetson-wearing Magnificent Seven, Los Pacaminos! Saturday, Picturedrome, 8-00

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Sam Martyn As well as being a member of Hull folk band Beggar’s Bridge, the White Horse Ceilidh Band and the Green Ginger Garland Dancers, Sam Martyn gives occasional – and invariably memorable – solo performances. Combining her rich, traditional singing style with piano, low and high whistle, and harmonium, her eclectic repertoire stretches from folk ballads to her own reworkings of musical and popular songs. Saturday, Spice 4 U, 7-30

Flossie Malavialle

www.flossie-malavialle.co.uk

A welcome return to Holmfirth for this French singer who started getting involved in the British folk scene in 2000-2001 while on a teacher exchange in the North East of England. Now settled in the Darlington area she is in great demand up and down the country. A beautiful voice, terrific personality and wonderful humour. Sunday, Masonic Hall, 2-00

Melthem

Roy Mette

www.roymette.co.uk

Roy has been performing in one guise or another since the mid-70s and has produced 16 albums to date. A proficient guitar player Roy is equally at home playing acoustic and electric guitar although he feels acoustic styles allow him more expression and scope for individuality. Strong vocals, an impressive guitar technique and many years’ experience allow Roy to deliver his own original material alongside some well-chosen and familiar covers delivered with passion and intensity. Saturday, Old Bridge, 8-30

Gary Middleton Gary is a singer/songwriter from Featherstone West Yorkshire who has a powerful, distinctive voice and a gift for writing catchy melodies and hook lines; he has quickly gained a reputation for his energy filled performances. 2016 has seen the release of his first solo album Rolling On. Sunday, Parish Church, 1-00

https://www.facebook.com/melthemi

Led by Sicilian musician Antonio Curiale (Fiddle, Viola d’Amore, Oud), who has been active on the folk-world music scene in Italy and Europe since 1990, Melthem is a new crossover music project based in York, with a multicultural background and musicians. Influences range from many corners of the globe, playing a blend of Balkan, Klezmer, Hot Swing and Celtic music, both original and traditional with a line up that includes a double bass, a fiddle, a Viola d’Amore, a guitar, an oud (12 strings Arab Lute), a voice and a mix set of drums/ethnic percussions. Melthem guarantees to get you up and moving! Friday, Brambles, 8-30; Saturday, Nook, 8-30

supporting Holmfirth Festival of Folk

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

New Model Army newmodelarmy.org

New Model Army is a legendary global underground cult band. Formed by Justin Sullivan in Bradford in 1980, their beginnings were inspired by Northern Soul, Punk Rock and the incendiary atmosphere of the times. Since then, they have had a long, creative and eventful journey. They have been massively influential in ‘post-punk’, ‘folk-rock’, ‘politicorock’, ‘goth’, ‘metal’ and all kinds of musical sub-cultures but, like Groucho Marx, they have steadfastly refused to belong to any club that would have them as members. Friday, Picturedrome, 8-00

Otra Otra are Rahel Guzelian and Tony Charnock, an acoustic duo with a repertoire of original and folk-style songs with guitar, whistle and fiddle accompaniment who have been playing around the Bradford area for the past ten years or so. Otra perform a mixture of carefully-chosen covers and original material written by Rahel. Her songs cover her life experiences and places she has visited, some on her annual cycle trips around the UK. Covers are largely by lesser-known singer/songwriters, notably Kate Wolf, a Californian singer/songwriter who died in 1986. Saturday, Spice 4 U, 1-00

Ray Padgett Long-time collector, researcher and singer of songs from Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and East Anglia and compère and leader of song sessions at festivals all over the north of England, Ray can also sing a bit and plays anglo concertina(s) in sessions and tries to improve in Irish sessions. Friday, Spice 4 U, 8-30

Jack Patchett

www.jackpatchett.com

Jack comes from a musical family and took up classical guitar lessons at primary school. Through school years he got more of a taste for songwriting and was involved in bands of many genres along the way. Finally settling in a more acoustic setting, Jack took singing during his first year of university, which furthered his ability to develop his songwriting techniques. He was able to write, record and perform numerous songs as part of his course. After graduating with a first class degree, Jack has since moved back to his home town and is working hard to capitalise on his achievement. Saturday, Spice 4 U, 8-15

The Ribble Beck Band Named after the stream which runs behind The Nook, the pub in Holmfirth where the band formed from the remnants of the Sunday night session who happened to be hanging around when Sheila asked for volunteers to play on St Patrick’s Day. Suffice it to say that they have since played a gala dinner hosted by the mayor of Kirklees at The John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield. Not many bands can say they progressed from pub gigs to stadiums in less than three years! Friday, Tap House, 8-00 p.m. ;

supporting Holmfirth Festival of Folk

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Plumhall

www.plumhall.co.uk

Michelle Plum (ex Chumbawamba) and Nick Hall (Hall Brothers) form a song-writing duo which has quickly built up a strong following for their emotional, literate songs, heartbreaking harmonies and exquisite musicianship. Their combined experience of international touring and high-profile support for some of the biggest names in music have turned them into one fine live act. Their debut album Thundercloud was named as one of the hidden gems of the year by The Guardian and The Observer. People who have heard the material being recorded for the follow-up predict that it will be even more successful. Saturday, Spice 4 U, 9-45

The Rainey Street Band Normally a five-piece from Brighouse, but performing as a trio at this event, playing Americana and Bluegrass; both their own material and covers. Originally they started as a duo, Dave Kennedy & Ian Crabtree, gradually picking up other talented musicians and forming the band two years ago. They cite Simone Felice, Old Crow Medicine Show and Houndmouth as major influences. Saturday, Parish Church, 3-00

Razorbach www.razorbach.com/

Razorbach Acoustic - played with the passion of people who love music, and have been playing together for the past 30 years. Five people on banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitars and a couple of drums intent on having fun. Saturday, Post Card, 8-30

Ribble Beck Band - see page 15! Lucy Roberts Local artist Lucy Roberts is a singer songwriter and guitarist currently studying music. She has released her first EP called ‘Crossed Hearts’ and all money from the EP goes to charity. She has been compared to vocalist such as Regina Spekor, Gabrielle Aplin and Daughter. Saturday, Parish Church, 3-00

Ben Robertson

Plumhall contemplate the joy of being booked at Holmfirth

From the mountains of North Wales, Ben is a rising star of his local folk scene, whose facebook page describes him thus: ‘Contemporary and Trad. Guitar instrumentalist and singer’, ‘And a few other bits’! This typically modest summation hardly does justice to a very accomplished guitarist, the maturity of whose playing belies his 18 years. He is a sensitive singer with a repertoire of pieces drawn from a wide range of musical genres. Sunday, Masonic Hall, 2-00

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Josh Robins

Run Out The Guns

At 22, Josh Robins is a performer on the verge. He’s playing all over the country everywhere from pubs to festivals, is currently recording songs and generating what the industry calls a ‘buzz’. That is down to his confident ease with audiences, clear love of performing and especially songs that show a maturity far beyond his years.

Run out the Guns formed in late 2009 and are a five-piece acoustic line-up featuring guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bass and percussion who mix their own music with songs, shanties, jigs and reels from the distant past to the modern day.

