Roseland Festival 2008!
This year's Festival drew to a close on Monday 3rd November, after 50 events over 17 days, with a concert for the pupils of Tregony Primary School performed by Craig Ogden, the Australian classical guitarist. Craig was joined by 8 young guitarists from schools all over Cornwall with whom he had conducted workshops, sponsored by the Nare Hotel, over the weekend.
Audiences in numerous venues between Tregony and St. Mawes were treated to a programme of music, classical, folk, pop, blues and jazz as well as poetry, films, art workshops and exhibition, drama, walks, talks and trips. Of 24 ticketed events, 9 were complete sell-outs and more tickets were sold than for the 2 previous Festivals.
In addition to Craig Ogden, blues guitarist and singer Catfish Keith came from America. Hatstand Opera and Willow, a harp and flute duo - who provided a superb concert for members and sponsors - visited from London. The Festival also has a policy of providing a platform for Cornish talent, especially young talent, and we were delighted to welcome, in this latter respect, the Richard Lander Recorder Ensemble and the Playrite Theatre Company.
The 2008 Festival, in common with the 2 previous events, was a modest financial success and has been the most successful yet, with audiences larger than ever before and we are indebted to our Sponsors and Members for making it all possible. I would also like to thank all those who helped a very small committee by preparing venues, manning the doors, distributing leaflets providing accommodation etc. We hope that we shall be in a position to support Roseland Charities in the near future. We have already sponsored the establishment of the “ Roseland Voices” as a combined choir of primary and secondary schools in the area.
I have been persuaded that the Roseland can stand another Festival in 2009 and we have already started to plan accordingly. We have already booked a return visit from Zum, the gypsy-style trio who so successfully opened our first Festival.
They will be spending a couple of days in local schools and the young people will perform a short concert as a curtain raiser to the “main event”. Negotiations are also under way for a couple of Jazz bands. This year, the Committee has decided that our “Members and Sponsors Night” will not involve a ticket price ( although tickets will have to be applied for.).
Anyone wishing to become involved in the organisation of future Festivals will be welcome. Should you wish to become a Member (fee £20) or become an "Event Sponsor" (£100), gain free access to the "Members’ & Sponsors’ Night" and the early booking facility, download one of the forms on this website and send it to our Membership and Sponsorship Secretary, Jo Hall . Alternatively ring her on (01872) 501429, or me on (01326) 270379 .
Greg Williams, Chairman
Roseland Festival Association. Registered Charity No. 1120596