LOWTHER FESTIVAL - Lowther’s First Folk, Roots & Maritime Festival

There is no doubt that Lytham is a great place to visit. Good walks, nice shops and now a folk festival at the Lowther Pavilion and Gardens.

Yes indeed a new folk festival took place in late July following a smaller trial event last year and the inclusion of a number of folksy events leading up to it.

Day one was the maritime event with locals The Mizzen Crew, Sunderland Point Shanty Crew, Scolds Bridle, Loctup Together Lytham St Annes Shanty Crew and Fish n’Ships together with Howlin’ Mat, Deolali the Band, Polly Mellor, Steve Canavan, Mark Dowding.

Day two featured some well know and upcoming musicians such as Iona Lane, Katie Spencer, Harp & A Monkey, Kindhearted Thieves, Briar & Bramble, Spiral Scouts, Clive Marquis-Carr, Dave Walmisley, Trouble at Mill and Mary Hassett.

The daytime events took place in two large marquees with split time setting so it was possible to see most of the acts for at least some of time.

I was only able to get there for the Sunday events but was told by many that Saturday had gone very well.

It was great to see Iona Lane, Katie Spencer and Harp & a Monkey mixing it with more local acts all of whom gave good accounts of themselves and showed that there is still plenty of talent in the North West.

The organisation was first class with good sound systems in both venues and quick turnarounds.

Sunday evening the festival moved to the main hall and this featured Katie Spencer playing a laid back set of guitar music and songs.

What a treat it was to see Martin Carthy back on the Fylde Coast giving a fine performance of favourites like My Son John, Scarborough Fair and the ever funny Mike Waterson song A Stitch in Time. Never less than engaging Martin continues to be a musical force and his legendary status is still intact.

It wasn’t just a folk festival it also had a Crafts Marquee, a good selection of food and drink vendors, a funfair and a real ale bar supplied by festival sponsors with Moorhouses Brewery together with plenty of outside dancing from Leyland Morris Men, Regency Rejigged, Leap to your Feet Appalachian Dancers and many more.

It was good to see the Fylde Council getting involved as well as so many volunteers who made this event work so well hopefully to be repeated next year.

And it was all free!!!!