Saturday, Gonzo, 5-30

Rocks and Reels Local band Rocks and Reels are having a year off from their regular pub set and hosting this year’s Ceilidh. Come along and have a fabulous night dancing your socks off with this seasoned seven-piece band which has been leading dances around West Yorkshire for the last decade. With a distinctly rocky edge it’s folk, but not as you know it. Saturday, Civic Hall, 8-30

runouttheguns.com

Run out the Guns have been described as a ‘Folk, Punk, Blues, Rock, Country, Irish MashUp’, and are the perfect band to get the ale flowing and feet stomping wherever they play. Gonzo, Friday, 8-30

supporting Holmfirth Festival of Folk

HEPWORTHLIVE

Great live music at Hepworth village hall

Some of the best folk, roots and acoustic music every month between Sept & April.

Our next season starts September 2016 and is already looking like a really exciting one! Acts already booked include:

Rura, Kris Drever, Megson, Melrose Quartet, Gigspanner (tbc) Plus more to be announced. For more details see www.hepworthlive.com

Hepworth Village Hall, Towngate, Hepworth, Holmfirth HD9 1HZ

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Kate Rusby

Janet Russell

with: Damien O’Kane – Banjo and Tenor Guitar Duncan Lyall – Double Bass Nick Cooke – Diatonic Accordion Steve Byrnes - Bouzouki

Janet first made a name for herself on the folk circuit in the 80s as a young singer songwriter writing with hard-edged humour about issues affecting women. Her work on Scottish traditional material with Scottish singer Christine Kydd has received huge critical acclaim, particularly in her native Scotland. Janet leads three community choirs, in Silsden, Burnley, and Settle and continues to perform and to facilitate voice and harmony workshops. As well as supporting Bob Fox she will also be running a workshop and taking part in a folk club session at Holmfirth.

www.katerusby.com

Inhabiting a lyric – no matter how old or how modern – with unforced conviction Kate has that rare ability to transport her audience, of touching them emotionally and making each tune live vividly within their experience and imagination. Audiences are sure to be thoroughly entertained by Kate’s choice of much-loved classics from her back catalogue stretching over her two decades of music making, delivered with hugely engaging Yorkshire wit and the intuitive support of the cream of British folk musicians who form her band. Her set will be augmented with a selection of fresh new songs from her latest album Ghost (released Summer 2014). The crossover appeal Kate enjoys is unprecedented for a folk singer and has been achieved without resort to compromise. Picturedrome, Sunday, 5-00

Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar russellalgar.co.uk

Since meeting in 2011 Greg and Ciaran have had a phenomenally successful few years, winning the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2013, the BBC Radio 2 Horizon award in 2014 and nominated for ‘best duo’ in 2015. They are always in great demand and incredibly busy playing festivals and folk clubs the length and breadth of the country and in Europe. Their stage show is full of energy, great musicianship, stagecraft and lots of hilarious banter. Parish Church, Friday, 8-00

https://www.facebook.com/janet.russell.14224

Saturday, Masonic Hall, 8-00; Sunday, Spice 4 U 12-00

Saltcutters

www.saltcutters.co.uk Mikey Kenney - fiddle, Irish tenor banjo, mandolin. Nick Branton - Irish flute, whistle, bodhrán. Simon Knighton - guitar, harmonium. Evelyn Broderick - Irish flute, whistle, concertina.

Saltcutters initially came together as ‘The Bog Standards’ in Liverpool when, early in 2014, Nick and Simon met Mikey in the basement beneath Mello Mello Jazz Café to play Irish tunes. Kenney was hosting a weekly Irish seisún at Liverpool’s well-known Caledonia pub and it soon launched the trio into prominence. Their fast-growing reputation would be further bolstered by appearances on BBC Radio Merseyside and residencies across Liverpool. By 2015, they were searching for something more. The three wanted to arrange and orchestrate but hadn’t space between their parts; three must become Four for that. Then, bang on cue, Evelyn Broderick and her flute appeared at the Caledonia seisún and were instantly recruited. Their transition from trio to quartet would be marked with a change of name. Saturday, Gonzo, 8-00

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Singers and Musicians

Something Nasty in the Woodshed www.somethingnastyinthewoodshed.co.uk/

One of the most energetic and engaging folkrock acts on the UK festival circuit today; a line up balanced between electric and acoustic instruments which include the powerful sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe delivers a hefty punch without ever losing intimate contact with their audiences. The five guys come from a wide spectrum of backgrounds from classical to military and have evolved their own unique feel and direction but audience entertainment is always placed high on the agenda. With three studio albums and a loyal following to their name Something Nasty in the Woodshed have firmly established themselves as a favourite main stage act. Nook, Friday, 9-30

Tracksuit Jesus 70’s and 80’s rock and roll covers band; a perfect soundtrack to an afternoon spent in the company of good friends and good ale. Saturday, Gonzo, 4-15.

Two Pence Lewis, Alex and Jack are regular performers in the local scene. They play a mixture of cover songs from contemporary artists such as Paolo Nutini, Jake Bugg, Mumford and Sons, and their ever-expanding orginal acoustic compositions. New addition Jack Midgley (bassist) adds a fresh texture to Two Pence’s acoustic set. Old Bridge, Friday, 8-30.

Yan Tan Tether

https://www.facebook.com/Yantantetherotley

Yan Tan Tether is a female close harmony folk trio from Otley, West Yorkshire consisting of Rosie Knighton, Tess Leslie and Lynne O’Malley. They have been singing together since September 2013 and have already built up a reputation in the local folk clubs and festivals. They play a host of instruments between them (piano, banjo, guitar, fiddle) but concentrate mostly on creating beautiful a capella arrangements of traditional and more modern folk songs. Saturday, Spice 4 U, 2-15

54-56 Huddersfield Road Holmfirth HD9 3JH 01484 687500

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Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Venues Once again many of the festival events will be taking place in the local pubs and bars with nearly every one in the town taking part and most of them free. You should be able to find them all by referring to the map inside the back cover but here’s a little more information on precisely where you need to look in some of those venues and what you might expect to have to pay for. The festival office is in the Old Bridge Hotel, which is in the centre of Holmfirth, across the bridge from the bus station. Our friendly and harrassed staff will attempt to satisfy your every enquiry! Immediately to the left of the Old Bridge (as you look at it) is The Picturedrome. Tickets for Picturedrome gigs can be bought from The Box Office and not from the festival office. The normal entrance is down the alley between the Picturedrome and the Old Bridge (also accessible from Huddersfield Road down Norridge Bottom, just before the lights). Facing these two venues across the road from the bus station are three further venues. Some of the events in Brambles will take place in the upstairs room, access to which is up the stairs at the right-hand end of the pub from the entrance. There is level entrance at the rear off Bunkers Hill (just round the bend to the left) but please note that the bar is downstairs. Holmfirth Parish Church will host events throughout the weekend over and above the traditional Folk Festival service on Sunday morning; please note that the Friday evening concert is ticketed. Sid’s Café will, as usual, be staying open later on Saturday tea-time in order to host the traditional spoken word event.

