FESTIVAL FAQ

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Is the festival really free?

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We call it 'mostly free'. There are some headline concerts that you have to pay for, but it would be perfectly possible to attend the whole festival and have a really good time without ever paying at all. Even if you buy all the tickets, the festival is still extraordinary value. There are concerts, workshops, a ceilidh, sessions, a guided walk, singarounds, dance groups - all free.

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So how do you pay for it?

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Firstly, sponsorship. We are very grateful to our sponsors - see the foot of every page. Secondly, bucket rattling - we make collections at as many events as possible, though there are often more events going on than there are committee members to attend them with a bucket. It's always done with a smile and nobody minds if you don't put any money in. Thirdly, fundraising events throughout the year. Fishguard Folk Singers, for example, give all their income from paid gigs to the festival. Finally, advertising revenue from the programme and other minor sources.

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None of it would be possible without many hours of unpaid hard work by the committee and helpers who are all volunteers.

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What's the area like? Where can I stay/eat?

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Fishguard is in beautiful Pembrokeshire, in Britain's only coastal National Park, so if some of the family is not so interested in the music (why? what's wrong with them?) there is plenty for them to do. Here's a site about the town itself, with tips on accommodation, food and drink, and so on: http://www.gofishguard.co.uk/

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Are there any campsites or caravan sites?

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Pembrokeshire is camping central. We're not endorsing any particular campsites because we don't know what you like, but Coolcamping and Pitchup are two websites with loads of links to get you started. The links in the previous paragraph might also help.

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One striking place (of many, to be fair) is Fishguard Bay Resort which has everything from tent pitches to cabins with jacuzzis on the veranda. It has a unique location at the end of a little peninsula with spectacular views.

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If I don't buy tickets in advance, can I get them at the Festival?

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Certainly. Paying on the door is nearly always an option, but we can't guarantee that we won't sell out. It has been known. A better option is to buy them from Theatr Gwaun, either over the counter or via their website.

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And don't forget: in 2022 there were 61 events, of which only three were ticketed. The other 58 were FREE.

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I fancy playing in a session but I'm afraid it'll be too fast.

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Oh, we all feel like that at first. Don't worry about it. Joining in with better players is a great experience and it's how we all learned. The key to joining in is sometimes called session etiquette. It's not much more than good manners, really. Play quietly until you know you're playing roughly the right tune. If you can't play all the notes at full speed, play the important ones. Don't start something that you can't finish. And always RESPECT THE BEAT!!

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Have a practice by playing along with the harbour session video below. That's a pretty normal sort of session.

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Visiting professionals often join in the Royal Oak session. You could find yourself playing next to your hero.

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If you think the full-strength sessions might be a bit fast for you, the ‘Slow and Easy’ sessions might be just right. They are based on the fantastic work of Tuneworks and will be using their FREE tunebook, available to download but not essential to have with you. All instruments and all ability levels are welcome.

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I'm a good player. Can I just set up on the street and busk?

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Certainly. The usual things apply: please set up where you don't cause an obstruction, and be considerate to all your temporary neighbours.

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Is the festival child-friendly?

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We welcome children to all events. There are no X-rated events at Fishguard! It's up to parents to decide if a given event will suit their children for other reasons such as lateness or duration or whatever.

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Are all venues disability-friendly?

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We have no premises of our own. All venues used by the festival are privately-owned commercial premises subject to the national regulations. The 'Pirates and Smugglers Walk' involves steep, narrow footpaths and is partly off-road.

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I understand your printed programme is rather splendid. Where can I buy one?

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You can't, because in all our lunatic generosity we give them away. They would be £5 anywhere else. You'll see them everywhere. In return we ask only that you don't treat them as disposable, which we're sure you wouldn't, because folkies aren't like that. Take one, keep it to the end, then recycle it. A toilet-roll factory will thank you for your consideration.