Fanfare Ciocarlia from Romania - Sunday concert

Tenterden, situated in the ancient Weald of Kent, about 12 miles west of Ashford, is an ideal venue for this well-established friendly, family folk festival. Tenterden features one of the widest High Streets in the country and the majority of the buildings are of historic interest and many are listed buildings. There are numerous pub’s, restaurants, hotels and interesting little shops, a steam railway, vineyards and the picturesque Kentish countryside. Where better to enjoy a weekend of traditional English folk song and dance?

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There is a full day of folk music workshops for the students at Homewood School on Friday. The Festival proper starts in the evening with a concert and sing-a-rounds and music sessions in the town centre pubs. On Saturday there will be a wide variety of events, including the English barn dance (supported by the Co-op), concerts and folk clubs, craft fair and street stalls, dance displays with Morris dancers, Appalachian dancers, Scottish and Irish dancers and a procession, story telling and street theatre, sing-a-rounds and music sessions, showcases, workshops, etc. The Festival continues on Sunday with the very popular acoustic folk club, music in the pubs, Morris dancers, the special Homewood concert, "folk trains" and finishes with a final late sing-a-round.

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Although the emphasis remains very much on traditional English folk song and dance we occasionally feature European and other "foreign" guests particularly where this has a connection with the local area through the material or the performers. This year we are very pleased to welcome Fanfare Ciocarlia from Romania.

We are thrilled to have Shirley Collins with us this year. Shirley will be presenting a workshop about her experiences collecting folk songs in her home county of Sussex.

As you can see from the guest list, this year's festival has developed a nautical flavour and there will be an opportunity to sing all those favourite sea shanties in a special session on Saturday. There will also be ample opportunity to hear the other side of these guests' repertoires over the weekend.

We are very pleased to welcome Scoil Rince Ui Chiardha School of Irish Dancing to the Festival for the first time.

This years English barn dance is supported by the Co-op Group and features the ever-popular Sussex based band the Amazing Catsfield Steamers.

In addition there are all the usual Festival events packed into the weekend.

Fanfare Ciocarlia, will be appearing in a special concert, sponsored by Homewood School and Sixth Form College, on Sunday. The band are touring the UK and were keen to include an appearance at an English folk festival.

Hailing from the secluded village of Zece Prajini in mountainous eastern Romania, near the Moldovan border, Fanfare Ciocarlia embodies all the bravura and vertiginous speed of Roman Gypsy brass band music. The band has become an international sensation since the world music network first caught wind of their hyper horn hoe downs, typically clocking in at a feverish 150 beats per minute. Playing a mixture of styles from the Balkans, the band plays with demonic speed. Their high-spirited music comprises a lively blend of traditional dances from Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia and Turkey played on horns, trumpets, clarinets and timpani. As well as from their own traditional music, the group take up current melodies from movies between Bollywood and Hollywood as well as adapting international radio hits to Fanfare Ciocarlia's very own style.

Holders of our "Full Weekend" tickets can again obtain a generous 50% discount on the K&ES Railway on Saturday and Sunday. Festival guests and dancers will be taking the opportunity to dance at the stations and to sing and play on some of the trains.

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Throughout the weekend there will be dance displays going on in the High Street and around the town. There will be at least 25 dance sides including the various forms of Morris as well as clog, Appalachian, Scottish, Irish, Molly and other dancers. The ever-popular Amazing Zolas will be back with their clowning, balloons and parachute games. The street stalls will be selling their crafts and Kentish products in the High Street on both Saturday and Sunday.

By post only from; Tenterden Folk Day Trust, c/o Folk Spots,

15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3HA

Town Hall, High Street, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6AN

Tel. 01580 763572

or 18 Church Yard, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1QG

Tel. 01233 629165

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The Trust acts as a local Folk Development Agency. Our objects are to preserve and advance the public education and appreciation of traditional and contemporary folk music, song, dance and other related traditions, crafts and folk arts as part of the living heritage. Donations, sponsorship and other offers of assistance, to help achieve these aims, are always welcome.

For further information contact Alan Castle, Trustee,

Tenterden Folk Day Trust, c/o Folk Spots, 15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3HA Tel. 01233 626805.

With support from Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council we provide workshops in schools. Under the tuition of professional performers, we aim to introduce students and children, to English folk song, music, dance, story telling, and the other folk arts.

Music and song in the bar on the second Tuesdays of every month lead by various well-known local performers.

The twelfth Tenterden Folk Festival will take place from 1^st to 3^rd October 2004.

We will provide, or advise on, the folk content in other community, commercial or Council events.

Last updated 30^th August 2003

Copyright © Tenterden Folk Festival 2003