Small concerts will be held in the Freemasons’ Hall (also known as the Druids’ Hall and so designated on the blue plaque outside) which is just up Station Road round the bend from Brambles. Our events are taking place in the lower of the two halls housed in the building and will carry a door charge. Folk clubs this year will be held upstairs above Spice 4 U, formerly known as the Massala Lounge, next to the traffic lights. These will carry a door charge and are the only events (so far as we know) which do not feature level access, for which we apologise. The folk club events will have a few spare slots for floor singers as described in the timetable. The ceilidh in the Civic Hall also carries an entry charge; tickets will be available from the Festival Office or on the door. Opposite the Civic is The Postcard and events take place in the main part of the pub. At The Nook the booked guests will normally be playing in the covered yard at the rear and the inside of the pub will be available for music sessions. Events at The Tap House (formerly Carniceria) which feature guests will take place downstairs in the main part of the venue, but the sessions and singarounds will be upstairs; walk through the bar and bear left at the back to find the stairs. We shall be using the top floor of the Market Hall throughout the weekend this year and this is directly accessible from the main road. We’ll be using the Cricket Club again this year on Friday and Saturday evenings and once again this will coincide with the club’s beer festival.

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

All I Really Want to Do

So - what do you want to do? Different types of event are colour-coded on the timetables that follow and in case they aren’t self-explanatory, well, here’s an attempt at explanation!

Ticketed Concerts

Participation Event – no charge

Now that’s surely self-explanatory; you need a ticket to get in! For events at the Picturedrome you need to get them from the Box Office (down the passage between the Picturedrome and the Old Bridge).

These events take a number of different forms but the thing they have in common is that you can do the entertaining yourself; sing, play your instrument or simply watch others doing it.

For other events you can get them in advance from the Festival Office at the Old Bridge or, once the event is ready to start, on the door at the venue itself.

Singarounds are rooms set aside for people to sing; normally a chairman will be nominated to determine whose turn it is next but if noone turns up to referee, the room is there for participants to organise themselves. You’re grown up enough to do it so just get on with it! ‘Entry rules’ are the same as for folk clubs.

(Magenta - pink if you prefer - boxes)

Door Charge (no ticket) (yellow boxes)

These are events such as smaller concerts or folk clubs in closed rooms and do not carry advance tickets. These will carry a smaller charge which will be levied at the door. Some of them offer floor spots for performers and are shown as such on the timetable; if you wish to ‘do a spot’ you need to get there early and speak to the organiser. Please note that it is bad form to barge into these events while someone is performing - wait until the end (hopefully indicated by uproarious applause during which you can enter surreptitiously).

Open Event – no charge (green boxes)

These generally take the form of bands playing in pubs or similar open venues for which there is no admission charge.

(blue boxes)

Sessions are generally held in open rooms and are for tune players to join in on their instruments; again we will try to nominate someone to lead or at least start the thing off.

Workshops, etc. – donation welcome These are also generally events in which we invite you to participate and learn a new skill but there will be usually be a collection of some sort to which we hope you will contribute. They’re in the sandy yellowcoloured boxes.

Street Entertainment Surely self-explanatory! In orange-ish boxes. For the purposes of the programme, anything vaguely outdoor is ‘street’!

supporting Holmfirth Festival of Folk

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Market Stalls

Church Service 2016

There will be stalls in the Market Hall on Saturday and Sunday - general market downstairs and more conventional (in the folk festival sense!) upstairs.

Welcome! The festival church service is established as a firm feature in the life of the festival of folk and valley churches. It has become a celebration of the talent and joy which pervades the whole of the festival. The worship will be led by the local clergy and Outcry, a Sheffield-based band, and will feature modern and traditional singing styles. Usually a few guests from the festival line-up add to the relaxed atmosphere. Dancing usually commences in the court yard before the service begins from 9.30 a.m. The service will begin in the Parish Church at 10.00 a.m. Please come and join the celebrations and give thanks to God with the local community for all that is good in the world, in each of us, and throughout the festival. All, whatever age, are welcome to come and join the celebration. Rev Canon Sean Robertshaw

FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

NEW BLOOD REQUIRED for 2017

YOUR FESTIVAL NEEDS YOU! J Friday timetable 18:00

Picturedrome Parish Church The Nook Tap House Old Bridge Gonzo Post Card Cricket Club Brambles Spice 4 U Fair Trader

18:30

19:00

19:30

20:00

10-00 a.m. in Holmfirth Parish Church on Sunday

20:30

21:00

21:30

22:00

22:30

23:00

23:30

New Model Army

Josienne Clark/Ben Walker  Greg Russell/Ciaran Algar Druce & Jones  Something Nasty in the Woodshed  Break a Leg Musicians’ Session led by Ribble Beck Band

Two Pence Run out the Guns Leo Brazil & his Twitch String Theory and friends Melthem

Dead Wax

Ray Padgett  Shaun Hutch  Caffrey/McGurk

Good Earth Collective

Key to event types (see opposite) Ticketed Concerts Door Charge (no ticket) Open Event – no charge Participation event – no charge Workshops, etc. – donation welcome Street Entertainment

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Reading the timetable Each venue has a row and each vertical line represents a time, which is shown in the very top row. If you read across the top row to 8-00 and follow the line downwards you’ll see that the events at the Picturedrome, Parish Church, Nook and Tap House are about to start, Gonzo is about to go into a break and the Fair Trader event is halfway through.

Saturday timetable 1030

1100

1130

1200

1230

Picturedrome

1300

1330

1400

1430

1500

1600

Masonic Hall Old Bridge Nook

Holme and Dry

Emily Druce Singaround (upstairs) Birdman Stone

Tap House Post Card

Alterego

Brambles

Roger Davies Eddie LawlerR H&D1

African Drummers

Two Pence

Trac

Family Music and Dance Fringe2

Morris Stories

Stories

Key to Event Types (see also page 22 Ticketed Concerts Door Charge (no ticket) Open Event – no charge Participation event – no charge Workshops, etc. – donation welcome Street Entertainment

Stories

Trade Stalls Notes: S denotes a folk club event in which a few

floor singers’ spots will be available on a first come basis. Please arrive in good time and make yourself known to the MC. 1 stands for ‘Holme and Dry’ 2 For full details of Family Music and Dance Fringe event at the Methodist Hall Grounds see table on page 26 and item on page 30.

l Continuous event with artists expected in order shown. Where precise timings were known at the time of going to press these are shown below the artist details in the text. We hope to show full timings in the office and/or door of the venue on the day.

1630

Topic FC presents S Otra  Bric a Brac  Yan Tan Tether

Spice 4 U

Parish Church Civic Hall Gonzo Cricket Club Methodist Church Victoria Park Library Sid’s Café Market Hall

1530

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

1700

1730

1800

1830

1900

1930

2000

2100

2130

2200

2230

2300

2330

Los Pacaminos Topic FC presents: Sam Martyn  Jack Pratchett Beggar’s BridgePlumhall S Janet RussellBob Fox Roy Mette Melthem Singaround

The Hokum

Razorbach Lana and the Lion (downstairs) Musicians’ Session (upstairs)

Lucy Roberts Rainey Street Band Break a Leg

ksuit Jesus

2030

Josh Robins

Salt Cutters

Ceilidh with Rocks & Reels Klonk Trouble at t’Mill

Mr Fox

s Dance Display Poems & Monologues Every effort has been made to ensure that this programme is accurate but the necessity to prepare it a month before the event means that there may well be one or two changes, which we hope will be prominently displayed in the festival office. We hope you won’t be disappointed with the final line-up and will enjoy your weekend.

