Rain definitely did not stop play at this year’s Richmond MayFest - despite the weather a great time was had by all at this annual celebration of traditional and historical music, dance and storytelling.
Manic violinist Sid Bowfin got everything off to a cracking start in the Market Place on Saturday, drawing crowds with his hilarious antics, and pleasing one little girl with a virtuosic rendition of ‘The Wheels On The Bus’!
Meanwhile at Richmond Castle everyone enjoyed the maypole dancing, and the varied roster of bands – including medieval groove from Tritor!
Indoors, the Musical Coffee Morning was a real pleasure with music from John Hunter and others, and it was succeeded by an afternoon of musical delights culminating with the Richmondshire Orchestra. Both Saturday concerts were packed with appreciative audiences, whether for the melodious folk sounds of Janice Burns and Jon Doran, or for Richmondshire Choral Society’s glorious ‘Elijah’.
The rain really came down on Sunday morning, but it didn’t stop the eight Morris sides in Richmond for their Day of Dance. They gallantly made the town ring with their bells, culminating in a grand afternoon finale in Friary Gardens. Local dance schools showed off their steps, alongside the local branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society amongst many. Another hit of the day was the Drum Circle with Rhythm Calls, which saw participants from age 8 to 80 get into their drumming groove, and in the evening the MayFest Ceilidh made a triumphant return with Blind Panic Ceilidh Band leading the dances.
As the sun finally came out, Monday was all about storytelling. In the Market Place, the ever-popular Mr Punch got children screaming with laughter, as did the ridiculous antics of The Silly History Boys. Local storytellers Charlie Grumbley and Rhoda Fraser entertained folks of all ages, and there was even Shakespeare at the Castle from the Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society, while Richmond-based medieval minstrels Trouvere entertained with musical retellings of medieval legends.
All weekend, children had been getting crafty with the MayFest crafts team and the weekend concluded with a chance for them to show off their creations in the MayFest Parade, led by the stalwart Ran Tanners, who had entertained people throughout the weekend with their jolly folk sounds.
“Such a vast variety of traditional music, dance and storytelling - something for everyone… it's hard to choose which events to go and watch” said one visitor.
Planning now begins for next year’s Richmond MayFest, on May 4-6 2024 – and if anyone has any feedback or suggestions they are invited to get in touch with the team at richmondmayfest@gmail.com