Guests 2008

The Orchard Family
Tom, Jean and son Ashley come from a

Travelling family based in north Devon and
guarantee a colourful and lively performance

including squeezeboxes, stepping & singing.

They were last at Traditional Music Day

in 2004, when they proved massively popular.

Since then they have appeared all over the country,

and we're thrilled to have them back in Suffolk.

Taffy Thomas

Originally from the west country, Taffy spent some formative years in Suffolk

with the legendary group Magic Lantern which he founded. He then fronted

and performed the Fabulous Salami Brothers, until a stroke at the age of 36

sidelined him. He turned to story telling as self-imposed speech therapy.

For many years, Taffy has been settled in the Lake District

and has become a beguiling, entertaining and thought-provoking

story-teller with a repertoire of more than 300 stories, tales and

"elaborate lies" collected mainly from traditional oral sources.

Find out more on Taffy's website.

Mike Waterson & Lou Killen
Two legendary singers who, after a life time of friendship,

have in recent years started to perform together.

Mike part of the famous Waterson family from

Yorkshire, who all share a passionate and gritty style,

and Geordie Lou has been massively influential

in English traditional song for over 40 years.

Together they are a formidable combination, not to be missed!

Find out more about Lou Killen.

Find out more Mike Waterson and family.

Simon Ritchie
Simon is a regular at many events and pub sessions across

Essex and Suffolk, and a long-standing member of the old

Hat Concert Party, but it is a rare treat to see him in a solo

performance. Expect innumerable squeezeboxes, songs and

stepping, interspersed with anecdotes and tall tales.

Find out more about Simon Ritchie.

The Watch
A new line-up with some familiar faces for this

ceilidh band: Dan Quinn on melodeons,

Rob Murch on banjo and Gareth Kiddier

on piano have a wealth of experience and talents

and plenty of oomph to get you dancing!

Bobby Ritchie will be calling for the ceilidh.

Old Hat Concert Party

This group includes stepdancers, singers, musicians

and story-tellers from Suffolk and Norfolk and spans

several generations. Katie and John Howson and

Reg Reader founded the Concert Party in the

early 1980s, and it has included legendary performers

such as Billy Bennington, Oscar Woods, Font Whatling,

Ted Chaplin, Cyril Barber and Dick Hewitt over the

years.

Dr. Sunshine
Dave and Maggie Hunt will be providing family fun and games in the morning.

We welcome back many singers, musicians and dancers who are an intrinsic part of this special day, including Chris Coe, Johnny Adams, Kerry Fletcher, Tim Brookes, Ian Prettyman, Chris Bartram, Sam Lee, Mark Bartholomew, Roger Grimes, Rig-a-Jig-Jig, Taz Tarry, Roger Digby and many, many local stepdancers, musicians and singers.
 

Events 2008

Click here to see a timetable of events for 2008.

Daytime Events

‘Tall Tales’
This year we focus on family-friendly events which tell a story. Whether it is in song or just words, we have some fine performers who will stretch your imagination, take you back in time or just tickle your ribs. Some events take place in the Museum’s new Story Hut, and others take place around the site.

Stepdancing
The biggest gathering of steppers from Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and beyond! See them showcased in the Stepdance Special in the informal events throughout the day ... you may even end up having a go yourself!

Big Music Session
An English Country Music jam session hosted by various guests throughout the day. Great music for participants and listeners alike.

Song sessions
A chance to sing or listen: all singers welcome. Additional ‘Tall Tales’ song sessions this year.

The Story of the Concertina
A rare chance to find out more about the various types of concertina from a real expert: Neil Wayne, founder of the Free Reed record label and collector and historian of this increasingly popular instrument gives an illustrated talk.

Ceilidh
An afternoon barn-dance with The Watch, with caller Bobby Ritchie on hand to lead you through the moves. All the family are welcome to come and kick up the sawdust!

Fiddle Forum
A chance for fiddle players to swap tunes and discuss the finer points of playing with experts in the English tradition.

Have a go at …
... playing a melodeon or a concertina for the first time
... having a go with a dancing doll from our Big Jig collection: live music
... stepdancing: Kerry Fletcher and friends host an open stepping event

An evening with Old Hat and Friends

A good-time evening: music, songs and stepdancing with spots from all our guests, and many others. The buffet meal is an optional extra - make your own arrangements if you prefer, or join us for a tasty supper from 6.30pm. This event always sells out, so book early!
 

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