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

supporting Holmfirth Festival of Folk

19:00

Kate Rusby

18:30

Key to Event Types (see also page 22

Tony Griffin Ben Robertson  Commonground  Flossie Maliavalle

Camp Site Bus

Maypole w/s

Young People’s Open Mic

Hey Diddles

11:30

Service

11:00 10:30

S denotes a folk club event in which a few floor singers’ spots will be available on a first come basis. Please arrive in good time and make yourself known to the MC, who in the case of the Sunday lunchtime event should be Robin Bowles.

Methodist Gardens

Market Hall Tap House Masonic Hall En Route

Parish Church

10:00

Picturedrome Spice 4 U The Nook

Sunday timetable

Notes:

Family Ceilidh

Gary Middleton  Gloria Jeffries  Jackson Lake  Birdman Stone

Janet RussellDidikai S Steve Noon’s Big Irish Session

12:00

12:30

13:00

13:30

14:00

14:30

15:00

15:30

16:00

16:30

17:00

17:30

18:00

Ticketed Concerts Door Charge (no ticket) Open Event – no charge Participation event – no charge Workshops, etc. – donation welcome Street Entertainment

A 16-seater minibus will shuttle between the the Holme Valley Camping and Caravan Site (top of site drive) and Holmfirth (corner of Crown Bottom car park by the footbridge) at the time shown below. Saturday: From 9-30 to 11-00 a.m., 4-00 to 7-00 p.m. and 10-00 p.m. to midnight. Sunday: From 9-30 to 11-00 a.m. and 4-00 to 6-00 p.m. It should be possible by prior arrangement to fix up extra journeys between these times. If not, First Huddersfield runs a regular bus service as shown below throughout the weekend.

Top Road (A6024): during Friday/Saturday daytime: at 15 past and 15 to each hour from the top of the drive and on the halfhours back from Holmfirth Bus Station. On Sundays and each evening: at a little after 20 past each hour from the top of the drive (till 2123) and at three minutes past the hour back from the bus station (but 2324 not 2303) and an extra bus at half-past midnight (not Sunday). Bottom (New Mill) Road: during Friday/Saturday daytime: on opposite quarter-hours from the Top Road On Sundays and each evening: on opposite half-hour to Top Road (until 2153 to Holmfirth and 2233 back, with a later bus at 2350).

Family and Children’s Events May 7th 8th 2016

Family and Children’s Event Timetable

A taster of what’s on over the weekend. Don’t forget to buy your programme for more details & to support the festival. On sale in local shops and tourist info @ £2 (All children must be accompanied by an adult) Come and Join Us!

What ‘Bread and Butter Theatre’

When Saturday

‘The Wild West Show’

Where/Time Methodist Church Grounds 12.45-1.30pm (& circus skills workshop) Hollowgate 2.30 pm Procession 3.30pm

Story Telling and Puppets with Eden Ballantyne ‘Dragon’s Tales’ Suitable for young children

Saturday

Holmfirth Library 10.30-10.50am 11.30-11.50am 1.30- 1.50pm 2.30-2.50pm

Folk at the Family Fringe Performances from local schools ‘Wild West Show’ Ukulele Orchestra

Saturday

Methodist Church 11.30-2.15pm Including music, dance, street theatre

Circus Skills workshop for children

Saturday

Methodist church grounds Aprox 1.15pm, arrive early

Grand Ukulele Orchestra Wacky Walkabout with ‘Gardeners Pete and Ged Moss and their Musical Wheelbarrow’

Saturday Saturday

Methodist Church 11.30-12.00 3.30pm in the procession

Young Dancers present: Morris & Maypole dance

Saturday

Methodist church grounds 1.45-2.15pm

Procession Dance Display Spiral Maypole Dancers Performance and workshop

Saturday Saturday Saturday

Holmfirth Centre 3.30 – 4.00pm Victoria Park 4.00-5.00pm Memorial Gardens & Methodist Church (performances) Memorial Gardens 11.00- 12.00(workshop)

‘The Hey Diddles go on a Treasure Hunt’ – lively action songs and rhymes for young children

Sunday

Family Ceilidh with ‘The Good Egg Band’

Sunday

Market hall upstairs 12.15pm Music, puppets and songs

Dance Timetable SATURDAY 10.30am - 3.30pm 400 Roses, Son De America, Maltby Sword Dancers and Plough Bullocks, Five Rivers Morris, Foxs Morris, Thieving Magpie, The Spiral Maypole Dancers, Slubbing Billy’s, Poacher Morris, The Raving Maes and The Bradshaw Mummers Old Bridge Hotel (car park) Norridge Bottom (outside Imagine) The Churchyard Hollowgate The Nook The Memorial Gardens The Peace Gardens

3.30pm - 5pm

Procession and Dance Display (see below left)

SUNDAY

10.30am - 3pm Market Hall upstairs 2pm -4.30pm

And of course music, songs and dance all over town

Procession and Dance Display

The procession is a highlight of the programme on Saturday, attracting a large number of spectators. Many choose to follow the procession up to Victoria Park where a dance display will take place once the dancers have got their puff back! This is where the dancers who have attended on the day have the opportunity to show off their favourite or most impressive dance. Always very popular, it is an excellent opportunity to see a snapshot of all the dance styles performed at their very best against the spectacular natural scenery of the Holme Valley. This will bring the day’s dancing to a close. Route: Memorial Gardens, Station Road, Hollowgate, Toll House bridge, Woodhead Road, Cooper Lane, Victoria Park

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Stockport Morris Men, Rhubarb Tarts, Five Rivers Morris, Fidlers Fancy Women’s Morris, Milltown Cloggies, Foxs Morris, Thieving Magpie, Slubbing Billy’s, The Spiral Maypole Dancers, The Raving Maes The Old Bridge (car park) Norridge Bottom The Churchyard The Memorial Gardens Outside the Nook

11.00 a.m.

Maypole Dance Workshop The Memorial Gardens

Events for Families, Children and Young People So what’s in store for 2016…. ‘Let there be dragons!’ Do hope there are some children out there who aren’t afraid to come along and meet our festival dragon this year at Holmfirth Library! New to the festival, Eden Ballantyne will be entertaining young children (and those young at heart) with his pet dragon. Or if the ‘Wild West’ is more up your street, join the cowboys from the Bread and Butter Theatre Company as they gallop through Holmfirth on Saturday afternoon.

opportunity to participate. Wooldale Junior School have been involved in an exciting Heritage lottery funded project studying local community pageants of the 1930s and will début in Holmfirth with a pageant they have written themselves. Once again Meltham Morris Minors from Meltham C of E School, having recently performed on the stage at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, will be painting their faces and clashing their sticks as they demonstrate the tradition of Border Morris dancing.

Holmfirth plans to make history with one hundred ukulele players at the Methodist church grounds on the Saturday with everyone from tiny tots to grandparents taking part, and the Spiral Maypole dancers will both perform and provide you with an

So take a closer look and plan your festival weekend ….

