Words by Ed King / Pic by Carlie-Ann Hare
Now well established on the UK circuit, Moseley Folk Festival returned to close off another summer in the B13 suburb.
Headliners Ocean Colour Scene sold out the festival’s Friday night; whilst Edwin Collins, British Sea Power, Lucy Rose and The Dublin Legends (formerly The Dubliners) billed as top acts on the Saturday and Sunday.
Also appearing on the main stages were Goodnight Lenin, The Staves, Alessi’s Ark, Kate Rusby, Trembling Bells, Jack Savoretti, The Leisure Society, Abie’s Miracle Tonic, Wolf People & Katherine Priddy – alongside more local support on the Centre Court Stage from Tom Peel, Louise Petit, Mellow Peaches, Ben Drummond, Dan Whitehouse, Melissa Gill & Chris Cleverley.
The only commercial operators using Moseley’s ‘private’ park, Moseley Folk Festival 2013 followed the sell out success of its sister event, Mostly Jazz – which had an almost ineffable denouement in the shape of Nile Rodgers & Chic.
Growing in both size and significance, the Moseley Folk Festival attracts widespread attention from artists and attendees alike. And with both events bringing international line ups to the small south Birmingham village, Moseley hasn’t had so much to sing and dance about since UB40.
Ed King went along on Sunday Sept 1st, to meet the last of the summer winos for a Birmingham 10 Word Review.
10 WORD REVIEW
(names are listed left to right)
David Palmer, Liz Shea
“We’ve been litter picking this year; we wanted to do what we could to support a local festival. It’s a great gig, and there’s a sense of pride in doing what you can to help it.”
________
Ben Smith, Adam Badger
Adam: “We’ve been stewarding and found it quite casual; everyone’s pretty friendly. Although, when you ask some of them to move their chairs…”
Ben: “…and we’ve had to confiscate some cheese knives.”
________
Cath Shields, Mary Girvan, Declan Morton, D’Arcy Morton, Ann Morton, Lee Morton
Declan: “I like the music… and we had sandwiches.”
D’Arcy: “I had a butterfly painted on my face and went on a trapeze.”
________
Roshin Jordan, Tracey Stubbins, Steve Worrollo
Steve: “Some great local bands, it’s a short walk from home, and the site is a natural amphitheatre. Plus it opens up the park to a wider group of people.”
Tracey: “In the sunshine, to just sit here, it’s beautiful. Highlights on stage have been Goodnight Lenin and Katherine Priddy.”
________
Jim the Hat
“I’ve been sitting here mainly.”
________
James Gowland, Marianne Campbell
James: “Really enjoyed it; I’ve not been for a couple of years but its nice and relaxed.”
Marianne: “It’s Folky but not mega Folky. Highlights have been Ocean Colour Scene and Katherine Priddy.”
________
Jess & Tom Phillips
Jess: “Birmingham City Council should take more notice of events like this; it’s excellent, and brings some good attention to the city.”
Tom: “After spending many (younger) years drinking in the park, I’m glad I can now do it properly.”
________
Fernando Lopez, Natalia Kominek
Fernando: “Good music, good weather, good setting.”
Natalia: “I’m surprised, Folk music is not really my thing – but this is better than I thought.”
________
Dawn Nosgrove, Helen Calcutt
“It’s like a giant picnic.”
For more on the Moseley Folk Festival, visit http://www.moseleyfolk.co.uk