September
3rd to 5th
About The Wail
The Wail (formerly Wareham Wail) is a weekend of unaccompanied singing
in a variety
of styles, suiting all tastes of traditional song. There are no organized
events: the weekend is
for all standards of singers to get together and swap ideas, songs
and learn new techniques.
The standard of singing is very high and we try to keep it that way
by inviting unknown singers
as well as the more well-known folk singers. The resulting mix and
match brings out some of
the best song sessions in the South. The high standard of song in
all the sessions is
probably because The Wail attracts the more dedicated folkies and
folk event organizers
from all counties of England, Wales and Scotland.
Banquet
The banquet is now a firm tradition of The Wail and serving a four
course meal to 250 people is
quite an achievement, which for the small army of helpers starts at
9.00am Saturday morning.
The most visible sign is the roasting of the pig on a spit over an
open fire. To make the
evening event more exciting we have a tradition that each table sings
for their supper. The Lord
and Lady of the manor in traditional dress preside over the proceedings
along with a top
table of dignitaries, also in traditional dress. We would like as
many people as possible to
don mediaeval dress, as this would add to the occasion. You can bring
your own costume or
attend the mediaeval costume workshop in the main marquee on Saturday.
This is free for
anyone to make their costume under expert advice or to hire a costume
with a small
donation to charity. Have a Good Time Have a good sing, meet some
new singers,
meet some old and new friends, learn some new songs and keep traditional
song alive
Link to website.
