|
YFA: News Sam Smiths Music Ban 2005: YFA letter |
|
|
Patrons: Norma Waterson MBE & Kate Rusby |
|||||
| Navigation |  |
promoting folk arts through partnership | |||
Home
News index Information Regional folk arts directory Event conflict calendar Site search |
 |
||||
| Sam Smiths Music Ban (2) | |||||
|
YFA's letter to the brewery: Humphrey Smith Chairman Samuel Smith's Brewery Tadcaster North Yorkshire LS24 9SB 11 January 2005 Dear Mr Smith Yorkshire Folk Arts supports, develops and raises awareness of the traditional folk arts of the British Isles within the Yorkshire and Humber region; chiefly those which operate in a public and social context, such as music, dance, song, storytelling and drama. Traditional pubs are an essential home for these activities, which draw in many customers, in addition to the performers, on nights which would otherwise not be particularly busy, especially if it is to a full 'club' event. There are also thousands of musicians and singers throughout Yorkshire who enjoy informal music sessions in pubs and folk clubs. These occasions are not just for entertainment: musicians and singers swap tunes and songs, and develop their skills and repertoire. Music sessions provide unique opportunities for new and experienced performers to practise their art, improve their performance, and keep a much-loved tradition alive and flourishing. They can also provide a welcome low-key musical background, enjoyed by many customers who dislike loud 'piped' music and who may not otherwise have heard non-mainstream music, particularly in such a relaxed setting. People who like real, live music typically like real beer in traditional pubs. They form a loyal group of thirsty customers. They're already worried that the Licensing Act will restrict their choice of venues, and so I was especially sorry to hear of your decision to ban music in your pubs. Musicians will lose not just famous venues such as Nellie's (The White Horse Inn, Beverley, East Yorkshire) - where I've enjoyed many a pint and many a tune during the last 34 years - but they will also be excluded from many local pubs; a sad loss to them, to music and to the tradition of the pub as a social centre. I respect your right to choose which facilities you offer in your premises. I sympathise with any landlord who may face increased fees because of bureaucratic changes (which, incidentally, we have campaigned against and will continue to do so). But I hope I may persuade you to think again. The fallout from this decision will be a substantial reduction in opportunities for live music in Yorkshire pubs. Folk arts are an essential part of our heritage: it's more important than ever to keep Yorkshire musical traditions alive - and your pubs have an important part to play in this. Yours sincerely Paul Hudson Chairman, Yorkshire Folk Arts |
|||||
| Information index Home Top of page | |||||