The Hey Diddles are taking us on a Treasure Hunt on Sunday followed by the ever popular Family Ceilidh with our favourite ‘Good Eggs’

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Saturday 7 May

Pete and Ged Moss

Story Telling: ‘Dragon Tales’ Interactive Family Story Telling with Eden Ballantyne. Eden created Stories Alive as a way of getting his head full of crazy historical characters into the world. Having spent years creating stories and characters for touring theatre in education companies, museums and schools, he is now an independent story teller. He will be telling two stories with his pet dragon – come and meet it! Suitable for young children throughout primary age range. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Holmfirth Library: 10.30-10.50am 11.30-11.50am 1.30- 1.50pm 2.30-2.50pm

The Loathsome Worm of Spindleston Hill: A strange dragon appears on Spindleston Hill; who will be brave enough to conquer this ferocious beast? Join Sener the Saxon Storyteller for an interactive story, where anyone could be the champion. A Dragon’s Tale: When terrifying strange noises come from the mountains, all the villages are scared. Has the dreadful Krackle Dragon returned? Only Gitta and Olaf, are brave enough go to and investigate. Join Sener the Saxon storyteller for an interactive story adventure.

The Bread and Butter Theatre presents….‘The Wacky Wild West Show– yeeha!’ 12.45-1.30pm Methodist Church Gardens 3.00pm on Hollowgate

2.30-

Join crazy cowboys Tex Sylvester and Rodeo Rex, for a rootin’ tootin’ Wild West Show. Expect Stetsons, ill-fitting moustaches and cowboy comedy from these outlaws of the Wild West (well…. Cumbria). These two hombres provide fantastic public interaction with young and old alike – it doesn’t get better than this!

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Wacky Walkabout with …. ‘Pete and Ged Moss and their Musical Wheelbarrow’ 3.30pm in procession

Leek FM’s expert Gardeners Pete and Ged Moss (complete with musical wheelbarrow) are on hand to answer all your horticultural and healthy lifestyle queries with their very own version of Gardeners’ Question Time. Which one do you prefer: Britney Spears or Garden Shears? (Radio Leeds ‘Sunday Gardening’ presenter Tim, a regular to the festival – watch out for these guys – you could find you have a bit of competititon!)

Procession and Dancing When and where: through Holmfirth starting at 3.30pm from the Memorial Gardens finishing at Victoria Park for a dance display between 4.00pm and 5.00pm. It’s a great celebratory event and a lovely end to the day’s events. The natural amphitheatre makes a fantastic stage for the dance and music with fabulous views across Holmfirth. We’d love you to join us!

Peace Gardens Dance, Music and Song Saturday: 11am-4pm

A great new space in the heart of Holmfirtha beautiful little park, perfect for outdoor performance (it’s the one opposite Holmfirth Mills and just along from Longley’s Ice Cream Parlour). We have put together a rolling programme throughout the day of local groups and performers. And as the sun is going to shine this year, you can enjoy the performances while you indulge in one of Longley Farm’s wonderful ice-creams! There’s a bit about some of the people who will be performing here on page 32.

‘Folk at the Family Fringe’ - Saturday 7 May Methodist Church grounds: 11.30am-2.00pm Ukuleles Unite!

Bread and Butter Theatre Company

11.30-12pm

Wild West Show’ and Circus Skills workshop

A grand gathering of ukuleles! Holme Valley Music Centre Uke Group and Pop Choir are joining forces with Friends of Beaumont Park Ukuleles, Hot Banana Music and pupils from Hade Edge, Holme, Holmfirth, Netherthong, Meltham C of E schools for an inter-generational performance of popular favourites. Join us outside the Methodist Church for free singalong family fun.

12.45-1.30pm (see previous page)

By the way, the Methodist Church grounds is a great place to come along for a cuppa and homemade cake too, available inside the church.

If you are interested in joining a ukulele group come along to Holme Valley Music Centre on Saturday Morning at 11.30am at Holmfirth High. Beginners and all ages welcome. www. kirkleesmusicschool.org.uk tel: 01484 426426 Hot Banana Music also run ukulele lessons for both children and adults: hotbananamusic@yahoo.co.uk; 01484 767535 or come along to our shop at Norridge Bottom.

Local Schools present…. 12.15-12.45pm and 1.30-2.00pm

‘Pageant Tales 2016’ from Wooldale Junior School. The culmination of a community and oral history project in New Mill developed in association with Holmfirth Film Festival and funded by the ‘Heritage Lottery Fund.’ Holme School Mummers keep the local mumming tradition alive and invite the Bradshaw Mummers to come along and watch! Welcome once again to our regular Kirkroyds folk dancers, the Meltham Morris Minors border Morris dancers from Meltham CofE, and the Spiral Maypole dancers.

The programme was written, designed, typeset and edited by Philip Jenkinson, who admits and accepts its flaws, some of which are due to pressure of time. He acknowledges with gratitude the assistance of his fellow committee members and especially Hugh Dailly, Carol Macklin, Jo Collier and Helen Wilcock. It was printed by Barden Print of Common Road, Birkby, Huddersfield

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

‘Folk at the Family Fringe’ - Sunday 8 May Family Maypole Dancing Workshop Family Ceilidh - The Good Egg Band Market Hall (upstairs) 2pm with the Spiral Maypole Dancers Memorial Gardens 11.00am-12.pm

An invitation to take part in some rare and traditional folk dancing, to welcome in the Spring… If you’ve always fancied having a go at the Spider’s Web, the Gypsy’s Tent or enjoyed last year’s maypole dancing at the Holmfirth Festival of Folk, then come and join in with Spiral Dancers Maypole Team this year. They’re back at the festival once again to delight Holmfirth with their ribbon dancing and toe-tapping music and challenge you to have a go! Young and old welcome. They love teaching their dances to the folk of Holmfirth. A quote from Kirsty who teaches the group “spring seems a joy even in the rain when you are twirling about with a ribbon!” (ps promise, it isn’t going to rain this year….) (- seems a rash promise to me - cynical ed.)

‘The Hey Diddles go on a Treasure Hunt’ Market Hall (upstairs) 12.15 p.m.

The Hey Diddles are a popular local children’s entertainment group. A colourful, energetic, interactive show aimed at children aged 0-6, but fun for all the family. Their aim is to encourage young children to enjoy the experience of live theatre. They sing action songs and nursery rhymes beloved of children everywhere and encourage the children to be part of the story. On Sunday morning they are inviting you to join them for a ‘Treasure Hunt’. All treasure hunters welcome. For more information visit www.theheydiddles. com or find them on Facebook.

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

If you’ve not been along to the family ceilidh before, then it’s about time you did! It’s a laidback family affair, for everyone from babes in arms to great grannies, and a lovely way for the family to conclude the festival. If you fancy ‘Stripping the Willow’ or dancing the ‘Swedish Masquerade’ come along and join in the fun! All dances are explained by our caller, Huw Evans, no experience necessary. The Good Egg Band, local folk themselves, claim to retire every year, but they can’t resist the lure of this popular little event. It’s a bargain at……£0, yes you’ve got it, it’s free (but a donation wouldn’t go amiss!) Thank you; what ‘Good Eggs’ you are J.

Good Egg Band The name alludes to a constantly-changing pool of local folk session musicians who play largely charity gigs for ludicrously low remuneration. Founder members Andy Valentine and Philip Jenkinson will be recruiting again for the family ceilidh. Sunday, Market Hall, 2-00

And finally ... Whilst there is still lots going on for children and families we have had to reduce the events this year due to a number of factors including uncertainty with venues and reduced funding. After over ten years of organising this element of the festival Carol Macklin and Alex Beaumont are standing down from the committee - time for some new ideas, energy and enthusiasm! So if there is anyone out there who fancies giving it a go, do feel free to get in touch, have a chat and find out what it’s all about – ‘your festival needs you!’ J.

