2008

we added the Friday, to make Moseley Folk the full immersive weekend experience that it is now. English electronic band Morcheeba approached us, keen to play, and although ‘not strictly Folk’, we thought they’d be an ideal headliner for our first Friday. This set the precedent for many ‘not strictly Folk’ Friday headliners in the years that followed.

We stretched ourselves to book Jose Gonzales to headline Saturday, and he delivered our first sold-out day, encouraging us to be bolder and reach higher for international talent.

That year we were very proud to have Ian Campbell, then head of Moseley’s Campbell clan, on our bill. The Ian Campbell Folk Group were pioneers of the 60’s Folk Revival. Ian kindly agreed to be interviewed on the Mike Harding BBC Folk Show, and he was full of fascinating stories from those years, including one about a young Paul Simon turning up late to play a slot at the Digbeth Institute Folk Club, run by Ian, who refused to let him play. Ian went on to receive a (long overdue) Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Folk Awards in 2012.

Janice Long, our long-time friend, supporter and compere, had first joined us in 2007. Janice, who then lived locally, dedicated her life to supporting up-and-coming young musicians and both recommended artists to us and also promoted artists that she’d met at the festival on her shows.

The Lunar (Second Stage) was by now fully formed next to the Main Stage. Artists alternate between the two stages with only 5-minute changeovers, so our audience can enjoy back-to-back entertainment. For the artists playing on the Lunar Stage, it gives valuable exposure to a much larger audience than they’d usually reach.

The Welcome page to the 2008 programme is written by another old friend and supporter of the festival, the late Alan James. Alan’s rich career in the music and arts industry included roles at Big Chill, WOMAD, mac, EFFDS and head of contemporary music at Arts Council England. Alan’s guidance and contacts opened our eyes to World Music, which has been a strong part of Moseley Folk ever since.

This year, Kevin Dacosta, one of Arts Council England’s more innovative Music Officers, made it possible for a large group of Midlands independent promoters to travel to Seville for Womex, the World Music Expo. This not only introduced us to musicians and their agents from around the world, but also gave us time to get to know each other. Friendships and alliances were forged that last till this day and have played a big part in Moseley Folk’s musical journey.

In other news, it is recorded by one of our more popular caterers, Arden Pigs, that 6 whole roast pigs were consumed by our audience in 2008.

What began as a hopeful experiment had, by year three, become a sustainable, much-loved gathering; shaped by community, lifted by incredible artists, and carried by the spirit that has always defined Moseley Folk.