I have been to the festival at Goderich twice, about # 2 or 3 and about 5 or 6, also to both the festival and College for the last three years now. I did not know what to expect at mthis years College due to the great turnover in the "normal" teching staff. This year was a BLAST, the best mix I have had at the college, or ever heard at a festival. TO start with the College was incredible, classes from 9 to 4.30 concerts from 7.30 to 9.+++ singing and sessions until you had to leave and then hear about the next day from the hardier souls who managed to stay up until 2.30 or later.
Then the Festival. Crucible, who I heard the weekend before at Millrace, were brilliant. Also goodwere Crasdant (bought two CD's) Calasaig and Enterloupe. Pierre was fantastic with just the guitar accompanyment (sp?). Peter Kennedy who is 81 years old was just amazing, with respect he is an average performer but he is amazing to listen to. His stories of where he collected different songs, dances etc. from are so interesting you just don't want him to stop telling them to you.
Full marks to Warren and Eleanor for a BRAVE move that really paid off bigtime the mix of music from different parts of the Celtic globe (including England) was what really made it for me.
TOP THAT if you can, I for one will be back with my wife for two to see how next years gets even better. See you there if not before.
JohnB