Well - a grand time indeed! Objective achieved - all fringe events! Fantastic quality in all of them and much more personal and intimate than the big concerts. I will buy a ticket and go back to the concerts as well but now I know what is happening outside I can happily mix the two.

The bonus was the music, bacon butties and tea (with rum!) in the food tent at the camp site later on. The new Gnome cave (2 man Vango Gamma 250) works very well too.

I only met one 'catter who I didn't know before, Col K. Hope to meet again soon Colonel!I did meet lots of other new friends and it was very nice to catch up with some old friends as well.

Highlights for me, musicaly? Scold Bridle at the 'Songs for the Jacinta' session. If you are reading this girls make sure you include 'Molly' more often in your sets! Brian Preston at the Victoria was even better than I remember from last time I saw him about 20 years ago. And still as funny. The Victora itself is a cracking good venue btw - Wonderful pint of Patricks Porter:-) I realy enjoyed Altar Native at the North Euston as well. Wasn't sure about all the electronic wizardry at first but it grew on me and certainly looks like a good direction in which to enhance folk music.

Well, thats about all I can remember for now. Things will filter back eventualy. Oh - one more thing - big thanks to whever arranged the weather. Magnificent!

Roll on Swinton Festival, Saturday October 25 is all I can add now.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome