I had a great time, as usual, and will dearly miss the festival if it doesn't take place again.

I still can't understand why the festival is free (and therefore always in financial crisis). Loads of folkies are happy enough to pay fifty squid for nearly every other weekend festival, so I don't understand why Lancaster isn't deemed worthy of a similar amount (with concessions as necessary). The voluntary "shipmates" donation this year was a step in the right direction but will never raise anywhere near what is necessary to sustain the festival.