I'm just looking forward to everything! -especially the Middle bar and the Bedford sessions as usual. I hope they've got the timings down to a fine art or else how do you choose between Steeleye Span and Danu? It rather looks as if they're on at the same time.
Re: smoking - if the smokers can't go outside would they make sure they actually smoke their cigarettes and not leave them smouldering and drifting up my nose, please? e.g in the Middle bar, if you're standing behind a seated smoker! Extractor fans may help but they also drown out the quieter singing voices.
Re: busking: I wouldn't favour a heavy approach as there are some excellent players and singers along the prom, some of whom collect for the festival, others maybe for other registered charities in whom they have a strong personal interest (no, I'm not meaning themselves necessarily!) One of my most memorable experiences of "busking " was when Blowzabella were in town in the 80s and played to an entranced small group of passers-by near the Ham end of the prom. I was seriously late for tea and got a big row for it, but it was worth it!
See you soon! Will bring a range of hats!
Tattie Bogle