Performing in the Peace Gardens Among the people ‘busking’ in the free performance area at the Peace Gardens are:

Holme and Dry Shanty Singers whose details you can find in the main musicians’ section on page 11.

Les Musicians d’Upperthong: Once a month for the past two years a group of people have met in Holmbridge village hall to play and dance to traditional French dance music. They mainly play for their own entertainment, but occasionally venture out to other venues and have hosted a successful day of dance and music. They are looking forward to participating in the festival, and if there is space for a dance, then even better.

Hope Bank Café Orchestra An eclectic group of musicians from varying backgrounds playing an even more eclectic range of music from Schostakovich to Delilah! Comprising two Accordions, six or so Concertinas, four banjos, mandolin and double bass they entertain audiences at concerts, festivals, fêtes and in pubs, playing pieces specially arranged by Simon Wood and are based down at Hope Banks Community Centre in Honley. They meet on a Saturday morning during term time and welcome new players young and old! Enquiries: Tel: Simon Wood on 07973 426939

Singing For Fun A relaxed, friendly and informal group which meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 at Hot Banana Music and literally Sings For Fun! They invite you to join them, find your singing voice and enjoy the sound of voices in harmony. No experience or need to read music necessary. hotbananamusic@yahoo.co.uk; 01484 767535

Hot Banana Ukuleles Hot Banana Music offers ukulele lessons and groups for all abilities and ages, from the Beatles to Anarchy in the Ukulele!’ Who knows who or what they will play?; come along and join them on the day! If you are interested in learning to play a ukulele or want to join one of our groups contact : hotbananamusic@yahoo.co.uk; 01484 767535 or come along to the shop in Norridge Bottom.

Holme Valley Music Centre Adult African Drummers The drummers are part of Kirklees Music School and get together at 9am on Saturdays to bash out world rhythms! They have performed in various venues, including Huddersfield Town Hall, over the years and have won a class in the Mrs Sunderland festival over the four years they entered. If you fancy joining then the group is always looking for new members and no previous experience is needed. So get down with the djembes and groove to the end! The drummers will also be performing in Gonzo on Saturday at 2-00 p.m.

supporting Holmfirth Festival of Folk

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Morris Dancing - A quick “guide” ‘The Morris’ takes many forms and this quick guide might help you to identify some of the traditions of Morris you might see on the street over the weekend.

Cotswold This is the dancing that everyone normally associates with ‘Morris’. Nowadays danced everywhere and by anyone, it used to be mainly danced by men from certain villages in the Cotswolds. Dancers often wear white, have bells and wave hankies or sticks. Good to see lots of energy and high leaps.

Northwest A tradition that originated amongst the textile industry in the NorthWest of England, exponents wear clogs (some with irons) and dance in a regimented ‘style’ which, some say, replicates the movements of the mill machinery. Most dance sides have small sticks, bobbins or hanks as their ‘weapons’.

Border This has its origins in the borders of England and Wales, carried out by mainly agricultural workers as a way of supplementing their meagre income. It is thought that the blackingup of faces was carried out as a disguise, so the audience were less likely to see who it was to whom they were giving money. Involves lots of noise and running about.

Longsword and Rapier An out-and-out Yorkshire tradition; dancers use longswords in, mainly, teams of six or eight. Dance moves often interlock the swords in star shapes which are held aloft, and have a somewhat military feel to them.

Rapper Rapper swords are shorter than longswords and have a handle at each end. This tradition was born out of the mining communitites of the North East and is fast and furious.

Appalachian As the title implies, this tradition is from America. It utilises clogging, stepping and flat foot styles danced to bluegrass which makes for an energetic and entertaining spectacle.

Clog stepping Intricate rhythmic stepping in wooden-soled clogs. Again, this is a mainly northern-based tradition found in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Westmorland and Northumberland.

Molly This distinctive East Anglian version of Border (similar but with funny arm movements) was tradionally performed by ploughboys on Plough Monday (second Monday in January) amongst other days! - again, as a way of raising money, hence the disguises. Generally includes a bit of cross dressing. Right: Flagcrackers of Craven

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

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Learn to speak fluent Morris Side A group of Morris dancers from the same team “Are they a North West side then?” Team Morris dancing is a sport after all…isn’t it? Set The number of dancers required to perform a particular dance – often in multiples of 4 or 6 “Can we have a set up to dance please?” Squire Boss, captain of the side “Squire says drink up – we’re on next.” Bagman The side secretary Foreman Dance instructor Dance off The extra bit after the dance ends, when the music starts again and the side dances off in a reasonably orderly fashion. It’s neater than shambling off to the nearest pub doorway and if timed just right can even lead directly into the pub doorway! Dance out As the evenings get longer and lighter, Morris sides venture out into the light after a long winter of hard graft in darkened church halls and community centres. Literally dancing out and about. “We’re dancing out next Tuesday” or “Next dance out will be at the Rose & Crown. Kit The colourful Morris clothes “You’ve spilt beer down yer kit!”

Baldric Not Tony Robinson, but the brightly coloured crossed sashes often worn over a white shirt. Sticks These can range from little short things with bells or ribbons on to the longer, heftier and considerably more intimidating bits of tree bashed about by the border sides. Some sides use several different styles and often repurpose spindles or bobbins from old mills. Hanks Used like sticks, but made of coloured woollen yarn or cord and often plaited. Irons Like horseshoes for clogs - no good for your wooden floors, lethal on smooth and shiny surfaces, but oh so lovely and noisy! Bells On shins, on sticks, on shoes and on clogs. Some sides insist on everyone having them, some award them for years of service, some are conveniently left at home… Blacking up Usually Border or Molly teams upholding the traditions of disguising your identity. Some still look like they have had an argument with the boot polish, whilst others have developed painting their faces into an art form all of their own.

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Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

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Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Dance Sides and Street Theatre 2016 Alford Morris Men (Saturday)

Style: Mixed Cotswold (with a bit of Border) Kit: White shirts, black waistcoat, green and yellow baldricks/bell flashes, black knee breeches, white socks, black shoes, various hats

Formed in 1977 in Alford, Lincolnshire, ‘the World Famous Alford Morris Men’ (possibly misread for ‘Wold Famous’) were originally an all-male side, but in 1995 took the radical step of welcoming women. As a nondiscriminatory side, they encourage membership across an inclusive range of genders (six at the last count), races (including Goodwood and Silverstone) and ages. Lack of ability, mobility or musical talent is no bar. www.alfordmorris.com

The Bradshaw Mummers (Saturday) A street theatre group, performing traditional and contemporary plays based on the mediæval mumming traditions of death, rebirth and the triumph of good over evil. Although most of their scripts are written by members of the group, the performances combine both old and new with the emphasis on entertainment – presenting the plays to modern-day audiences while remaining faithful to the origins of a unique form of theatre including the blacking of faces, echoing the tradition that actors believed themselves cursed by the Devil if they were recognised. www.bradshawmummers.com

Fidlers Fancy Women’s Morris (Sunday)

Style: Women’s North West Kit: Red and blue pinafore dresses, white tights, blue clogs, straw hats with ribbons

Fidlers was founded in the late 1880s by a Stockport fish merchant, Charles Burgess Fidler, to provide recreation and entertainment for Stopfordians and collect money for local charities. The Fidlers fish business continues and allows the team to use their trademark smiling fish. The present team, formed in 1977, continues to perform traditional dances from around the North West accompanied by its own band of talented musicians www.fidlersfancy.weebly.com

Five Rivers Morris (Saturday and Sunday) Style: Cotswold Kit: White shirts, dark blue baldricks, black breeches, top hats with blue trim

Five Rivers Morris was formed in Sheffield in 2008 by a bunch of like-minded blokes who wanted to dance some Morris. With an average age around the early-30s, their dancing is clean and crisp, taking full advantage of their relative youth to dance Cotswold Morris with energy, vigour and enthusiasm. www.fiveriversmorris.org.uk

Flagcrackers of Craven (Saturday) Style: Border Kit: Black faces, clogs and colourful rag jackets

A mixed side based in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Founded on 1988, their traditional dances come from the borders of England and Wales. They celebrate life and fun in dance and music. www.flagcrackers.co.uk

Left: Five Rivers Morris in typical action outside a typically excellent pub.

