Shambles

John Barden is being realistic. The hotels like the Bedford and the Royal York accommodate folkies and non-folkies, and have to consider what their residents are likely to want next August. The Bedford is more folk-friendly than the Royal York - Colin plays in the sessions, and festival events have been programmed in at the Bedford dining room, including the sublime Folk Quiz. If they have lots of residents who have come for folk music there may be sessions, but otherwise, probably not. The current staff at the Volunteer hate folk music and only tolerate it because of the extra income during the festival.

The fringe is not separate from the organised festival. All the really good fringe sessions - including the Middle Bar - have been augmented by contributions from booked guests, and the owners of the venues are aware of this, as are the participants.

Kitty