This years Celebration marking 65 years of Sidmouth Folk Festival may have been smaller than usual due to Covid restrictions, but the event was as vibrant as always.Whats the secret to the festivals longevity? Theres a clue in Sidmouths inclusivity from toddlers to centenarians, theres always something to enjoy and something new to learn. Many of todays seasoned performers first came to Sidmouth as youngsters, and the next generation are already preparing to take their own place at future festivals.Normally about a third of Sidmouths events are participatory. Festival mornings are dedicated to music, dance and song workshops for adults and children, and 12- to 17-year-olds benefit from their own Shooting Roots programme, culminating in stage performances at the end of the week.This year there were no performances, and most workshops moved online, but young festival goers were still able to enjoy a programme of family entertainment and activities, including dance and music workshops, singalongs and crafts, at the Blackmore Gardens.Tabitha from Totnes has been bringing her daughter Juno to Sidmouth since she was a baby. When I was younger, I used to come for the week, she said. Now Ive got a seven-year-old, weve just popped over for a couple of days during the school holidays.Tabitha says that Juno was excited about the childrens festival. We followed Beltane Border Morris outside the Swan last night Juno loves to join in with their dances. She was very excited to come camping and was up bright and early this morning, wanting to come to the festival.When I caught up with them, Juno and her five-year-old friend Alice had been busy in the craft tent, making insects and flowers and learning traditional string games, and had now settled down to watch the Exmouth Shanty Men.They appreciate good singing, Tabitha said. Junos opinion? I had a lovely time at the childrens festival today. I had lots of fun at the craft table.Juno is also learning the violin, so in years to come perhaps well see her take her place on the Sidmouth stage...
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Inclusivity of all ages is secret to festival's longevity - Sidmouth Herald
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