Well there were alternatives.

The traders tent was empty in the afternoon and the traders spent most of their time selling to each other. I know I was one.

Some people spent time in the beer tent. A stage had been put up there and sessions both arranged and impromptu seemed to be going on.

There were events in the kids tent - I know I saw them busy as I went past.

There was a second stage with events all afternoon. And I looked outside a few times and saw very few people standing around.