Some time ago, before I became involved in organising the event, we had festival camping on Leigh Marshes. This is council-owned land, and following a problem with 'travellers' one year, Southend Borough Council built a substantial earth dyke around the field to prevent vehicle access. So that was effectively the end of our campsite! Unfortunately we haven't managed to find a suitable alternative anywhere in the vicinity, though this hasn't been for want of trying. As you will appreciate, it's not just a question of finding an empty field somewhere - toilets, running water, site security etc all have to be provided. It's a built-up area too, and there just aren't that many areas of open space within walking distance of Leigh Old Town. Unless you fancy camping on the mud! Seriously we have been in discussion with the council on this issue, in particular about using one of the parks, but they weren't able to offer anything this year. Anyone who's ever been to the Leigh Folk Festival will know that it's a low-budget but high value event run on the proverbial shoestring by a tiny number of unpaid volunteers. We work very hard throughout the year to put the music, dance, workshop and kids programmes together, and unfortunately getting into campsite management as well would seriously overstretch things. Any volunteers out there.......?