Here were are back in our spot with the Instrumental Makers for FolkEast 24. It was lovely to see so many people – some old friends and making some new ones too.
We were there promoting September’s Traditional Music Day which is fast approaching as well as selling some of our publications and instruments that have been either donated completely to the Trust or that we are selling on behalf of people.
In addition to running the stall, we are involved in running the FolkEast Stepdance Competition for the festival and this year was the 4th competition which followed a stepdance workshop. This took place on the Friday afternoon of the festival.
Around 40 people made their way to the dance tent on Friday afternoon to the Stepdance Workshop which was run by Ethan Beal – mum Lindsay (and EATMT Trustee) and local musician Bryony Eleanor provided the musical accompaniment. The workshop started with a clapping exercise – where was this going we all wondered? But as soon as the cross rhythms were introduced, it became clear what Ethan’s intentions were. It was really very effective and that clapping was soon transferred to the feet.
We then made our way out of the dance tent (sound checks due for the next band and dance event) and across the field where we temporarily relocated a table tennis table and its 4 players and set up for the 4th FolkEast Stepdance Competition.
We were delighted to have coaxed Otis Luxton away from the Instrumental Area (which Otis manages every year) with his one row Melodeon who had agreed to be the resident musician for the competitors that needed a musician. With Lindsay Want as MC, Fiona Davies and Ethan Beal as judges the competition was ready to commence.
We had a great selection of competitors – 13 in total – some new to dancing, some regular dancers and of a wide age range.
Thank you to:
Dom, Freya (aged 7), Angela P, Josh , Lucy (aged 9), Eammon, Barry (2023 winner), Robyn (aged 3), Erin, Angela S, Monica, Stevie and Angela B for braving the board and getting involved.
Whilst the judges deliberated, Barry and Monica demonstrated their doubles stepdance.
After much deliberation, Dom Smith was awarded the FolkEast Copper Kettle – which he will be represented with at Traditional Music Day on 21st September where you can see him, Ethan, Stevie and Fiona perform during the day and in the JPC Evening Concert.
Angela S was awarded a medal for best newcomer and medals were awarded to our young dancers Robyn, Freya and Lucy. Lucy was also presented with the Steve Monk Newcomer shield that she won in July at EATMT’s Stepdance Day. This was passed on to Lucy from Stevie Chenery.
East Anglian Traditional Music is really at the heart of this festival and it nestles nicely alongside the big national and international acts. If you haven’t been before, try it out! It’s a friendly, warm festival with something for everyone. Next year it moves from Glemham Hall – though still in Suffolk – sign up to FolkEast to keep up to date with their news.
