The registration might seem expensive; you claimed the package cost 300 euros, but it should be remembered that WOMEX is a worldwide marketing symposium, centred on delegates who work for agencies, record companies, festivals, folk-roots publications (including Ian Anderson, editor of fRoots Magazine) and professional artists and musicians, working towards a higher profile for folk and world music. Apart from the artists' showcases, the programme crams educational workshops and debates into the long weekend, which are designed to give knowledge and awareness in the music business (for instance, visa hassles are still the main problem with artist mobility; this workshop shows musicians various tricks to smooth the way over bureaucratic officialdom.) And the trade fair, which is at the Motorpoint Centre in Cardiff, was sold out six months ago!

And tickets are not expensive, as far as Joe Public are concerned. Advance day/night tickets are £17, but we paid £22 on the door. My wristband let me see the rising star of Welsh music, songwriter/harpist Georgia Ruth, backed by members of Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog; the exquisite Scottish traditional singer, Fiona Hunter, accompanied by fiddler and guitarist Mike Vass; the amazing Scottish/Ulster/Yorkshire quartet Kan, with fiddler Aidan O'Rourke and whistler/flautist Brian Finnegan providing brilliant sparks; we gawped at the fiddle-led pyrotechnics of the Jacky Molard Quartet, who were playing in the Brittany stage; and we tried to figure out the meaning of double-bass artist Krismenn, who rapped in Breton. WOMEX played into the night, and we left with the trumpets of the Orkestrar still ringing in our ears. We could have checked out the dozen European and worldwide bands in the two marquees close by the WMC in Roald Dahl Plass, but we just didn't have the time. What value for money!

We met with two friends from Llantrisant Folk Club, who were overwhelmed and excited by what they saw. What's more, they had paid £45 for a season ticket – that's just an incredible bargain.

No, WOMEX is not "inward looking" – the opening concert, Land Of Song, was a sell-out at the WMC, and it was absolutely chocker last night. Surely you must have seen the many reports on national BBC News (and Cerys's programme on Radio 2), reporting on a unique event?