Tower and Town, August 2018

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Marlborough Folk Roots

My wife, Sarah, and I have been interested in playing and listening to folk music since we were students in Bristol in the 1970s where I supplemented my grant by playing fiddle in a ceilidh band. We moved to Marlborough and had a few busy years with small children before we rekindled this interest and started going to a lot of concerts. Having become particularly keen on a popular duo ‘Show of Hands’ we heard that they encouraged individuals to promote concerts for them, taking a share of the profits rather than a guaranteed fee thereby removing any financial risk for the promoter. So in 1999 we asked them to come to play at Marlborough Town Hall. 140 people came and Marlborough Folk-Roots was born.

Since then there have been well over 150 concerts by some of the finest professional performers in that genre. Their names may not be familiar to many but perhaps some of you have heard of Fairport Convention, Ralph McTell, Tom Robinson, Seth Lakeman or Eric Bibb. Some artists, including Show of Hands, have returned many times. The popular ‘St Agnes Fountain’ show happens every year in December with its quirky and joyous take on Christmas music.

Audiences have ranged in size from 25 to 550 and we have used 10 venues around the town from a friend’s sitting room to The Memorial Hall at the College. People come from near and far. One couple came from Norway especially for an album launch concert by singer songwriter Ray Cooper (who himself lives in Sweden).

We endeavour to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at concerts to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for both audience and performers. There is always a glass of good wine or beer available. The musicians are invariably keen to meet and talk to audience members after the show usually selling their CDs directly. We receive no subsidy but operate with the goodwill and help of our friends managing to break even over the course of the year.

More information is available on our website www.marlboroughfolk-roots.co.uk. The new season starts in September and will culminate in a special 20th anniversary show next May.

Andrew Bumphrey