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Dancing in the Streets

Four Hundred Roses (Saturday)

Style: Tribal folk fusion Kit: Flamboyant red/white/black with at least 400 roses!

From Yorkshire and Lancashire, formed in 2005, the 400 Roses are a unique group of tribal folk fusion dancers from Yorkshire and Lancashire blending UK style folk dance with tribal bellydance moves. Tribal bellydance is a modern and exciting form of Belly Dance - a fusion of Arabic, Gypsy, Indian and other styles – so merging it further into UK folk dance seemed like a fun idea. It was, and it continues to be so. Together with our band, the Thorns, we dance to old Morris tunes with a sway and a swish like you’ve never seen before. Expect the unexpected! www.fourhundredroses.org.uk

Mister Fox (Saturday) Foxes mean different things to different people. If you own chickens, they’re the Hannibal Lecters of the animal kingdom. If you’re a huntsman, they’re your partners in an age-old sparring match which neither you nor the fox family can ever, ultimately, win. In Æsop’s Fables, the fox was the symbol of cunning, of selfishness and of greed. In the Middle Ages he was often depicted as a priest or bishop, preaching to a congregation of ducks and geese but with a tendency to be trapped by his own cleverness.

Foxs Morris (Saturday and Sunday)

Style: Mixed Border Kit: Black faces, green and red tattered coats, top hats

Started in the summer of 1999 by a group of friends with a mutual interest in folk traditions. All members of the ‘Friends of Cookley School’ or FOCS, after much confusion it was changed to FOXS Morris. Nowadays the much larger group retains a friendly and inclusive atmosphere made up of those still connected with the school, village residents and those travelling from further afield in Worcestershire and the Black Country. www.foxsmorris.blogspot.co.uk

Maltby Sword Dancers and Plough Bullocks (Saturday) Style: Sword Kit: White shirts, black breeches, red sashes, red and yellow striped socks

A community-based team of enthusiasts who specialise in traditional English Sword Dancing. We perform dances in three distinct styles; Longsword dances of the Yorkshire region together with their accompanying Plough Stots Morris dances and the short sword or ‘Rapper’ dances from North East England. www.maltbysword.co.uk

In the performance group from Barnsley we see an exciting development in British traditional dance. The dance forms and style derive mostly from English and Welsh traditions but draw in ideas from North America and Catalonia. Their use of fire and small pyros has developed over the last twenty years and the shows are - or at least, aim to be - an exhilarating combination of movement, light and sound. www.mr-fox.org.uk

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Maltby Sword get down to basics

(BARRY TOWNSEND-CARDEW)

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Dancing in the Streets

Meltham Morris Minors (Saturday)

Poacher Morris (Saturday)

The Morris Minors, from Meltham CE Primary School, wear tatter coats in black with a hint of purple and are aged between 9 and 11. They dance at various local events with fun and enthusiasm, and have recently performed at the Lawrence Batley Theatre as part of the ‘Strictly Pennine Dance Festival’. The side has been dancing for seven years now, and boasts 16 members. Regulars at the Holmfirth Festival of Folk, they can be seen in the procession and Victoria Park, as well as part of the family festival in the Methodist Church grounds.

Lincolnshire’s finest and original mixed Border Morris Team. Formed in 1995 and taking our name from the song The Lincolnshire Poacher we perform the dances of the Welsh Border tradition in our own wild and exuberant style. We carry on the tradition of disguise with our own distinctive colours; black to represent the border tradition and yellow for the Lincolnshire ‘yellowbelly’ (the name for a person born and bred within the county).

Style: Border

Milltown Cloggies (Sunday)

Style: North West Kit: Blue and white striped dresses with white underskirts, navy clogs, straw hats with flowers and ribbons

We are a group of ladies who love to dance traditional clog morris in the North West style. Our dancers come from several towns around, all of which in the past were thriving cotton mill towns, hence the name. www.milltowncloggies.co.uk

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Style: Border Kit: Black and yellow faces, colourful rag coats and decorated top hats.

www.poachermorris.org

The Raving Maes (Saturday and Sunday) Style: Border (ish) Kit: Hmmmmm? Oh yes, Red and Black

The Raving Maes are an alternative and vibrant women’s Morris dancing team. It’s Morris, but not as you know it! www.facebook.com/theravingmaes

Poacher Morris smile for the camera

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Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Dancing in the Streets

Rhubarb Tarts (Sunday)

Style: Molly Kit: The colours of the noble culinary veg that is rhubarb – red, pink, green and yellow

Rhubarb Tarts were first baked in the summer of 2004 at Bridgnorth Folk Festival – you could say it was a mutual yearning to dance Molly. ‘Rhubarb’ because they hail from the famous Rhubarb Triangle in West Yorkshire, ‘Tarts’ because many of them dance with other Morris sides. Traditionally danced on Plough Monday by farm workers cadging some extra cash and sustenance from the well-to-do in the depths of winter, the dances were parodies of social dances of the gentry, participants dressing up as the ‘Squire’ in top hat and dress coat with a comic ‘Lady of the Manor’ – a man in women’s attire, the Betsy or Molly. The rest of the troupe don a disguise of sooty faces to evade recognition. The cast of characters includes Martha Barrow, the Right Reverend Rhubarb, a Cowman and the delectable Tarts themselves. www.rhubarbtarts.com

Saddleworth Morris Men (Saturday)

Style: North West Kit: White collarless shirt, Red/white/blue patterned waistcoat, clogs shod with iron, bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers

Performing their own dances written and developed by the team over the years, these are named after the Saddleworth villages and not shared with any other teams. They are easily identified (or heard!) because of the number of bells worn on the clogs of the majority of the team. A member of Saddleworth receives two bells for each clog at the start of each season, so a new recruit isn’t as easily heard! Our bowler hats are decorated with fresh flowers and we are the only men’s morris side in England to do this. The team organises the annual Saddleworth Rushcart August.

