The national IS an excellent fest! (especially for sessions). it's my second favourite. Majors creek wins for me though (I like the little fests). Have you been to St Albans?, It's one that lurks on my doorstep but I've never made it.
Also, I posted a message on another thread, asking if anyone is going (or has been) to Kaustinen festival in Finnland, I thought I may as well try here too, moi moi, andy.