Dec
26
Submitted by admin on Sat, 2009-12-26 12:02
Well, the day arrived. Cambridge Folk Club had honoured us by asking us to join with others and represent them in the Club Tent at the Cambridge Folk Festival. For both of us, this was the most exciting of invitations. Neither of us had visited the festival before and had only the most hazy idea of what to expect - but, clearly, the reputation of the festival goes before it and we knew it would be a very big deal!.
To take advantage of a day off from the 'day-job' we set off early. We knew the programme that day had some great acts on and we had the privilege of a performers tickets - so, an early start was the order of the day.
We parked the car, squeezed on the bus with all the instruments - lots of "scuse us, scuse us" - and a lot of vedry helpful people, a few jokes with the people on the ticket desk, wristbands on, and we were in.
We made our way through the throng of lots of people in festival mood, and found the club tent. As they always are, the team from the Cambridge Folk Club were immensely welcoming and quickly had our insturments stored and had showed us the very impressive stage and venue. They explained how the evening would run. The club acts would each play around 15minutes, from early evening onwards and given the pressure on slots, there would be a need for a quick change around, especially if either of the main, festival promoted acts, over-ran.
So, primed and ready, Rob and I were able to go and enjoy a day at the festival. The Waterson Family, Edward II, Brian MacNeill and Bellowhead were just some of the terrific acts we saw that day.
We were not quite sure how many might be around to see us play. We were timed to play at the same time the mighty Zutons were on the main stage and The Deman Barbers were on the second stage. In the end, we played to about 100. By the time we went on, timings were a bit tight - so it was a quick turnaround and before we had time to think we were introduced, had played three numbers and were off again and, curteousy of Cambridge Folk Club, had realised a lifetime dream - to play at the Cambridge Folk Festival. We feel we played well and that was the feedback from our Folk Club friends. We chatted for a wee while with friends and other artists and then, conscious of the likely build up of crowds, beat a retreat back to the car park and home. It had been a really great day.
We would like to thank Cambridge Folk Club for giving us the chance to represent them at this prestigious event in their and the folk world's calendar. We will never forget their generosity and kindness in this and many other regards - and look forward to seeing them on 15 January 2010 when we have been further honoured by their giving us a full booking!
