DHTML Menu, (c) 2004 Apycom Software
Dartmoor Folk Festival 2004
outside folk, inside step dancing
The stepdance competition involves dancers trying to out-step one another on a 15-inch square board, to win a place in the competition's final which is held on an old hay wagon. Adult winner was Jenny Read of Heavitree, Exeter , who won the same title two years ago. Junior winner was Mary Huxham (11) of Starcross, Exeter , who won the same title last year. Both Jenny and Mary are members of the Exeter-based percussive dance team, Firestone, Mary a member of the youth dance team.
dancing ghosts
At other events during the weekend, which included concerts, ceilidhs, and many other events, the entertainers were John Spiers and Jon Boden, All Blacked Up, The Amazing Mr Smith, Sara Grey and Kieron Means, Ed Rennie, Peta Webb and Ken Hall, Betty and Norman McDonald, and
performances by Ryburn Longsword dancers.
and other dancers
Amongst other activities were a ramble over Dartmoor , children's workshops and concerts, a folk service and a duck race. More than a dozen dance teams provided a colourful spectacle for visitors to the festival, with some of the teams also dancing in Okehampton and at The Finch Foundry, at nearby Sticklepath. Local crafts were exhibited in a huge craft marquee at South Zeal Playing Field, where there were demonstrations, including reed rope making, skip making and spinning.
and then the rain came
At the Grand Music Hall, which concluded the Festival, Tony Beard, the Wag from Widecombe, who compered the event, presented Lynsey Connor (15) of South Zeal with her sash as South Zeal Carnival Queen.  The carnival will take place in the village in the autumn. Festival president Joyce Cann described the event as "one of the best. It was smashing.  Everything went without a hitch," she said. Festival chairman Jason Rice said it was an "excellent weekend." "The attendance was good at all of the events and everyone had a great time."It all went very well and it is a credit to the association of members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters." He added his thanks to the local residents who endure an increase in traffic disruption during the weekend. Alan Quick, festival publicity officer, said that a few showers of rain on the Sunday afternoon did not affect the festival as events were transferred under cover in the main marquee. Mr Quick said that the future of the festival could not be brighter because the association of organisers has been working hard over the years to comply with many rules and regulations while ensuring that there were enough financial reserves behind them. "I am really pleased to report that careful planning and prudence means that the Dartmoor Folk Festival will definitely be here for many more years to come." Honoured guests at the 2004 festival included Dartmoor National Park chairman, Cllr Bill Cann, and the Mayor of West Devon, Cllr Mrs Christine Grills. Dates of the 2005 festival were announced as August 5, 6 and 7 and further details can be found at www.dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk
to help you to remember
The festival was used to launch a new CD entitled "Old Uncle Tom Cobleigh and all", featuring folk songs sung in the West Country. The CD features Bob Cann singing Widecombe Fair, Tavistock Goosey Fair and other tracks.  It is available, at £12, from Veteran, 44 Old Street, Haughley, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 3NX, tel 01449 73695 or visit: www.veteran.co.uk