Marymass Folk Festival
‘Absolutely good!’ was the unsolicited verdict of a beaming Primary 2 pupil at St Mark’s after hearing Canadian Roots band My Sweet Patootie play – and it neatly illustrates the response throughout the 47th Marymass Folk Festival.
The concert at St Mark’s was one of four Folk Music in Schools sessions which were part of the 20 Folk Festival events with an exceptionally high standard of music and entertainment throughout.
Over the five days, audiences repeatedly said how much they enjoyed the music – in terms of quality and entertainment – and of course the musicians responded and the whole Festival just kept getting better. ‘When all the planning comes together it’s very satisfying for everyone concerned – audiences, musicians as well as those who help support the Festival financially or in kind’ said Folk Festival Chair Anne Clarke. ‘And it would be remiss not to mention the valuable role of the main venues – Vineburgh Community Centre, The Ship Inn and the Volunteer Rooms. They all welcomed the Festival and that was a key factor in the overall success of this year’s event.’
On the final day of the Folk Festival, former Kilwinning man now resident in Wales Bobby Connell went away with two World Championships. Bobby was the comfortable winner of both the Whammy-Diddling and the Chuckie-Chucking trophies..….and then donated the accompanying bottles of whisky back to the Festival!
And to round off a fabulous Marymass Folk Festival, it can be reported that the Festival Treasurer Joyce Hodge slept soundly happy in the knowledge that the Festival cleared its feet!