Folk Festival to Mark Return of Famous Priddy Hurdles

On the night of 28^th April, a deliberate arson attack destroyed the historic sheep hurdle stack on Priddy village green, leaving local residents confused by this apparently motiveless attack. But the Parish Council now aims to have the hurdles back in place in time for the Priddy Folk Festival, and it is hoped that the traditional thatching that protects the hurdle stack will be redone during the festival itself.

Local legend has it that there must be a stack of hurdles on the green in order for the sheep fair to take place, an August event that has been held in the village since the Black Death came to nearby Wells in 1348.

Dean Collier, Folk Festival Chairman, said:

“Priddy is a dynamic village, with an amazing array of events happening throughout the year. The Folk Festival started life as a fundraiser for the school, and even though we now get thousands of visitors, it’s still run by a committee of volunteers, with profits going towards community projects. Finishing off the rebuilding of the hurdles at the festival will be a positive way to end a sad story of vandalism, and to show how resilient the people of Priddy are.”

The folk festival is now in its 22^nd year, and 2013 will play host to at least forty different acts as part of the official line-up, as well as dozens of unofficial performances in the open mic sessions of the Club tent (free to the public), the beer gardens of the local pubs and casual music sessions on the village green and in the camping fields. The Scottish 12-piece celtic band ‘Treacherous Orchestra’ will play on the main stage on Sunday. Treacherous Orchestra played at this year’s Radio 2 folk awards, and the festival stage has had to be specially enlarged for them. Their high-octane performance is one of the most keenly anticipated events, along with musicians such as the Tom McConville Band, Kris Drever & Éamonn Coyne, Faustus and many more, as well as a free performance by students from Wells Blue School, who have been supported by the folk festival to learn new musical skills.

The entertainment also includes ceilidhs and late night dances, a children’s festival within the festival, workshops on music and crafts, guided walks, and a market place. Food and drink is available from a wide variety of stalls, as well as the festival bars and village pubs.

Priddy Folk Festival kicks off on Friday 12^th July, and runs through until Sunday 14^th July. Tickets usually sell out, but there is still time to pick some up at www.priddyfolk.org. Children under 11 go free, and there are also still opportunities to attend the festival for free in exchange for a shift or two of stewarding.

Emma Giffard, Festival PR: 01749 673320 / 07809 640714