After running gigs at the Winter Gardens in the mid-60s Martin Val Baker had taken some time off from putting shows, but around spring of 1971 arranged a series of gigs at St Ives Guildhall in part as an outlet for Clive Palmers C.O.B. The gigs contained a mixture of folk and poetry and also featured Gordon Giltrap, Mike Silver, Steve Tilston amongst others.
The beautiful flyers used to promote the mid-70s folks shows at the Guildhall were created by Terry Pascoe, an old Falmouth Art School friend of Martin Val Bakers.
He would revisit the St Ives shows later in the decade, putting in larger names as well as local and established performers.
In autumn of 1977 he put on a weeklong festival which included small folk sessions in small clubs and pubs throughout the town. This would eventually become the St Ives Festival, which continues to this day.
For much more on Martin Val Baker, including a list of all the gigs he has put on over the years it is strongly recommended spending some time checking out his website and fascinating memoirs here - www.rainydaygallery.co.uk
The venue continues to put on a wide variety of events and performances.
 
With thanks to Graham Hicks
With thanks to Colin Hill
With thanks to Martin Val Baker |
