Party on the Lawn 2010
The Place, the event, the ethos
When Chris While and Julie Matthews were planning a celebration of their tenth anniversary as a duo, their search for a special venue to hold a one day festival led them to Prebendal Farm, or rather to the 'back garden' of Prebendal Farm. This isn't just any old garden, it's an exquisite walled Victorian garden which holds 500 people and is located in the picturesque village of Bishopstone, a few miles outside of Swindon in Wiltshire.
The farm is run and the festival hosted by Rob and Jo Selbourne, whose love of music and of village life has combined to make this such a welcoming festival to be at. The camp site has a spectacular view across the Ridgeway and is situated on the other side of the road from the garden.
The first Party on the Lawn was held in 2005 and was intended to be a one off event that brought together people that Chris and Julie had worked with over the years or had close ties with; Blue Tapestry, Daphne's Flight, etc. However, the day was such a success that Rob, Jo, Chris and Julie decided to do it all again and so 'Party on the Lawn' was truly born.
Although the line-up changes each year, While and Matthews have tried to remain faithful to the idea that only people who are closely connected with them should be booked but fortunately, they know some pretty amazing musicians and singers!
There's plenty to eat, drink and sing about at Party on the Lawn, from the moment the gates open at mid-day, through until the big finale ensemble is sung nearing midnight, you're guaranteed a unique, joyful, family day out featuring the best music on the roots scene today and an event that will carry you through until the same time next year.
Welcome to Prebendal Farm, welcome to Party on the Lawn.
Featuring
The While and Matthews Big Band
Chris and Julie like to finish off POL with a bang and what better way to do that than by putting together a band to punch out the rockier side of the While and Matthews catalogue as well as some old classics and party songs. There's always a guest or two eager to get on stage and join in the fun and looking at this year's line up 2010 will be no exception!
- Pete Zorn on vocals, saxes, percussion and anything else he can get his hands on. A long time collaborator with the girls, Pete is a legend on the music scene having played along such giants as Richard Thompson, Barbara Dickson and Gerry Rafferty to name but a few.
- Howard Lees on vocals, guitars and stringy things! Howard has played a part in almost every album Chris and Julie have made. His contribution to their music is immense, not only in his playing but in his arrangements and the warmth, humour and friendship he brings to any project on stage or in the studio.
- Neil Fairclough on vocals and bass. Chris and Julie can't imagine anyone else filling this space, either in the studio or on stage. He is a powerhouse of a singer, an exceptional bass player and has a wicked sense of humour.
- Drums still to be announced, we're waiting on diaries to be settled, watch this space!
This year's big band will be;
James Fagan and Nancy Kerr
One of the most established and respected duos on the folk scene, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are winners of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo and the BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award. As well as being great exponents of their instruments (fiddle, viola and guitar-bouzouki) both are regarded as fine and influential singers.
2010 marks the 15th year of this electrifying duo. In that time they have toured full-time and headlined festivals throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia, Japan and Canada. Wherever they play, Kerr and Fagan make new friends and fans, as their love of live performance is tangible and affirming. Both come from well-known folk families and it is clear from their performances that the music is in their blood.
In the last 12 months, Nancy has emerged as a fresh and extremely talented songwriter adding a new and exciting dimension to their act. Chris and Julie have collaborated with Nancy and James on many a stage around the world but diary clashes have prevented them being here at Prebendal (N&J have been at the top of our list since POL began) so it is with great pride and excitement that we welcome them finally to POL 2010.
Jim Crawford
Jim Crawford is something of a Blues enigma. Originally from Lancashire, he now resides on the North Devon coast. A shy and retiring man who readily admits that recording studios fill him with dread and that he'd rather go fishing with his dog for company, has, none the less, toured much of Europe and the U.S.A captivating audiences with his intimate blues style.
Softly spoken, Jim totally surprises his audience when he breaks into a number with a resonant, barrelhouse blues vocal and for years has been revered among professional musicians as a consummate finger picker and slide guitarist.
