I returned this morning from the weekend of extremes that was the 23rd Ely Folk Festival, held in a field just outside the city of Ely in Cambridgeshire.  A weekend where I needed both waterproof clothing and sun cream.  A weekend where I danced myself silly, and sat around doing very little. 

I’ve listened to music from England, Wales, Scotland and France, played by guitar, violin, accordian, double bass, pipes and drums amongst others.   I’ve ceilidh’d, french danced, and been taught a cajun waltz.  I’ve even danced in the streets of Ely with the molly dancers (briefly before the heavens opened!)  I’ve listened to music in three different marquees (not all at the same time!) and in the pubs of Ely.

A weekend where the fish & chip stall sold out before the beer tent.  Where music was played wherever the musicians gathered together and where impromptu dancing in the middle of a field was not thought unusual!

I’ve met people I already knew well, got better acquainted with people I knew by sight only, and met some interesting new people.  I even unwittingly danced with a ”Witchman” (the daarkside of morris) at the ceilidh (and wow, could he dance!!)  (www.witchmen.com)

Its been energetic, relaxing, inspiring and totally amazing.  My legs ache from too much dancing, my arms from too much poi!  A relaxing soak in the bath has proved rather too relaxing and I am now probably slightly late for the last minute planning meeting for the Plus party next weekend.

All I can say is - wow - roll on the 24th Festival. 

Video to follow…….

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