"With all due respect to "Outside at t'Middle Earth"(where I've also played many times)I do'nt put it in the same league as the Plough yard

Gerry"

As already posted Gerry, I agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly. The Plough was unique as a festival venue. However, I'm assuming Humph Smith is not going to change his mind (at least not in time for this year) and hundreds of folkies and holidaymakers will move elsewhere. As far as I can see there's going to be little extra capacity in existing folk-friendly pubs so we need somewhere "new" - perhaps the Shambles can take up the challenge?