³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

On air Listen

(none)

« Previous | Main | Next »

Bella Hardy on the glorious festival season

Mike Harding | 16:01 UK time, Monday, 28 July 2008

Bella Hardy writes:



I hope everyone's been enjoying the glorious weather.Ìý Chris and I did a set in Ian Anderson's fRoots Showcase at WOMAD, a brilliant crowd in a tent covered in bunting, fairy lights and hanging baskets...

...Had a great time dancing round the site to lots of world music (Chris Sherburn busting a groove to Eddy Grant was definitely a highlight of my summer so far), and it was lovely to head from there to Warwick Folk Festival on Sunday and catch up with lots of friends.



I last played at Warwick in 2003 with The Pack.Ìý Dick Dickson who runs the festival has a great reputation for bringing young acts in and giving them big stage spots, and this year , a four piece from Manchester, gave a fantastic afternoon performance with an energetic mix of songs, clog, and tunes from all over.Ìý I was lucky enough to follow Brian McNeill late on Sunday night, and we ended the weekend in the perfect way; singing along to the Mrs Ackroyd Band, with lyrics from the genius wit Les Barker who never fails to astonish me with that clever humour.Ìý



And so to packing for Cambridge Folk Festival!Ìý I run the young people's area and workshops on site so it's always a busy one for me!Ìý I'll definitely be trying to find time to see Judy CollinsÌý(I love her Maid of Constant Sorrow and Golden Apples of The Sun albums, particularly her version of Bold Fenian Men) and Joan Armatrading, whose song writing has inspired me since I heard 'The Weakness in Me' as a teenager.Ìý I'll also be doing a showcase spot in the Club Tent on Saturday afternoon, so hopefully see some of you there.Ìý



Thanks for reading my blog.Ìý Best wishes for the rest of the summer, here's hoping that the sun shines for you all.



Bella*

Comments

  • No comments to display yet.
Ìý

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ iD

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ navigation

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Â© 2014 The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.