On Saturday Steve, Alex and myself visited Sidmouth Folk Festival to soak up some folkie goodness. We arrived at lunchtime and made our way over to the Ham car park site to get ourselves a hot drink from my chum Steve from The Devon Coffee Company. It was so chilly that we needed to warm ourselves up! So much for the summer.. It was as grey as it could be and the wind was adding an Icey edge. Not as weather should be for the 1st August. Once the hot chocolate and teas were consumed we headed to the promenade for some music and dance.

 

My Lotta of Stockholm clog looks tiny by comparison! 
   
    
  

We stopped to watch the Morris men and women dance and then carried on and bumped into this guy playing a homemade guitar and his friend playing the didgeridoo. They were awesome! We watched these guys for quite a while even though it was freezing cold. They were worth the chill!

 We moved on to Blackmore gardens next and bumped into some more Morris men dancing and singing. We stopped and watched for a while. 

 

This man and his very placid ginger cat were in the market square as we were passing through. I think they are regulars at the folk festival I remember seeing them last year when I visited! The little ginger puss reminds me of my adorable Miss Marple.. Although not sure she would sit so still!!

   

Our next port of call was Connaught Gardens and the Clock Tower Tea Room. I had been craving a cream tea all day and I hadn’t had lunch so felt justified. It was delicious.. A large scone cooked to perfection with plenty of clotted cream and strawberry jam. I washed it all down with plenty of piping hot tea.

Alex joined me in having a cream tea and Steve opted for a rock cake. It was massive and pretty darn tasty.. I was privileged enough to try it! 

  
The Clock Towers cakes are all on the large side to be honest which is not a bad thing. You get plenty to share around!

 

A very moody sky and sea picture taken from the top of Jacobs Ladder at Connaught gardens. Such a wonderful view.
We had a great day in Sidmouth. The festival is great because there is lots going on in the streets and public parks and gardens that you can witness without having to spend a penny on tickets. Of course there are ticketed events that you can go to but I think it’s rather nice that you can experience the festival at the grassroots.

I look forward to next years visit!