2007 FESTIVAL SET TO BE "Best Ever"

The 2007 Linlithgow Folk Festival takes place on the weekend of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th of September and this year's celebration of traditional music, song and dance looks set to be the biggest and most successful yet.

First organised in 1999, the Linlithgow event has become firmly established on the UK Folk scene and attracts visitors from all over the country.

The Festival has a fine tradition of nurturing emerging talent and this year's main concert in the Academy Theatre on September 8th will feature the award -winning young singer/songwriter KARINE POLWART with her band of equally talented musicians.

Included in this year's Festival programme is a Family Ceilidh, a children's show with the ever-poular MR BOOM!, storytelling, music workshops, a day of Bluegrass music at Queen Margaret hall, and musical cruises on the Union Canal. There will also be music and singing sessions in various venues, as well as a Craft Fair and an "OPEN STAGE" for budding performers. A new venture this year will see an Open Air Ceilidh take place on the Sunday afternoon in the town centre.

The Burgh Halls at the historic Linlithgow Cross will again be acting as the Festival Hub. The Festival Lecture on Thursday September 6th in the Black Bitch Tavern will launch the weekend's activities and this year local historian and thespian, Dr Peter Anderson, will give an insight into "Dramatic Linlithgow - medieval and modern.

Further information concerning the Linlithgow Folk Festival and tickets for all events can be obtained from the box office, tel. 01506 433634.

As Willie may have seen, our rain dances so far this year have been hugely successful, and we hope that our Indian Summer dances will be just as effective!

For non-ticket enquiries about matters to do with the festival, please use the contacts on the web page.

What are the arrangements for tents, caravans, etc.?

The second is about 2 miles up in the hills! Not a good walk after a late night session, but a lovely place to camp.

Links to both here - http://www.westlothian.gov.uk/Home/tourism_lifestyle/accommodation/camping/

Does this mean you're bringing your tent this year, Willie?

I am looking forward to some good sessions.

Last Saturday night trains from Lithgae -
To Glasgow via Falkirk High 23:50
To Dunblane 23:55 (onward connection to Perth)
To Edinburgh 00:03
Check with ScotRail nearer the time though.

http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/content/timetables/index.php

Saturday on the Cross (outside Burgh Halls)
1.45. Sambalistic
2.00. Cockalorum
2.30. Brand New Dey
3.00. "The Guys from the West" (bluegrass)
3.35. Brian Cherrie

Union Canal Tea-room
Saturday
2pm Torcull Kennedy + Linties
3pm Cockalorum + Tryst
Sunday
2-4pm Session hosted by Newtongrange Folk Club

Music for the Canal cruises (Friday evening) and outdoor ceildh (Sunday afternoon) is provided by Cockleroy.

And don't forget the West Lothian Songwriters' (Calatria)Concert (Sunday 1.15, in the Hub) followed by Open Stage!

That's how it should be too.

If you can get down on the Friday night, there is a singers' session upstairs in the Black Bitch from 8 pm.

On Saturday morning, Sangschule is hosting a Come and Sing event with a theme of Chorus Songs in the Festival Hub at the Burgh Halls from 11 - 12.30. This is informal, open to all, individuals or groups - a chance to sing and share some great songs. If you and your group can come, we would be glad if you could join us with some of your songs. Members of some Edinburgh groups will be coming too.

Looking forward to catching up with you.