Milborne St Andrew, Dorset Village Hall Ceilidh was highlight of Roger's Rant mini acoustic festival for me

Last weekend (18th - 20th July 2008) I nipped down to Roger's Rant mini acoustic folk festival at Milborne St Andrew, Dorset and had a great time but the highlight of the weekend for me was the Village Hall Ceilidh and the preceding lunchtime band workshop, ably organised and held together by Martin and Vera Jardine of No Strings Attached dance band.

For those who like a good old English folk music instrumental session, I would thoroughly recommend the recipe of band workshop and evening Ceilidh. It was just so much fun. The callers were excellent with little hanging about between tunes and I got to meet many really highly skilled musicians (photo top right kindly taken by Richard, partner to mega band violinist and tennis star Elspeth).

One particular instrumentalist that caught my eye was Steve (photo left) and his one man percussion band. I've never seen so many percussive bits and pieces attached around one drum before and they sounded great.

Roger's Rant mini acoustic folk festival, I hear, was started to celebrate Roger's 60th birthday and then repeated as a result of popular acclaim. Any proceeds after paying expenses go to charity and it was pleasantly noncommercial. I have put some photos below to give some of its flavour.

Bourne River Morris Men looked great in their blue yellow and white.













Hobos Morris with their strong band, tatters and fine facial make up looked suitably scary and danced with vigour and verve.



























Roger's Rant was a fine example of a small acoustic festival run by folk musicians and singers for folk musicians and singers whilst at the same time raising money for worthy causes.

I look forward to visiting Milborne St Andrew's mini acoustic folk festival again and thanks to Roger and all his helpers for all their hard work.

Bye for now

Rob

Rob Hopcott - band workshop enthusiast and newly reformed scratch band addict :-)