The Music-Go-Round 2002

In 2002, a one day festival called The Music-Go-Round was held on July 28th at St Michael's C of E School in Chorley, Lancashire. It consisted of an afternoon concert and workshops followed by an evening concert based around a theme of music from The Commonwealth. The programme is set out below. 

Evening Concert

Richard Thompson (England) was a founder member of Fairport Convention before going on to become one of the country's most treasured songwriters with a string of successful albums under his belt. At The Music-Go-Round, he performed solo in an intimate setting.

Beolach (Cape Breton, Canada) is a Gaelic word meaning lively youth as well as being an exciting newyoung band perfoming a mix of Cape Breton, Scottish, and Irish tunes featuring piano, pipes, whistles, drums, guitar and two fiddles.

Alistair Hulett (Scotland) gaves us Folk with a Punk attitude using traditional styles to get across his message. Today, he is often found working with Dave Swarbrick and has songs recorded by June Tabor and others.

Afternoon Concert

Batanai Marimba (Zimbabwe) provided a vibrant flourish to the end the afternoon with their five marimbas (wooden xylophone type instruments), guitars, brass and vocals. By the end, the audience was dancing widly.

Martin Simpson (England) was voted Folk Instrumentalist Of The Year in 2002 by BBC Radio. He splits most of his time between California and Yorkshire but his appearance at The Music-Go-Round provided a wonderful performance and ensured a packed workshop.

Lil' Fi (Australia) making her first trip to the UK showed us why she is a firm festival favourite in her native Australia.

Workshops

Lil' Fi gave lessons on vocal technique or, in her words, a 'sonic bath'

Miso'shi taught the skills of African dance before the real thing with music from Batanai Marimba on the main stage

Martin Simpson taught guitar skills after a performance on the main stage which showed us why he was voted Folk Instrumentalist Of 2002 by BBC Radio Two.