Hardly a kilt to be seen

[Pleater]

On my holiday in Sidmouth, Devon, England at the Folk Week (held every year at the beginning of August) I expected to see kilts - there were four or five last year - but this year, for 'normal' wear, not one!!

There was a small contingent from a pipe and drum band - I saw about 6 of them - but other than that it was just me.

I wore my kilts almost every day, and I did get a few comments, but everyone thought that they were Utilikilts - particularly the latest black one and the DPM - and one person said that they were looking to buy a black kilt for some special event, but then wandered off whilst I was busy playing for the dancing on the sea front.

The only time I changed out of a kilt was for a couple of hours on a very windy afternoon on the fifth day - I had forgotten to wash my petticoat from the beginning of the week so that morning had washed both the ones I took with me - they were dry by the evening but I didn't think even the heavy black kilt would be sensible in a Force 5/6 with showers.

I was very disappointed at the lack of other kilt wearers.

I did see a man in a skirt - but it was just a skirt.

Unfortunately the professional photos - which have been very good in the past, were dreadful. There were several with me in, but the wide angle lens distorted my shape, and the colours were most peculiar - I had legs a foot wide with a dark purple colouration of the skin which made me look as though I was in the last stages of dropsy or maybe elephantiasis.

If any good ones turn up on the web with me in then I will direct interested parties to them.

I thought I looked quite good, anyway.

For the torchlit procession which always closes the event I wore black kilt hose and shirt, a bowler with a red band, red shoes and a red velvet - duh - forgot the name - piece of cloth over the shoulder. I use a rectangle, so I can put the rolled up top right side edge under the drum's shoulder strap, to protect my neck and bring the lower part of that edge around at waist height to shield the kilt from the metal bits of the drum. The finishing touch was black and white badger stripes of face paint. The Border Morris men traditionally blacked their faces as a disguise.

Ah well - there is always next year.

[Master Boid]

Fly plaid? I dunno...anway, I was going to go to the Sidmouth festival (I usually do every year) but missed out on it this year. Did you see the Cornish Wreckers?

Anywho, it's is good to see another person from or who was previously in Devonshire here. I probably would have worn a kilt if I'd gone but I didn't go so that's a shame for me.

Next year I'll be there, fully kilted, so I guess I'll just have to wait.

[morrison]

Everytime I read of a place where I wish I were, I think, "I wish to be there." Then it dawns on me, you're there! Kilted and involved. Possibly one day I'll make it there. So, until then, I greatly appreciate that you did afford all the others in attendance the opportunity to observe a man living his personal freedom. Keep on kilting!
rsl

[Blu (Ontario)]

... I was very disappointed at the lack of other kilt wearers.
I did see a man in a skirt - but it was just a skirt.

Someone associated with the old Tom's Cafe' group perhaps?

Invariably, I run into someone that wishes they had worn a kilt or even had a kilt to wear. It's going to take time... Don't give up.

The main thing is that you had fun!

blu

[Hamish]

Quite by accident, I stumbled upon the Sidmouth Folk Festival one August back in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Went with friends to stay in a rented cottage just outside the town, not knowing anything about the Festival, and we were there for a full fortnight which included the Festival Week. It was BRILLIANT. Folk music and dance in every nook and cranny of the town from dawn to dusk. A concert in the park every evening and, the torchlit procession on the last night. It was just amazing - I was in my Folk Dance element!! The atmosphere all over the town was electric the entire week. Vowed to return soon, but I have never made it!

In those days, my kilt was just a 'uniform' for my dance work and I was not particularly aware of whether there were any to be seen in Sidmouth. Nowadays, of course, I know better and if I manage to get there again (and I MUST!), I will be kilted - well, it's kilted or naked and I doubt the latter would be accepted!!!

By the way, this photo was taken at Sidmouth Folk Festival the year following my visit and appeared in The Daily Telegraph:

Neat footwork!!!!!!

[bubba]

Not quite a full moon out.