Tributes paid as founder of Shrewsbury Folk Festival dies
Tributes have been paid to the co-director of Shrewsbury Folk Festival who died today after a short illness.
Alan Surtees founded the event 20 years ago with his wife Sandra.
The couple, who met at a folk festival, threw their energies in to it after deciding Shropshire needed the same.
Since creating the festival, which was first staged in a field in Bridgnorth in front of a crowd of 700, Alan and Sandra saw it grow into an event which now attracts more than 7,000 folk fans.
The 72-year-old lived in Worthen and had two daughters, a step son and a step daughter and a number of grandchildren.
Jo Cunningham, spokeswoman for the Shrewsbury Folk Festival said: "It is with immense sadness that we have to announce the death of our co-director Alan Surtees following a short illness.
"It was Alan’s vision and passion, along with that of his wife Sandra, which turned the idea they had 20 years ago of a folk festival for Shropshire into the major event that we enjoy today.
"He loved everything about the festival but most of all the people – the performers, the volunteers, the visitors. Nothing made him happier than the sight of people having a great time while listening to fabulous music.
"Alan was someone who embraced life and lived it to the full. His joie d’vivre and irreverent sense of humour were infectious and he was always the life and soul of any party.
"The show will, of course, go on this year and in future years. Alan would want nothing less and it will be the most fitting way to honour his memory."
Musician and co-patron of the festival Steve Knightley said: "I'm sure that Alan and Sandra would insist that we drink more, sing louder, clap harder and dance 'til we drop to honour his memory."
John Jones, frontman of Oysterband and co-patron of the festival added: "He was an inspirational figure. I can not think of a festival director who has done more for folk music. He had an incredible energy. He and Sandra were a real team . They would feed off each other. The festival has become the one all folk musicians want to appear at. He had such vision and he did it all in such good humour. His death is a huge loss."
Professional musician Lucy Ward added: "What a passionate and funny man. A true supporter of music. I am grateful he took a chance on a little known teenager and gave me a gig. I am also grateful for all the years I have spent in the fields of Shrewsbury being exposed to some of the greatest music from all over the world thanks to the efforts and passion of Alan, Sandra and all their team. He will be sorely missed by so many."
Funeral arrangements are still to be made.
This year's folk festival will take place on the August Bank Holiday weekend at the Greenhouse West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury.
