Fareham & Gosport Folk Festival 2007

Rather a different experience to previous festivals, but I enjoyed the music and the company. Avoided Kevin and Ugly, though I spoke to Kevin briefly about house plans. Sat with Ugly's husband on the Friday evening which was a bit bizarre - but it was good to have his empathetic and cheering company for a while. Old friends like Darren, Mary, Dennis and Sue, and Lesley were on hand to give some support, and also new friends Dawn and Vicki from the B&B, whom I hope to stay in contact with!
Discovery of the festival was Flossie Malavialle, a French folk singer who has lived in Darlington (or D'Arleau as she called it!) for a long while, and has acquired a hybrid accent as well as musical style and sense of humour! She was also really nice to talk to, which makes all the difference really. I bought her album 'The Wilderness Years' - great music, perhaps a definitive divorce album! Old favourites Paul Downes and ColvinQuarmby were also there on the Friday. CQ were singing a few of their splitting-up songs too but theirs are more cheerful - in the pace of the tunes, anyway!
Missed Mary Jane and Arlen sadly, as their sets clashed with Show of Hands 'dress rehearsal' of their Albert Hall gig the next day - a truly outstanding show with guests as diverse as a Cornish choir (Fisherman's Friends), Tom Robinson, Martyn Joseph, Miranda Sykes and Paul Downes. Would you expect anything less?
On Saturday I took advantage of the glorious weather to cycle down to Warsash, a pretty little village with a nature reserve and a pink ferry to Hamble. Discovered a little delicatessen which served a delicious bowl of Leek Chowder with fresh bread, and real icecream. Bought some Zapatista Coffee on Robb Johnson's recommendation!! I also chanced upon a beer festival tent outside the Ferryman's and supped some Goddards Ale of Wight, very nice.
Took the pink ferry over to Hamble and had a wander round - yet more pubs, but only ventured into the little gastropub, the Bugle. They only had Courage brands so I tried some Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc - CAMRA heresy but tasty and refreshing on a hot day. Cycled back in time for the evening concerts. John Tams and Barry Coope were very good - John is a master songwriter and Barry an impassioned singer - but I alwys moan at Barry's artificial-sounding Yamaha organ which kind of defeats the (folk) object as far as I'm concerned. Kate Rusby and her band gave the best performance I've seen the give so far - really enjoyed it! Missed 'Sir Egremont' as I popped out to the loo though, damme and blast it!
On Sunday I met up with Mum, Dad and my sister Shirl for Easter roast meal in Braishfield - huge portions! Got front spot for Seth Lakeman, was well pleased. Wasn't keen on the much-vaunted Megson, but Lau (including award-winner Kris Drever) were wonderful, full of energy, originality and passion, very skilled musicians and good fun! Almost enjoyed them more than Seth's , whom I had a good dance to. Got my paws on Ben's set list which I'll keep as a souvenir. Also got introduced to Seth later at the Lysses House musician's late session - he was so down to earth, nice to see fame hasn't (noticeably) gone to his head!
Stayed up listening to the late session, 3 of whose most enthusiastic participants (drinking as well as playing!) were Lau. Vicki offered me a lift home at 4.30am, got back to the B&B just as the dawn chorus was starting.
Another trip out on Monday with Shirl to the Sussex Brewery, Emsworth otherwise known as The Sausage Pub. Springbok Sausage was amongst the 'specials' - didn't get to try it though! Had a little walk round the Slipper Pond and the seafront then tiring journey with full pack and mountainbike back home. I'm off to bed now then!