The Cheltenham Folk Festival as we know it, usually the first one of the UK festival year, is no more. Please see this article
http://www.soglos.com/music/37552/Cheltenham-Folk-Festival-undergoes-exciting-makeover. The "exciting makeover" and "remodelling" means that the festival has been stripped down to 3 evening concerts only. This means no Morris dancing in the streets, no workshops, no singarounds or music sessions, no ceilidhs and no instrument or CD stalls. However, (and this is supposed to be the good news), there is "DJ entertainment" between the acts. The organiser is Gary Nejrup (gary.nejrup@cheltenham.gov.uk), who according to Google "bought a lot of experience from spending the last ten years working as cruise director for P&O Cruises and Island Cruises, Gary has gained extensive knowledge of the theatre and cabaret world which is really helping us in its continuing success." I have seen many comments in the local media about this revamp, all of it negative.

What do Mudcatters think? I'm sure Mr Nejrup would welcome your views on his exciting plan.

Tradsinger