Just arrived home from our first Sidmouth festival.

Many thanks to AlanWW for introducing us to the Middle Bar, to Councillor for the late night party invitation, to Morticia (sorry you didn't get to visit the 'Party Bus') and Herga Kitty.

Highlight for me was meeting Joy Bennett (Johnson Girls) & Chris Kalderway again and discovering that they have just become engaged. Congratulations!

Sorry to have missed Alison McMorland & Geordie McIntyre who couldn't appear through ill health.

Kepa had a smaller group than when he appeared at the Celtic Connections Festival but was still brilliant to hear & watch. Many people were disappointed to find that the CD's had sold out pretty quickly: luckily I bought mine in January.

A hugely successful festival, and I hope that the appropriate funding appears for underwriting its future.

It was annoying to hear the local radio discuss the false claim that Sidmouth businesses were being asked to 'volunteer' £100 each to deliver the required financing. Could it be that controversy such as this sells more advertising by appearing to be looking after 'local interests'?

I was very impressed with the festival organisation, stewards and back room staff as well as the performers. It seems likely that future years might well focus on participatory events such as the sing-arounds and sessions, though I would expect the Late Night Extra and Morris Dancing to feature strongly.

Good luck next year, and thanks again for this one.

Bob vG