In 2008, Chris and Julie were blown away by Jim when they saw him play at Coombefest in Devon and decided then and there that they wanted Jim to come to Party on the Lawn. It's a great pleasure and privilege to introduce you to Jim Crawford and welcome him for his first time here at Prebendal.
The Urban Folk Quartet
Joe Broughton has become a favourite at Party on the Lawn, every time he returns he brings something new and fresh. In 2007 he brought his almighty 'Folk Ensemble', this time he comes with his new exiting band, 'The Urban Folk Quartet'.
Never was the While and Matthews ethos of booking people with close ties ever more present than here; Chris and Julie both played with Joe in the Albion Band, Joe then went on to produce Chris's album 'Rosella Red' which Paloma and Tom not only played on but joined Joe and Chris to tour the album. Tom was also the percussionist on Chris and Julie's album 'Together Alone' - how many links do we need?!
Joe Broughton has a bit of a Midas touch when it comes to musical collaborations, you just know that whatever he does or is involved in is going to exude class, incite a great deal of foot tapping and leave you breathless.
Already award winners internationally, we're confident they'll be winners at POL too.
Helen Watson Trio
There aren't superlatives enough to describe the talent that is Helen Watson, whether it be her unique style of song writing, her silky effortless vocals or her relaxed but consummate delivery of performance.
A dear friend of Chris and Julie's and long time collaborator in the studio (Julie produced two of Helen's CDs with her as well as the trio recording an album together in 2009 titled 'Bare Bones'), in Daphne's Flight (with Melanie Harold and Christine Collister) or in the vocal workshops they do each year; Rejoice the Voice.
With Helen on lead vocals, the trio comprises Mark Creswell on guitar and Dave Bowie on bass, each a superb musician in their own right and together with Helen creating a performance that is not unlike warm honey being poured over your musical senses. Relax, sit back and enjoy the divine Helen Watson trio.
Steve Tilston
Steve Tilston is one of this country's greatest song-writers with many of his songs considered modern folk-song classics and covered by the likes of Fairport Convention, Dolores Keane, John Wright and others. He's also renowned for the way he takes a favourite traditional "old chestnut" and makes it his own. His career was marked last year by the release of Reaching Back a 5-CD boxed-set retrospective. Steve is one of the most engaging performers on the scene today and we're delighted to welcome him for his debut appearance at POL.
The Carrivick Sisters
The Carrivick Sisters are twins Laura and Charlotte Carrivick from South Devon, England. They play a variety of bluegrass instruments (mainly guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro and fiddle) with vocal harmonies and are both songwriters. Although their background is in bluegrass, their music has a strong folk influence which is evident in their original songs, many of which are inspired by their local landscape and stories.
In 2007 they won the South West Buskers and Street Entertainers Competition, gaining themselves their first spot at Glastonbury Festival. In 2008 Laura achieved 2nd place at the RockyGrass Fiddle Contest in America. More recently, the Carrivick Sisters were finalists in the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2010.
tickets
On sale now
Details as follows:
- Tickets £40 per person
- Camping passes £10 per pitch (including Friday night)
- Online booking using the form on the right
- Or download a PDF order form
Online ordering details
Payment will be handled by Paypal. On checkout you will be directed to the Paypal website to make your payment. On completion of payment you should be redirected back to this website and your order will be submitted to us. Tickets will be posted to the address that you enter on the order form.
Please note, you don't need to have an account with Paypal; they accept all major credit cards.
Online order form
* required
Where does it all happen?
Prebendal Farm
Bishopstone
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN6 8PT
Bishopstone
A beautiful chalk downland village with a multitude of thatched cottages clustered around an old mill pond. Largely unscathed by modern development it remains an archetypal Wiltshire village.
Prebendal Farm
Dating from 1863, Prebendal is a working arable farm situated in the village of Bishopstone, only one mile from Europe's oldest road: the Ridgeway.
Camping
The camp site is in a field just across the road from the farm. Ideally situated and only £10 for 2 nights. Please note, potraloos and stand pipes are provided on the camp site.
Accommodation
For the non-campers there are several B&Bs available locally (though you need to book early!) and the village pub will do a roaring trade in food and drink over the festival weekend.
