THE annual Baring-Gould Folk Festival lived up to its reputation as a prestigious and engaging event last weekend. Organised by the Wren Trust, people travelled from far and wide to enjoy the concerts and study breaks in what was a varied and enjoyable programme.
This, the fifth festival, featured Martin Carthy — one of the most influential and respected folk singers of our time. For more than 30 years he has been among the most visible, versatile and, at times, controversial figure in English folk music.
Whether in the folk club, on the concert stage or in a TV studio, there are few roles he has not played — from ballad singer to folk-rock guitarist.
While his settings of traditional songs with guitar have influenced a generation of performers, he is also an authoratitive interpreter of newly composed material.
The Transylvanians — the Timar Brothers and Ferenc and Zsuza Sara — are internationally recognised, and performed in the UK for the first time at the Baring-Gould Folk Festival.
Their stunning dance music and songs from their own villages mixed voices with violin, flute and hit-gardon.
Nick Wyke was a special visitor returning for the festival. He played a set of pieces to launch his new CD 'The High Tors'. This is a collection of traditional fiddle tunes and more contemporary arrangements from Dartmoor.
Four-part harmony group Regal Slip bowed out at the festival in their unique musical style after years of professional experience; multi-talented concertina player and vocalist Tim Laycock was, as ever, a firm favourite with the festival goers.
The best of Wren's musical talent played together and individually. These included bagpiper David Faulkner, fiddle and mandolin player Matt Norman, Swedish singer Rebecka Slater Lyons along with Marilyn Tucker and Paul Wilson with their strong vocal harmonies, accordian and guitar.
As well as the music there was a local produce fair with craft demonstrations, an annual conker competition with a grand trophy to be won; and entertainment from the Lewdown Youth Club.