Ralph topped bill
Twenty’s plenty isn’t a phrase you will hear from traditional music fans in Linlithgow, as they toast the huge success of this year’s Folk Festival and look forward to making it even bigger and better next year.
September’s 20th celebration of traditional music dance and song in the Royal Burgh had something for everyone, including three sell-out concerts, an outdoor family ceilidh at the Vennel, a musical evening at the Union Canal Centre , pub sessions, and a packed two-day programme of free music on the Nora Devine Stage at the Cross.
The full programme of events attracted an appreciative audience of locals and visitors alike, some of the latter coming from as far afield as Linlithgow’s twin town of Guyancourt in France, as well as the United States, Israel, Canada and Australia.
The headline concert with the legendary Ralph McTell - who is often described as folk music royalty - was the highlight of the weekend, supported by the brilliant young musicians of the Iona Fyfe Trio, who spoke warmly of the wonderful response they had received on their second appearance in Linlithgow.
Last year’s new events continued this year, including Songs and Reels at the Rose, which was sold out and the Youth Showcase in the Kirk Hall, which was so successful that St Peter’s Church had to be pressed into service to house an overspill event.
Many budding artistes appeared on the Nora Devine Stage at the Cross, strengthening the festival’s t remendous reputation for encouraging youngsters.
The five-day event was not without its mishaps, however, as secretary Jonathan Moore explained: “There were a few things missing at LFF 2018. There was no boat for the canal cruise, as it had broken down four miles away, there was no fire, but the Fire Service turned out anyway and there was no gazebo on the Sunday at the Cross, because a freak gust of wind blew it down. However, there was plenty of music and plenty of laughter for our milestone 20th festival.”
Jonathan continued: “The festival gets better every year and we are continually striving to keep things fresh.
“From the opening night in the Bowling Club to the final session at the Black Bitch, we heard some of the best music we have ever had, including the fantastic Songs and Reels and Bluegrass concerts at the Rose Club and some superb performances at the Youth Showcase and Nora Devine Stage.
The Folk Festival Association will bring down the curtain on another very successful year with a St Andrew’s Night Stramash in Linlithgow Bowling Club on Friday, November 30.
Various artistes of all ages will be performing and there will also be ceilidh dancing to the Rab Ferris Dance Band.
The Stramash gets underway at 7.30pm and further details can be found on the Folk Festival Facebook page and website.