We are based in Maidstone Kent, where we also share the running of a folk club. It is obvious that Weymouth Council think that the removal of sessions will mean more money from their venue(s). The only way to deal with this is to write off this year's festival, and show them how profitable a festival is with no folkies. They should be more than willing to listen to us next year. I shall not be at Weymouth this year unless their attitude changes radically. The same response would be appropriate for other authorities with the same mindset. I hate the idea of ruining a folk festival, but if we don't apply what little power we have NOW, we may never have another chance.

Don Thompson