The only festival I've been to is Fylde Folk Festival (I live in Fleetwood where it's held, so I can't ignore it really), and Alan Bell who organises it (and whoever else is involved) deserves my heartfelt gratitude, not just because of the unwavering high quality of the performers year-on-year, but also because the "fringe" seems to me to be an integral part of the festival, and this fringe is what has turned me on to folk music. Going to free performances in local pubs has introduced my ears to some great singers and great songs, and as I result I now attend my local singaround, I have re-discovered my love for playing the guitar, I've learnt the mandolin and discovered Irish session tunes, in short, Fylde Festival has re-vitalised my ears!

Whilst I'll certainly be buying tickets for "official" performances next year, without the fringe I may never have discovered this music, and so I think they have a vital role in getting the message out to the unconverted.


Cheers,

Baz.