the hive

Shooting Roots does exactly what is says -  it takes a shooting root and nurtures it.  It gives an opportunity for those with amazing ambition, artistic ideas and energy to develop their own skills, work with others, share opportunities and the excitement of being involved at the grass roots of a folk festival.

Led by Director Laurel Swift, Shooting Roots first developed in Sidmouth Festival nearly 15 years ago, and now works with folk festivals all over the county.  At Towersey 2008, the Shooting Roots team will be based in The Hive on Site 2.  This year, Shooting Roots have taken on board loads of your great ideas and suggestions to make the venue bigger, better divided and even more accessible.  

Funky World Band is the place where where tunes can be learned and new numbers can be developed.  Most of all, under the guidance of Sarah & Peter Stuart, Nonny Tabbush and Elli Rees, you will have an opportunity to be a part of a huge and grooving sound.

Shooting Roots Ceilidh Project with David Delarre, James Delarre and Elli Rees teaches you about the creation of a band, including caller development.  this year we are looking to put a new ceilidh band together, perhaps not just for Towersey Village Festival but also for the longer-term future.

Shooting Roots Theatre is perfect for those of you who like to tread the boards.  We will be making masks in craft workshops and working together towards a big show that takes its inspiration from the stories behind the music and song groups.  Under the guidance of James Cull, Maia Ayling, Pat Duffy, Jem Ayres, Cal Anderson and Mim Ayling, Shooting Roots Theatre gives you a chance to express yourself, develop a story and put on that big performance. 

Shooting Roots Dance will include workshops in Longsword, Cotswold Morris, Appalachian Clog dancing and whatever new styles may be developed!  Dancing is for everyone, yes everyone and your tutors inclue Stone Monkey and Dan & Jake Jones.

Shooting Roots Song is led this year by Katy Hayes, Nelly Kinns, Jackie Oates and Jim Causley.  If you don’t have an instrument, you might be able to borrow one but the one you almost certainly already have is your voice! Beautiful songs, lush harmonies, strong stories and and innovative arrangements will all contribute to the final showcase on Monday.

When you have finished your day of playing, singing, dancing and acting you will have made some new friends with whom you can enjoy the rest of the festival, be it concerts, ceilidhs, or the Festival Dance House with the opportunity to dance till you drop! 

Towersey Village Festival and Shooting Roots offer a brilliant end to your summer holidays.

We look forward to seeing you.

Laurel & The Shooting Roots Team