hi all
dont know if any of you saw this artical on the Bitter end web site but it don't look good.
it will be a sad sad loss if this festival dosnt go ahead.

LANCASTER/GLASSON DOCK MARITIME FESTIVAL 2008
There is not such good news for this festival. On 17th October, The Lancaster Guardian stated that there are ; "No takers for Maritime Festival."
An article by Matt Donlan went on to say:
Lancaster's annual Maritime Festival appears to be sunk ahead of what would have been its 20th year - unless someone steps forward to steer the weekend back on course. The festival, which attracts thousands of visitors into the district, moved in its entirety to Glasson Dock from Lancaster this year. The Easter weekend saw the historic port packed to the rafters as sea salts entertained. It was a huge draw with hundreds ready to return in 2008 - but visitors will have no plank to walk unless someone steps forward with a cash injection. For no application for renewed funding has been received by Lancaster City Council - and the deadline has now passed."
"It is a terrible shame for Glasson. The festival did so much for the economy and profile and was a great boost," says Rob Talbot, of the village's Dalton Arms. "It is a traditional village but is partly forgotten about so it was wonderful to see so many people coming into the village to enjoy themselves. Now it looks like we are to lose it."
Lancaster City Council pulled funding for the festival in 2005, but did offer finance through the Festivals Innovation Fund to support and encourage the private sector to run festivals. A spokesman for the council says: "An invitation to apply for this year's Festivals Innovation Fund was advertised extensively and we received 13 applications. We did not, however, receive any application to fund a Maritime Festival. Had we received a proposal it would have been considered along with the others."
Mr Talbot adds: "If anyone wants to take the running and funding of the festival on it would be great, not just for the village but for the whole area."
Let us hope someone takes up the challenge, for this festival has been a great beginning to the shanty season in the U.K. and it would be sad if it failed in its 20th year.