Only just able to get on the cat to comment (I think Max was changing the litter tray).
The lack of venues to sing in was very marked this year purely due to the school being out of use. Normally there are loads of sessions there during the day and, especially, at night. Travelling Folk led late night sessions are notorious for ending at dawn.
The festival definitely lost its soul this year but should get it back next year when we have the school back. One of the Joys of Broadstairs was everyone (performers and audience) getting together in one building and chatting, playing, eating, drinking and singing together until the wee small hours every night.
With the change in the PEL laws there might be more pubs willing to have sessions in them during opening hours which could make the festival even better.
Watch this space!!!