Maxwell is right to raise the issue if it upset his friend (who I hope made some money at other times during the festival btw).The publican should have dropped some subtle hints in the song and dance troupe's direction .When people are serious enough to start rehearsing at 8am ,they do tend to be focused on getting their acts together , but they should all at least have said thank you - particularly the person who arranged the venue. I'm sure they would have done if they knew the publican was doing them a good turn. Folkies may or not be tight ,but they do tend to be quite polite . I wasn't at Whitby mysef ,but please say thanks to your friend for his services to folk music on my behalf Max .