That was me talking about busking at festivals, which is often a 'carrying coals to Newcastle' thing (perhaps there's a more appropriate American adage?). I've no problem with buskers - perhaps some day I'll be out there myself!

There can be a problem at festivals if buskers are occupying street spots used by the festival for outdoor stuff (dance displays, mummers plays...). The buskers that I've met have always been very accomodating, though. I agree that when that is the case, the festival and the public can only be the winners. Although I do remember one hot summers day in Whitby (I must have a good memory!) when an official singaround had to compete with a trumpet player outside. That wasn't so much fun.

Les