Slubbing Billy’s North West Morris (Saturday and Sunday)

Style: North West Morris (mixed) Kit: Purple, black and red; bowler hats with fresh flowers; clogs shod with with ‘irons’(for those brave enough) and bells (also for those brave enough)

With their colourful kit and lively, entertaining dances you will probably hear the ‘Billys’ before you see them, clog irons reverberating off the flagstones, echoing the rhythms of the mill machinery of old. The side takes its name from a machine that puts the twist into carded wool/cotton before it is spun. Clogs were the footwear of millworkers and the kit is made from woollen cloth woven and dyed locally. The team has a healthy age range, from teenagers to more ‘experienced’ members who have danced with the side since it started. Many of them are involved in the organisation of the festival. They practice at Slaithwaite Community Centre on Tuesday evenings, usually replacing essential body fluids afterwards at The Commercial and are always on the look-out for new dancers and musicians so, please talk to a Billy - they don’t bite! www.slubbingbillys.co.uk

Son De America (Saturday) This is a group of enthusiastic people living in Sheffield who love dancing, music and sharing Latin American folk culture. They’re a mixture of students based at Sheffield Hallam University and non-students, Latin Americans and non-Latin Americans, women and men of all ages. An open group, friendly, enthusiastic and a bit chaotic (!) welcomes interested people of all ages, nationalities and abilities. Come and join in! www.sondeamerica.wordpress.com

www.saddleworthmorrismen.co.uk

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Dancing in the Streets

Spiral Maypole Dancers (Saturday and Sunday)

Founded in 2000 to perform at Marsden Cuckoo Day, this group of dancers has since gone from strength to strength. Now a regular fixture at Holmfirth, they will perform a number of both traditional and new dances. They promise to keep the audience entertained and participation is encouraged! Spiral practice one Sunday a month January – April at Wilshaw Village Hall. www.facebook.com/groups/234419390078917

Stockport Morris Men (Sunday)

Style: North West Morris (mixed) Kit: Black breeches, waistcoats/dresses, white shirts, red/gold trim, black clogs

From the ‘other side’ of the Pennines and now an unofficial annual Sunday fixture of the festival, arriving every year come rain or shine whether we invite them or not! Their response when asked for a description of themselves was simply “unfortunately you know us only too well.” The more observant amongst you may notice that Stockport Morris ‘Men’ is a less than accurate description of the side these days. Dancing in the traditional North West style of the Lancashire villages, they are great friends of our local Slubbing Billy’s.

Thieving Magpie (Saturday and Sunday) Style: Mixed Border Kit: Black tattered coats with hints of green, purple and white, black painted faces

No hankies or flowers. Leave nowt but blood, wood and feathers. They are a mixed border morris side who like dancing, waving big sticks about and yelling, who sing as well. Formed in 2006, the ages range from 7 to 68. They practice Monday night at the Parochial Hall, Marsden and could always do with dedicated musicians if anybody out there is interested. www.facebook.com/thievingmagpiemarsden

Support our Local Businesses Every year the festival committee is approached by traders wanting concessions to set up food stalls on festival weekend - and every year we turn them all down so that local businesses may benefit from the local festival. Some of those local businesses reciprocate by advertising in this programme and we’d encourage you, in turn, to notice which ones they are and support them accordingly.

www.stockportmorris.co.uk

supporting Holmfirth Festival of Folk Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

Acknowledgements The organisers of Holmfirth Festival of Folk would like to thank all of the following, without whom the events could not have taken place: Kirklees Council Culture & Leisure Services, Holme Valley South Local Area Committee, Holmfirth Parish Council and One Community (Longley Farm Fund), for financial assistance; the Nook Brewhouse and Wm Brown Estate Agents for financial and in-kind support; the staff of Holmfirth Tourist Information Office; Kirklees Markets; the Police; the Methodist Church for the use of their grounds, general support and enthusiasm; the pupils and staff of the local schools for taking part in this community festival; 1st Holme Valley (Holmfirth) Scout Group; Ginette Eady of Kirklees Music School; the landlords/landladies of the Old Bridge Hotel, Nook, Tap House, Postcard, Brambles, and Gonzo for the use of their premises and financial assistance; the Masonic Hall and Spice 4 U for the use of their premises; Rev. Sean Robertshaw for helping set up events at the Parish Church; Peter Carr of the Picturedrome; Darren Hollingworth for P.A.; Holmfirth Library and Holmfirth Events; and all who have helped to distribute publicity and generally put the word about that there is a thriving festival in Holmfirth.

edge the efforts of the ‘Feed the Folk’ people whose bacon butty stall at the Sunday Market has kept us in the public eye and swelled our coffers the whole year round. The team there would like in turn to thank fellow stall holders, especially Denise, who supplies free range eggs, for their support. Unfortunately the stall will no longer operate after the festival, more due to lack of support for the market than from any lack of will on our part and at this point therefore it would be appropriate to pay tribute to Ken Meadows, who largely initiated the enterprise and has been serving up butties man and and boy unfailingly for the last 10 years.

We’d particularly like to thank those local businesses who by advertising in these pages demonstrate practical support for an event which brings valuable custom into the town as a whole and would encourage all our readers to support them wherever possible .

supporting Holmfirth Festival of Folk

It’s also appropriate at this point to mention those people who help to organise, run and in many instances play at the Holmfirth New Year’s Eve ceilidh which continues to be an invaluable source of funding for the festival. To these we must add those artists, dancers and musicians who have come along for no fee; those volunteers who have given hospitality to our guests and stewarded events; those who have rattled buckets around the town all weekend; and, of course, thank you for coming and buying this programme and helping to keep the festival an important part of the social and economic life of the Holme Valley and surrounding area!

Many people, both on and off the main organising committee, give up their time and energy all the year round to make sure this event goes ahead; we must for example acknowl-

Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2016

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BY JONATHAN LARSON BIG COUNTRY ROBIN TROWER HVS 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT DOUG SCOTT AUTUMN LECTURE DR FEELGOOD REGENESIS THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY THE THREE DEGREES THE TUBES THE FLOYD EFFECT WALTER TROUT THE UNDERTONES CHAS & DAVE THE CHRISTIANS IAN HUNTER & THE RANT BAND TURIN BRAKES

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Eating Experience

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■ RESTAURANT: The colourful, spacious restaurant (above left) and Bengal chefs at work in the kitchen (above right)

One of the most popular restaurants in Holmfirth

STABLISHED for 11 years in Dunford Road, the Bengal Spice is one of Holmfirth’s best loved eating places.

Situated in the Victoria Arcade, the restaurant is run by experienced Bengal chefs and offers a great selection of traditional Bengal dishes along with a range of more contemporary dishes and specials. The restaurant has hundreds of loyal customers who return time and time again to enjoy the delicious food and great atmosphere. Restaurant owner Athiq says about 95% of customers are regular diners. With seating for up to 60 people in the main restaurant and a further 40 in the upstairs function room which is a popular choice for parties and other

celebrations. Various banquet menus are available for parties. The restaurant is open seven days a week, every evening from 5pm to 11pm. Every Thursday and Sunday a special two-course set menu is available for just £9.90. This offers a choice from a great range of starters and main courses. Booking is always advisable and particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings. Bengal Spice is very much a part of the local community and is involved with several sports teams in the Holmfirth area, members of whom regularly eat at

the Dunford Road restaurant. Take a look at the menu and you’ll find an extensive choice of starters including several seafood starters. Always popular for main course are the Bengal Specialities which include dishes with chicken, lamb or fish. Also available are balti dishes, karahi, jalfry and tandoori choices. The restaurant also has a selection of old favourite dishes which include kormas, bhunas, madras and rogan josh. For vegetarians there is an excellent range of vegetable based dishes using ingredients such as spinach, potato, mixed vegetables, French beans, peppers and much more. Next time you’re in Holmfirth, why not try a meal out at Bengal Spice or call in and try a takeaway.

Bengal Spice