Youngsters get in festival spirit (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Youngsters get in festival spirit

11:05am Tuesday 29th May 2007

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Not even the rain could dampen people's spirits on the first day of the Chippenham Folk Festival 2007.

The special children's version of the popular event was held on Friday and kicked off with a good old-fashioned group dance.

Bob Berry, event organiser, said: "The sense of community here is phenomenal and blows me away every year.

"Everyone that volunteers here does so on an unpaid basis and they really are the backbone of the operation.

"People have a gross misconception when it comes to folk music and assume we are all bearded hippies singing with our fingers in our ears.

"This is a brilliant opportunity to show everyone how fantastic this sort of music can be. I spoke to the police who said for every other type of concert - even classical - they have to supply extra officers in case of trouble - with the folk festival they simply don't need to."

Just days before the event, which is his 21st show, Mr Berry sliced the top of his finger off and couldn't play his instruments in the festival.

Even the rain couldn't deter the hundreds of children who turned up throughout the day to take part in the festivities.

Cliff Woolley, a steward and Morris dancer, said: "This part of the festival is all about the children - it's a day for them, determined by them.

"There is not much of a community spirit instilled into children these days but the festival provides that missing ingredient.

"The atmosphere here is electric and all of us volunteers love coming back again and again - it just gets better."

The schoolchildren were put through their paces as they attempted to learn traditional Morris dances and the lyrics to some of the songs.

There were several sites dotted around the town but the main outdoor event took place in Island Park and some indoor events were held in the Olympiad sports centre.

Several stalls and marquees were erected alongside the main stage area selling a range of food and locally produced goods.

Mum of three, Jessica Hewitt, 25, said: "The kids love the music and dancing and a little bit of rain won't hurt them.

"I think it's nice to do something as a family outdoors, so the kids aren't on the computer or staring into a TV screen.

"The organisers have done a brilliant job and it would have been better if a few more people could have turned up."

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