I/we too have been made aware of the letter in the Lancaster Guardian, and the most unhelpful comments contained in it.

Is the author not aware of the large influx of people to Lancaster, who would not be there over the Easter period?

As Skipper Jack says, people come from all over the country and abroad to this important event. Including the artists, the number of visitors generated in Lancaster must certainly be numbered not in tens, but hundreds!

Has the author ever tried to find accommodation in Lancaster over the Easter period? It is almost impossible. All available beds are booked up months in advance. When else does this happen?

At a conservative estimate, my wife and I spent some £500 in Lancaster over this period, if other festival goers spend similar amounts, a considerable income must be received by the local businesses. I wonder when the last time the author spent this amount in her city over that weekend?

None of this income would be generated if it were not for events such as this.

Why do more locals not visit and enjoy THEIR festival and see what a superb advert it is for Lancaster? There is no age or race discrimination (as claimed) whatsoever.

As for the traditional Punch and Judy show being unacceptable, has she not watched children's television lately? Now that can be described as containing gratuitous violence!