2017

– the kind of booking you hope for but never quite expect. Then, in 2017, the stars aligned, and that dream stepped onto the stage. Laura Marling arrived at the festival at exactly the right moment, with a new album and a perfect location, and the result was nothing short of magical. It was one of those bookings that reminded us that quiet patience and long conversations sometimes pay off.

That same spirit ran through the entire weekend. A powerful, proudly balanced line-up placed female artists front and centre, with Laura Marling joined by Amy Macdonald and the ever-wonderful Kate Rusby as headliners – a statement as much as a celebration. Alongside them came beloved favourites and future legends: The Magic Numbers, the unforgettable Michael Chapman (a true festival regular and master of his craft), and spellbinding voices from across the Atlantic, including Courtney Marie Andrews and John Moreland.

The festival’s reach stretched even further, welcoming Lankum from deep in the heart of Dublin, who later went on to win the BBC Folk Group the following year. José González brought hushed intensity and beauty, before the night lifted into something truly communal with Fairport Convention closing proceedings with a joyous and unforgettable finale.

Beyond the main stages, the festival buzzed with workshops, collaborations and the local talent so central to our line-ups.

2017 saw the birth of ‘Slush & Slosh’ non-alcoholic Slushies and alcoholic Sloshies – on a hot day in the Park, a favourite for young and old alike. Just Jugs, a saucy seaside bar concession serving cocktails by the jug, was later changed to the more respectable Paradise Pitchers to satisfy one of our sponsors.

This year we tragically lost “Little Dan” Hewson – a more cheery chap you couldn’t hope to meet. With his huge triangular grin, warm heart and great love for humanity, he had time for everyone, friend and stranger alike. A pivotal member of the Moseley folk team, always willing to help out, Dan would go that extra mile to ensure everyone was happy and the party ran smoothly.
There will always be a place for him in our hearts,…and perhaps , through the heady mix of music , ale and camaraderie , the stars align , and that Cheshire cat grin might still be glimpsed.

September 2017 was by far the busiest month our team have endured. 4 Weekend events back to back, rolling from one straight to the next, it stretched us all to our limits

Moseley Folk Festival was followed by a bold collaboration with our friend Brad from Ice House Productions. The full-length director’s cuts of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy showed on a big screen in the Park on consecutive nights (see p54 in the programme). Food and Drink offerings included Bilbo’s Tea Cake and Merry’s Mulled Cider.

Beyond The Tracks followed the next weekend – Birmingham City Centre’s most ambitious outdoor festival. Held on what is now the HS2 site in Digbeth, we brought a huge line-up to our city (p56 in the programme). Friday was in all but name a rave-like celebration of electronica and dance music attended by the great and good. Saturday and Sunday hosted the heavyweights of Indie music, complete with fairground rides and a 10ft Laser Robot; it was by far our most ambitious production.

Square Dance as part of Birmingham’s Weekender ended the month for our team with a marathon weekend of participatory dance from around the world, with the evenings headlined by DJ’s Craig Charles, David Rodigan and Don Letts right in front of the Council House on Victoria Square, and all for free!