It is a strange thing indeed to have a festival in NYC called the Eisteddfod that does not revolve around Welsh music. So, if you are sitting in Barnsley, Blackpool or Birmingham; or Toronto, Timmins or Terra Nova, what do you make out of this?

I would say the first thing is that it takes place in what might still be the world's capital. How many folk festivals have you been to in "the world's capital" or what might still be the world's capital or what until not too long ago was "the world's capital?"

Second, America is incredibly cheap right now. Now, if you you're an armchair traveller that that might not mean too much but, if you can still motivate, you could see see the local travel agent, ask your cousin Nobby or Nellie to drive you to Heathrow, Ringway or Elmdon (Pearson, Dorval...)

What do you get out of it? Well you get away from your mates for a start... and your partner's... and the football... and your kids' kids... and at the right time of year! Think of it: a little folk music, a big city, different stuff in the shops, and those "cute" little Yankee accents.