Reviews
Best little festival on the scene - July 2007
From its first few unsteady steps 20 years ago, Cleckheaton Folk Festival now walks tall in the world of folk music.
Folkies from up and down the country swamped the town from Friday to Sunday to see some of the finest acts on the music scene at venues across Cleckheaton. Luckily though,we were not swamped like some parts of the Country. Saturday saw the whole town came alive with the festival parade, street entertainment, dancers and fun for all the family.
Morris dancers, jugglers, balloon modellers and stilt walkers were in abundance, and the Family Fun Day on the Sunday was well attended as on the previous year.
A feast of dance acts entertained the crowds - one even finding its way from the Isle of Wight to win the Wickham Cup Dance Trophy- and a Punch and Judy show found a captive audience with the kids.
The craft fair at St John's community hall proved as popular as ever, and trade was brisk at both the farmers' market and the European market.
Pubs hosted singarounds and workshops throughout the weekend and a festival service was held on Sunday at the Central Methodist Church.
Festival director Geoff Pickles said this year's event had been fantastic. "The town was vibrant for the whole weekend" he said. "Overall it was a great success and I think we did the town proud."
"We are world recognised" he said. "and have come a long way in more ways than one; people are saying ours is the best little festival on the scene and still very good value for money. There are few places where you can get the value that you do in Cleckheaton."
For Geoff and his fellow organisers though, there is no time to catch breath as the task of organising next years event, their 21st birthday, is well under way.
"We work hard all year round to make sure the festival is possible, and if anyone would like to offer sponsorship, or helpout on the committee, we would love to hear from them" he said.
Anyone wanting to help can contact him on (01924) 404346 or through info@cleckheatonfolkfestival.org
Janice Minich November 2007