Sark Folk Festival - 2010

[Simon Harvey]

http://www.sarkfolkfestival.com

Taking place from Friday 2nd July - Sunday 4th July 2010, the festival seeks to reflect the blend of French and British culture which is intrinsic to the Channel Islands and which is still so much part of Sark Island life.

The world of folk music has developed, and encompasses an eclectic mix of sound, ranging from the traditional to fusion. The Sark Folk Festival is proud to be able to host a diverse line-up of top UK and French acts which include rising star singer-songwriter, Leddra Chapman, described by Music Week Magazine as "filling a similar space to early Alanis Morissette and Joni Mitchell; folk-pop band, Six Day Riot, who recently supported Seth Lakeman in London, and Ruth Notman, finalist in the BBC Radio Young Folk Awards, singer-song-writer Mary Hampton whose songs have been described as ‘shimmering with sensuality in various shady cloaks of weirdness…fragility, desolation and humour’; Mordekkers, with their energetic, infectious groove. Vibrant Poitiers-based Celtic group, Les Dieses with their particular theatrical brand of rock-folk-jazz-cajun fusion, and the evocative, haunting melodies and the earthy rhythms of Brittany based Trio, Peron-Hopkins-McCarthy, offshoot of the well-known Breton band, Loar Gann will also delight festival goers.

The Channel Islands will be well-represented, with the ever popular Guernsey folk band Barley-Dogs, with their infectious blend of drinking songs and Celtic –Hill-Billy rythms; the close-harmony of well-known Sea-Shanty crew: Jenkins’ Ear; traditional ceilidh band Shindig, Ernie Rosquet from Jersey, the emotive and passionate singing of Blues-queen’ Colette Esteves amongst others. Last but not least, Morris dancers Helier Men from Jersey and Guernsey’s Belles and Broomsticks will add to the overall festive atmosphere. The island of Sark is going to echo with wild rhythms,energetic music and haunting melodies .

A community focused event this festival is a celebration of our combined island cultural heritage and musical experience, providing opportunities to perform, participate in and enjoy the celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music and dance, within an intimate, relaxed setting.

The Sark Folk Festival is the perfect setting to display our history and culture. As well as live music on the main festival stages, there will also be a variety of other cultural events over the weekend, including workshops in Guernsey French, Morris dancing, open music sessions in local pubs and entertainment for children. Channel Island crafts will be on display and the food tent will offer a variety of local delicacies to sample, including Sark’s rightly famous seafood. On top of all this, if you tire of the music and culture, there is the rest of Sark to enjoy. The spectacular coastal scenery with numerous bays and headlands provides a stunning backdrop to this festival.

The Sark Folk Festival is a way of celebrating our Channel Island community and cultural heritage, thus keeping our island traditions alive. It is a ‘folk’festival – a festival for and about the people of the islands.

The island of Sark is one of the most fascinating and unique locations in the world, and is the smallest of the four main Channel Islands. There are no cars on Sark - only bicycles, horse-drawn carriages and the occasional tractor. It is located 80 miles off the south coast of England, and just 20 miles from France - a short ferry ride http://www.sarkfolkfestival.com/festival/p...to-sark.php> from Guernsey or Jersey. The island is only three miles long and a mile and a half wide, but is surrounded by 40 miles of some of the most picturesque coastlines anywhere in the world.

The festival site will provide a spectacular back-drop to the entertainment. Located at the top of cliffs on the rugged west coast of the island, festival-goers will be able to enjoy panoramic views over the nearby Channel Islands of Brecqhou, Herm and Guernsey.

http://www.sarkfolkfestival.com

[Ringo_Spar]

I know a couple of folks who made the journey last year and said, "you have to go!" They had a great time and said the welcome and hospitality they received was second to none. They did mention the seafood too!

Edited May 17, 2010 by LevellerRich

[Simon Harvey]

Yes, it's going to be a truly magical weekend... the festival your friends went to was 'Celebration of the Sea' which focused more of seafood... we are focusing much more on music at the Sark Folk Festival with a crammed weekend of very talented performers.

Here's some more info:

SARK FOLK FESTIVAL 2010 - http://www.sarkfolkfestival.com

Imagine a paradise island, only 5 square kilometers, surrounded by stunning picturesque scenery to rival anywhere in the world... An island that time forgot, with horse-drawn carriages and bicycles as the main transportation. A care free land where the world moves it it's own pace and everybody is friendly.

Now imagine filling this island with hundreds of amazingly talented musicians from around the UK and France - ranging from modern singer-songwriters and contemporary bands such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gYqD66vLgQ, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lwM5ycvaCY, and Ruth Notman to traditional session bands and folk dancers such as Les Dieses and Loar Gann.

Sounds perfect doesn't it??? well, from 2-4th July this is exactly what we will be doing!

The Sark Folk Festival will be taking place on the absolutely stunning Channel Island of Sark (UK) and we would like to invite you to join us for this very special event.

Further details and tickets can be found here: http://www.sarkfolkfestival.com

If you have any queries please contact: info@sarkfolkfestival.com

[Simon Harvey]

Sark Folk Festival 2010 - Programme released!

[Simon Harvey]

THE COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED!

With just 19 days to go before the start of Sark Folk Festival 2010 I would like to take the opportunity to update you on some of our latest news.

PROGRAMME

We are really excited to announce the festival programme containing an amazing 39 acts from around the Channel Islands, France, and the UK. Headliners include Leddra Chapman, 6 Day Riot, Ruth Notman, Mary Hampton, Les Dieses and many more truly amazing acts. Take a look at this page for further details: Click here for more...

FESTIVAL GRUB

To compliment this amazing music we also have some fantastic festival food lined up... With delicious paella and risotto cooked over an open fire, a mouth watering hog roast, a selection of seafood, a French café, and some good old burgers and chips... find out details here: Click here for more...

FESTIVAL BAR

The SFF bar will be stocked with a selection of local beer & cider, including 'Bec du Nez' traditional cider that is being brewed especially for the festival by the Guernsey Cider Company (Makers of Rocquette). As well as this we will be serving wine and soft drinks- Click here for more...

SFF GUIDE

We've published a guide containing some important information about the festival, as well as some tips on what you should bring with you, make sure you take a look: Click here for more...

Remember you can keep up to date with all the latest info through our website or on our Facebook page.

Thanks for your support and we look forward to welcoming you in July!

Simon Harvey

Chairman, Sark Folk Festival