Julie's Mini Festival, Faddiley
Nantwich (UK), September 2000
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"I Hope you're coming to our music weekend!" 'phoned Julie Cross. Of course we were - wouldn't miss it! Following in the fashion of regional 'mini-festivals' Julie and her husband Steve had arranged a mini-fest at the Thatch Inn in tiny Faddiley, near Nantwich, and I believe it's especially important to support the 'first issue' of these events. The venue turned out to be almost perfect - a good room in the cosy, quintessential, English rural village pub, with fine ales! When we arrived there was a jam session underway. It wasn't strictly Bluegrass and Old Timey; Julie is a believer in giving everyone a chance so folk and Irish were also represented to a (thankfully) small degree.
Mixed Talent Jams in The Thatch
At afternoon 'Pub Shut' (and that will appear something of an athema to
our overseas readers!) everyone migrated - most to the village hall very
close-by and others to the camping area (£5 for the w/e). Camping was
adjacent to the pub on a good, level, grass field. We had expected there
to be more people attending, but unfortunately the event had been hit by
the fuel crisis (when all the pumps in Britain ran dry!) so many just couldn't
make it. Biggest surprise to this writer was Billy Vosper and garry Summerville,
from Preston.
Nick Ricketts looks serious, Lyn Crowley beams confidence!
There was a very informal concert on Saturday evening featuring bands
such as Finding Time (bluegrass), Dulaman (Irish plus not
bluegrass, I would say) and an Old-timey set from Julie, Steve, daughter
Eleanor Cross and friends. Headliners were Bakers Fabulous Boys, of
course.
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