Amongst the footlights at Cromer 'Folk on the Pier' Festival 2009

Posted on the 5th June 2009

Why did I spend a sunny, blustery weekend clutching a video camera in May? Let me set the scene for you…..

Tucked away on the northern edge of Norfolk, Cromer is the epitome of a small English seaside town. Bleak and windswept in winter but gloriously sunny in summer, with tea rooms, Cromer crabs, ice cream, amusements, and most importantly…. a wonderful pier! Built as one of the first in the 20^th Century, the pier boasts a traditional theatre at its outer reaches.

It is here that the annual ‘Folk on the Pier’ weekend takes place. Proudly positioning itself as the best (and probably only!) festival ON the North Sea, the event hosts some of the biggest names in folk, playing to an audience of 500.

My role for the weekend evolved from a general crew member into front of house live video camera operator with footage streaming direct to the big screen for three days, which meant I spent the weekend amongst the footlights with the best view in the house. The likes of Fairport Convention, The Strawbs and many more entertained the knowledgeable ‘folkie’ crowd and then mixed backstage in our crew / artist tea room. Wonderful!

So that was where I spent my weekend, joining the team of fantastic local ‘crew’ who ensure the successful running of this unique and friendly event year in, year out.

Here’s to next year!

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