If you are a performer interested in appearing at any of the festivals that we organise, the following information may be of use to you.
FREE, GRATIS and FOR NOTHING!
Our festivals are based on being FREE of monetary constraints. They are organised by a small band of volunteers from the Melton Folk Club, for the love of live music rather than financial gain. No payments are made for performances, nor to secure venues for our use. Some assistance with the inevitable costs of running these events is provided by the Melton Business Improvement District (Melton BID) organisation. In particular they provide a stage and amplification in the Market Place and advertising banners and leaflets. Some other costs are covered by the organising volunteers themselves. The online store for sale of club and festival merchandise is currently run on a break-even basis rather than for profit.
This means that you will be performing for the love of the music, to showcase your talents, to bring your music to a varied audience, and to enjoy the craic with fellow performers.
VARIED VENUES
Apart from the main stage in the Market Place, the majority of our venues are Coffee Shops, Restuarants and Public Houses. Some are large with dedicated performance areas, others very small and intimate with room for only a small audience. In fine weather some performances are outdoors, perhaps in a courtyard, garden or even on the street. The venues are as varied as their clientele and audience size can vary greatly over the day. Some venues are provided with amplification and others require acoustic performances.
FORTY MINUTES OF FAME
Performances throughout the festivals are based on regular 40 minute slots at each venue. This 40 minutes is including setting up and breaking down time so are suitable for about a 20-30 minute set. Most performers do sets at a number of different venues.
ECLECTIC
Although we promote the events as FOLK FESTIVALS we are very loose with our definition of what is folk music. Jazz and rock occasionally put in an appearance, although we would probably draw a line at Death Metal or similar!