Tig that's a good idea and one that is used at some festivals at which I trade. Trouble with my little shop is that if the weather is horrible, no one wants lemonade so I'm sitting there doing nothing. Some festivals take pity on me and return some of my pitch fee, or reduce it the following year. These are the very big festivals I attend. Asking me to pay a set small fee, then 10% on my takings over that amount, works well for the festival if it's hot [and of course me] and if it's bloody awful weather, at least I can afford the fuel home!

I also believe that not putting the price up on my lemonade helps parents buy a drink that's not full of additives etc. If it cost more than a pound a cup, and you have say 4 children, that's an expensive treat. So if my overheads are kept to a minimum that helps my sales, and the festival does as well as I do.

The tender thing at Shrewsbury might only apply to caterers, but I know other festivals have started asking since last year. I maintain I will not be partaking in that sport.

One festival I am attending this year, having not done it before, has asked me to buy a £50 ticket for my assistant!!! I will be doing that festival single handed even tho it's one of the biggest music festivals in the country. I have suggested to them that it's dangerous for me to run my trailer single handed, because of the risk of leaving my trailer unattended during trading hours with the boiler bubbling (I use hot water for washing utensils and hands etc.) The EHO won't be happy with that... I've heard nothing from them as yet. (it's not Shrewsbury, you are always very fair towards me and mine, for which I'm grateful).

I dare say I shall have more to say, but that will do for now, I'm tired!

Sal