Review by Faye Claridge, web producer
The under 30s (right down to the teens) were claiming tradition for the next generation at the Warwick Folk Festival 2003.
| |  | Some of the young festival-goers
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They brought with them fantastic enthusiasm, talent and fun. And there was plenty of sex, too.
Traditional folk songs have always involved lots of sex, adultery and passion, but in recent years I haven’t seen them performed by this many sexy performers.
The beards and body odour of the folk stereotype were definitely taken over by swinging hips and sassy songsters at the event from 25 - 27 July 2003.
Click the images button to launch a photo gallery and read the review below to get into the atmosphere of the great weekend.
Waterson: Carthy
| |  | Legend Norma Waterson
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The highlight of the weekend undoubtedly belonged to Saturday night, when the rain poured and the marquee throbbed to the sounds of two generations of amazing talent. Waterson: Carthy epitomised the festival’s perfect balance of established stars and great new performers.
The older pair were the legendary writer and performer Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson with her penetrating oak-smoked voice. But the gig was as much about celebrating their daughter, Eliza Carthy.
| |  | Tim van Eyken
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With a great on-stage presence, fiddle-playing and singing, she is fast becoming as iconic as her old folks, along with the other young band member, Tim van Eyken.
Tim played earlier in the set, too, and impressed everyone with his rhythmic accordion skills.
June Tabor
Sunday ended with a powerful pair of concerts by the legend that is June Tabor, still terrifyingly talented and passionate.
Her voice still haunts my dreams, even days after the festival ended.
| |  | Sixteen year-old Harriet Bartlett
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Warwick was oozing youthful enthusiasm this year, with performers like Malinky, The Paperboys, Crucible and Harriet Barlett (aged only 16).
John Spiers and Jon Boden were another festival highlight. Already celebrated with a number of awards and a growing fan base, this was the first time I’d seen them in the flesh. And I was dazzled. Their relaxed style and great writing show youth really can pull huge crowds on the folk circuit.
Special mention also has to be made of the Kirsty McGee Band, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan and the Emily Smith Band, all of whom gave great performances.
If this review was longer I’d enthuse even more about their talents and those of Eliza Carthy and Tim van Eyken, but suffice to say if you see them on a bill, go and see them live.
You will not be disappointed.
| |  | John Spiers
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There are a number of gigs coming up the area that will give you the opportunity to see some of the people I have singled out from great performances at Warwick.
The Paperboys
Bridgnorth Folk Festival
22-25 August 2003
John Spiers and Jon Boden
3 September 2003
The Merchant’s Inn, Rugby
Tim van Eyken and Robert Harbron
1 October 2003
The Merchant’s Inn, Rugby
Eliza Carthy and friends
5 November 2003
Bridgehouse Theatre, Warwick
Nancy Kerr, James Fagan and friends
21 November
Bridgehouse Theatre, Warwick
For more gig details and information on the Bedworth Folk Festival later in the year, follow the links on the left.
And, as a note for your diary, the Warwick Folk Festival 2004 will be on 23-25 July.
| |  | First feet dance troupe
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All this raving about great music has prevented me from complimenting the festival’s other activities. As ever, the campsite and festival facilities were first rate and the range of workshops was excellent.
It felt like there was less morris than in some previous years, but the sides that were there did a great job dancing their legs off to fill the bill.
It’s always a pleasure to see performances in the town centre, too, and the crowds for both the Saturday and Sunday shows were impressive.
| |  | Morris dancers staying cheerful in the rain
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The Bradshaw Mummers in particular drew a great response, terrifying children and delighting adults and generally leaving everyone falling about with laughter.
Press the images button at the top of the page to see a gallery of photographs that capture some of this festival atmosphere.
And make sure you keep 23-25 July 2004 free as the festival promises to continue to go from strength to strength.
I’m told they’ve got more sunshine booked for next year, too!
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