Apologies to both George and Peter, missed you both at the Port Mahon which was so crammed I didn't stay long but returned to the brilliant session at the Wheatsheaf. Peter, I did catch part of Spire's set on Stage 2 and you were great!

Siobhan McAndrew and Tim Healey deserve heaps and heaps of credit for pulling off a brilliant festival which really should make those light blues stop and think about just what theirs has become.

The Bellowhead launch was mindblowing, way above expectations and the support from Magpie Lane and the Witches of Elswick superb (and the Witches' voice workshop in the superb acoustics of the Holywell Room was amazing - and hilarious).

Other highlights for me were the ethereal sounds of Alva (Vivien Ellis & Giles Lewin who moonlights in Bellowhead!), especially the medieval French stuff, who shared a Holywell concert with the York Waits.   Stage 2 continued non-stop throughout with turn after turn of virtuosity which spilled over into impromptu sessions in the bar. Like three of the Witches giving choral advice on how not to pay the rent. And fiddlesinger Elle Osborne (how great to see her again!) being joined by Benji Kirkpatrick and Jon Boden for a Bob Copper tribute.

Oh and that trooper Simon Care, playing valiantly for about 20 dancers at the early Saturday ceilidh, what a star! And shame on all those who didn't get up in time! Those Christminster Singers were indeed phenomenal (yes, that Andy Turner's in just about everything as is Benji Kirkpatrick). And everyone else Pete mentioned.

And Mawkin...Phhhhwwwoooaaarrr! Those Essex lads! My only regret was that having to do early morning stewarding shifts I couldn't play all night long in the Half Moon as they did. Definite stars in the making. What a fantastic festival. Can't wait till next year.