Sidmouth holds an annual Folk Festival which takes place over the course of a week, when the whole of the town where I live is taken over by everything to do with folk music. There are musicians everywhere – all along the sea front promenade and in the streets – playing and singing. Workshops and sessions are held daily – along with social events and dances. There are programmed ticket only events –  and also many song and music events free in a variety of pubs, restaurants and bars.  There are all sorts of street dancers, morris dancers and even workshops where you can make your own wooden clogs (should you be so inclined!!!). Along the promenade there are a whole series of stalls selling hand-crafted jewelry, other “new age” goods and a whole range of cheese-cloth and tye-dye clothes: skirts, shirts and tops. (I remember those from the seventies!!)

Although very much a music lover, folk music is not my favourite type of sound – but having said that I love to see the dancers and hear the street musicians – and generally take in the wonderful lively atmosphere that the festival brings to our town. I just hope the weather stays fine for them all.

This morning I strolled around the town and snapped a few photos to show you – the weather was cool:

  

 Morris dancers chatting before they dance …

 

A group of musicians warming up for a street performance:

More street musicians:

Below: a wind up organ being used to encourage donations for the local children’s hospice.

A performer resting on a bench:

One of the many stalls:

I was not sure where the lady below was hurrying to,  in her traditional costume:

This afternoon the sun came out and I couldn’t resist another stroll around – since there is always much more happening in the sunshine.

I also couldn’t resist a photo of the juggling gear!

The musician below travels everywhere with his cat called Pinky (who is 9 years old). They go all over Europe together performing. Pinky was adorable and loves to be stroked – apparently he never scratches anyone – which is just as well because all the passing children stroked him!

The young man below was playing the electric guitar wonderfully – it was incredible to listen to. I stayed here for some while, enchanted by the sound he produced.

The day became hotter and hotter – fortunately there was a lovely cooling sea-breeze – as you can see by the wind-socks blowing.

This group were real professionals – and have several CD’s out. They were slick and good.

Mummers dancing (an old English tradition)

The music the Mummers produced was haunting – it seemed to tap into some primal instinct and draw you in. They were fantastic to listen to and entertaining to watch.

One of the many jewelry stalls:

Do you recall the lady hurrying this morning? I stumbled across her again this afternoon – she is part of a traditional Welsh dancing team. I just love the photo below - I snapped it casually as I walked past.

I thought their traditional outfits, very elegant.

Below: Finally – some ordinary folk country dancing – or dosey doeing, as I call it!

Tonight live music locally with a long cool drink! Life in the slow lane can be great!