FORK Gala 2008
FORK Gala report 2008
Mark Eden-Bushell
We had the extraordinarily successful FORK annual Gala on Saturday 14 June.
The weather was sunny, not too hot, breezy with about a 15 minute shower in the afternoon. The last time we had a shower at the Gala, it cleared the ground of visitors. This time, visitors sheltered under our gazebos, and went on enjoying themselves.
We made about £479, which cannot be bad!
Everyone – and I mean everyone – needs to be congratulated!
The day had its normal happy atmosphere, which was lovely to behold! There was only one unfortunate event, which was certainly not the Gala’s fault. One young man had a fit in front of the RSPB stall. He was beautifully looked after by the two girls from that stall, who also called the ambulance. Louise Brookes, known to FORKs because of her excellent RSPB walks along the Kelvin, is trained in First Aid. The young man was allowed to leave the hospital immediately after being seen by the doctor.
The Gala came to a close at 4.p.m. and the same people who put up most of the gazebos took them down again and earned my undying thanks! Many thanks to Demijohn and Caledonia Books for their generous support of the Gala.
You can see more images from the gala here
Original Notice
The FORK Gala will be held on Sat 14th June from 11 a.m. at Ha’penny Bridge House
Stalls … Music … Bar…
Food … Fun for kids …
Photo competition … Canoe trips
FORK Gala Music
The music at this year’s Gala promises to be even better than last year’s. We will have a number of local up-and-coming artists appearing.
Confirmed so far:
Rags and Feathers
Glasgow-based folk/anti-pop quintet Rags & Feathers are based around the sun-soaked melancholic sing-songwriting of Tom Davis and the delicious harmonies of Andrea Tomlinson (who appeared solo at last year’s gala). Wielding a plethora of stringed instruments, introspective lovelorn lyricism and ludicrously catchy melodies, they’ve already begun to gain word-of-mouth acclaim. The band is completed by the countrifried 6 & 4 string licks of Ian Moy, the fluid & mystical drumming of Doug MacGregor and the multitude of musical skills of Duncan Thomas. In general the band attempt to sound rich but not sickly, like a well trained blancmange. So far claims to fame include co-founding the Woodlands Creatures Collective event that takes place on the last Sunday of every month at The Halt Bar and also by supporting the likes of Jeffrey Lewis, Eugene McGuinness and Woodpigeon. An album has been recorded and will be released in early autumn.
http://www.ragsandfeathers.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/ragsandfeathersmusic
Louise McVey & Mark Friars (Hamper)
Lead singer with Dundee local favourites Hamper, Louise will be showcasing some of her new solo material, which she describes as ‘alternative / experimental folk-rock’ at the Gala. The music is delicate and atmospheric with emotional and melodic vocals and touches of jazz, folk and blues.
http://www.myspace.com/louisemcveymusic1
The Strawberries
The Strawberries are four young lads playing their own brand of alternative music, based in Glasgow. They enjoy playing different styles of music from Blues to somber acoustic and are always trying to do something a little different and hopefully touch a few people in the process. Their style also encompasses shades of country rock as well as contemporary indie influences.
http://www.myspace.com/lastrawberries
Mike and Solveig
Another act has been confirmed to play at the FORK Gala. Mike and Solveig will be bringing their unique style of quirky progressive folk to the banks of the Kelvin. Comprising 2/5 of The Pendulums and performing on guitars, fiddle, banjo and voices their music will appeal to (not only) fans of Ivor Cutler, Donovan, and Pentangle but is melodic and accessible and should sound great on a sunny Saturday afternoon by the river.
http://www.myspace.com/mikehastingspendulums
The running order is expected to be:
12.30 Official opening by Katie Gordon
12.45 The Strawberries
13.30 Louise McVey & Mark Friars (Hamper)
14.15 Mike & Solveig
15.00 Rags and Feathers
Times are approximate and subject to change so please check back if you want to catch a particular act – and come early and stay a while to avoid disappointment!
There are still one or two slots available, so if you or your band would be interested in performing, please contact [Click to reveal Email address].