Folk By The Oak 2011

Attending this year's Folk By The Oak was a bit of last minute decision for me, and for the life of me I've no idea why, as I had such a lovely time that I've already decided to go back next year! This one day festival, now in its fourth year, is held at Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, the place Elizabeth I spent her childhood. The choice of location is perhaps part of this event's charm; beautiful parklands (yes, lots of oak trees!) with Hatfield House as a backdrop and easy to get too. It has a relaxed well mannered air to it; you get the impression that the only advertising done for this festival was through English Heritage/ National Trust, such is the nature of the people attending.Added to this the helpful polite staff and stewards and it becomes a bit of a must attend and I haven't even mentioned the music!

Unfortunately I didn't get there until halfway through Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman's set, missing Tyde due to a hold up on the motorway. Kathryn and Sean join the ranks of married folkies performing at festivals, and do a steady, if slightly uninspiring, English folk set. It suited the audience, who were happy to sit in the sunshine eating their picnics and soaking up the atmosphere, but proved too much of a contrast to Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds, who were on next.

 Beginning their set with 'Anarchy in the UK' was a bit of wake up call, and the audience stood up, eager to be at the front to see what this band had to offer. If you've never seen the Bad Shepherds before, then I won't spoil things for you, other than to say 'Go and see them'. They are funny and talented and deserve thier success.I've seen them a couple of times before though, and feel that they need to change their set list a bit, adding new songs and perhaps more musicians to keep their fans interested and supportive. However, Andy Dinan, the Manchester fiddle player was brilliant to watch and the audience loved singing along, giving the band the first encore of the afternoon and cheering enthusiastically at the jigs and reels.

Andy Dinan

In a curious twist of planning, Bella Hardy followed the Shepherds, leaving the audience to wander back to their picnics and settle back down again. I've never quite understood the pecking order in line ups; whilst I appreciate my own taste is different to everyone elses, on this occasion Bella's beautiful English folk would have sat much better next to Sean and Kathryn's, helping the atmosphere to grow. Supported by the superb Anna Massie (understated as always), Patsy Reid, James Lindsey, Bella worked hard engaging with the audience, chatting between songs. She has a lovely voice, perhaps not fully appreciated today, displayed to its best on self penned modern folk songs like 'Amsterdam', taken from her new album.

Patsy Reid

Anna Massie

Show of Hands, the band who can do no wrong, were next, their fans crowding around the stage to see them. Steve Knightley, confident and relaxed, encouraged them to join in the singing and the audience needed no second bidding. Steve, Phil and Miranda make performing seem effortless, producing such a full sound it's difficult to belive there's only three of them on stage. Then there's the banter, the jokes at (usually) Phil's expense and the political comment that make Show of Hnads as popular as they are. Even I was singing along to 'Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed' as I went off to the Flying Burrito van for my Mexican supper

There were several food stall scattered around, as to be expected, although the emphasis was definitely on bringing picnics. There were a few craft stalls,a Show of Hands stand (yes, really!) and the opportunity for a massage. What was slightly more unusual was the healing tent (I didn't dare venture in) and the opportunity to have a go at pottery, dreamcatcher making and archery. Archery. One hundred metres from the stage! Seemed to be popular though,and all thse different activities kept different family memebers entertained while still being able to see/hear the music.

Drever, McCusker, Woomble with Heidi Talbot were next. It's important to say that I really like all of these people, just so as you know I'm still able to write a critical review, but honestly, I don't really understand what's going on. I've seen Drever, McCusker, Woomble many times and they're excellent, all taking turns to sing/play each other's work. I've seen Heidi too, sometimes with John, sometimes with Boo Hewerdine, and she's excellent too, with a lovely soft tone to her voice. But when they're all together I'm not too sure what the aim is. Whose band is it? With people walking on and off stage it had a strange disjointed feel to it, despite the addition of three unnamed backing musicians. Several things remain clear though- John McCusker is a very talented man ( playing with Dylan and Knopfler this autumn), Kris Drever, sporting a handsome haircut is a force to be reckoned with- just listen to 'Pooerest Company' and you'll see what I mean, and Roddy Woomble writes wonderful emotive songs.

Headline act was Seth Lakeman, the pin up of today's folk world. I can't help but think he must be a bit embarrassed by all the attention he receives, as he never seems entirely relaxed when he first comes out onto stage,his entrance accompanied by screaming cheering fans. Nobody was throwing underwear- this is Hatfield, after all- but I feel it's only a matter of time! Three or four songs in Seth seemed more relaxed, smiling and joking with his band; older brother Sean on guitar,Cormac Byrne on percussion and Ben Nicholls on upright bass.  Always in trademark plain t shirt and jeans , Seth delivers hit after hit, playing songs from all his albums as well as adding a couple of new tracks from the next album, due later this year.Kitty Jay, his solo performance on fiddle, was outstanding as always, bringing Andy Dinan out to stand on the side of the stage in admiration, joining the rest of the audience in trying to work out just how Seth does it. And he does!