Hi Breandan. Some of the sessions in the Ailsa can get a bit intense so I can't guarantee that I'll actually participate. It will depend on the situation and whether or not there's a spate of standard tunes being played. However, if I spot you, I'll say hello.
Izzy, the camp site gets quite busy but I'm sure there will be room to squeeze in a tent. There's quite a lot of space
Further to the above, I would thoroughly recommend Girvan Folk Festivalto any other members. Although not as busy in recent years, it is still an excellent festival with a good balance between the official concerts and informal sessions.
Girvan's geographical position ensures that it is ideal meeting place/melting pot for musicians and singers from Scotland, Ireland and the North of England.
There are several bars which welcome sessions and, over the years, each of them have developed their own unique character.
Ailsa Craig Hotel--Mostly Irish instrumental and a high standard of musicianship. Sometimes, bluegrassy types meet in the rear beer garden. Very, very late hours
Harbour bar---Again, mainly Irish instrumental. Usually, there are up to 3 sessions going on here. Upstairs tends to be a little less serious with a mixture of Scottish/Irish music and song. Open to about 2.00 am
Westcliffe Hotel---There can be up to 3 or 4 sessions going on here, either instrumental or singing. Although predominantly Scottish, some irish material-especially standards-gets played here. Used to be open really late but the management have been getting more "crabbit" in recent years and now tend to close around 02.00 am
Southfield Hotel--Popular with singers
Other venues include The Royal Hotel, Queens Hotel, the Roxy etc. There tends to be a bit of a mixture in these places. Anything might happen. The Royal is probably the more likely place for a tune.
It took me a few seconds to work out that The Ailsa Craig is a drinking establishment. I quite like the idea of a session on an isolated rock in the Irish Sea.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Girvan this year. I suspect that the last two years it has suffered due to the advent of the "Burns An A' That" festival centred on Culzean. This year, they have moved that event back to the end of May.
And here's hoping for decent weather. Sitting outside the Westcliffe on a warm day, playing and singing is just the business..
Girvan Folk Festival
Girvan Folk Festival
Getting ready to head off for Girvan for the annual trip to the twilight zone.
Will be in the Ailsa Craig on Friday evening if anyone wants to give us a shout for a pint and a few tunes.
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/members/beau.rhann/contents.htm
# Posted on April 28th 2003 by breandan
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
Any ideas where you'll be on Saturday late afternoon/eve? Also, if you've been before - are there usually any tent pitches left by Saturday afternoon?
Cheers, Izzy
# Posted on April 29th 2003 by izzymac
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
Hi Breandan. Some of the sessions in the Ailsa can get a bit intense so I can't guarantee that I'll actually participate. It will depend on the situation and whether or not there's a spate of standard tunes being played. However, if I spot you, I'll say hello.
Izzy, the camp site gets quite busy but I'm sure there will be room to squeeze in a tent. There's quite a lot of space
JOHN
# Posted on April 29th 2003 by John J.
Further to the above, I would thoroughly recommend Girvan Folk Festivalto any other members. Although not as busy in recent years, it is still an excellent festival with a good balance between the official concerts and informal sessions.
Girvan's geographical position ensures that it is ideal meeting place/melting pot for musicians and singers from Scotland, Ireland and the North of England.
There are several bars which welcome sessions and, over the years, each of them have developed their own unique character.
Ailsa Craig Hotel--Mostly Irish instrumental and a high standard of musicianship. Sometimes, bluegrassy types meet in the rear beer garden. Very, very late hours
Harbour bar---Again, mainly Irish instrumental. Usually, there are up to 3 sessions going on here. Upstairs tends to be a little less serious with a mixture of Scottish/Irish music and song. Open to about 2.00 am
Westcliffe Hotel---There can be up to 3 or 4 sessions going on here, either instrumental or singing. Although predominantly Scottish, some irish material-especially standards-gets played here. Used to be open really late but the management have been getting more "crabbit" in recent years and now tend to close around 02.00 am
Southfield Hotel--Popular with singers
Other venues include The Royal Hotel, Queens Hotel, the Roxy etc. There tends to be a bit of a mixture in these places. Anything might happen. The Royal is probably the more likely place for a tune.
John
# Posted on April 29th 2003 by John J.
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
It took me a few seconds to work out that The Ailsa Craig is a drinking establishment. I quite like the idea of a session on an isolated rock in the Irish Sea.
# Posted on April 30th 2003 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Girvan this year. I suspect that the last two years it has suffered due to the advent of the "Burns An A' That" festival centred on Culzean. This year, they have moved that event back to the end of May.
And here's hoping for decent weather. Sitting outside the Westcliffe on a warm day, playing and singing is just the business..
# Posted on April 27th 2004 by Scabby DOuglas
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
Hey SB, there's a more recent discussion than this. It went up two or three weeks ago. Looking forward to Girvan too.
John
# Posted on April 27th 2004 by John J.
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
why thank you, John.. I did a search for Girvan and didny notice that it was last year's thread...
I am little but a big diddy
# Posted on April 27th 2004 by Scabby DOuglas