THE VILLAGE Pump Folk Festival returns to Westbury this month, but the hard work in bringing it to life has been centred from a small office in Melksham.
Festival director and Melksham man John Alderslade has been involved with the festival for over 40 years, ever since he was the chairman of the group that set it up.
And with the festival taking place from 26th-28th July, John and his team are putting the finishing touches on what promises to be another fantastic weekend.
The three-day folk festival offers great music across multiple stages, entertainment, workshops, sessions, street entertainment, dancing, singing, lazing in the field, craft and market stalls, food from around the world, great beers and ciders, and oodles of festival spirit. Camping is available next to the main festival site.
John said, “My office here in Melksham is the hub of what goes on. Most of what happens for the festival happens from Melksham! The festival is a year’s worth of work, and at this stage there are 101 jobs you can’t do too far in advance. But I’m already starting on plans for 2014 – people we couldn’t fit in this year.”
Top acts lined up for this year’s event include Steeleye Span, The Proclaimers, Kate Rusby, Eric Bibb, Steve Knightley, Phil Beer, Tannahill Weavers, Spooky Mens Chorale, and many more.
The festival made its Westbury debut last year, as a rebirth of the successful Trowbridge festival that has built up a reputation for quality folk entertainment since it was established in 1974.
John says the festival is building on last year’s success, and now considers White Horse Country Park as their home. “Everything worked out really well last year. We did everything we could, the pumpers turned up, and the atmosphere was right from the minute go. It was idyllic.
“This year we’ve enlarged the available site, and the campsite is much bigger than last year. We’ve already outsold last year! I’ve ordered the weather from the same place, but we always make sure we’ve got enough undercover space for everyone.”
The key to the festival is that it is arranged by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. Many of the performers are good friends of the festival, returning year on year.
“It’s not a general festival where you can see anything, what you will see is the top line people in the folk festival,” said John. “A lot of the general festivals are struggling – our sales have been phenomenal.
“The important thing to remember is it’s run by enthusiasts, it’s not a great corporate thing at all.”
Clive Woodland, of the festival committee added, “There’s so much to enjoy over the weekend. For families there is a full programme of entertainers such as Kooky the Clown or craft activities. Look out, too, for workshops, ceilidhs, street theatre, yoga and dance. And don’t forget to bring your instruments and voices to join the sessions or open mics. We have planned an event that everyone can enjoy.”
The Village Pump Folk Festival takes place at the White Horse Country Park, Westbury, from Friday 26th-Sunday 28th July. For more details including ticket information and full-line-up, visit www.villagepumpfolk festival.co.uk
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