I was at Cheltenham Festival - the first UK Folkfest of the year. From what I saw, the whole thing was a great success, and certainly a sell-out. It was a pity that the real ale sold out on the Saturday night but according to the organiser, the suppliers refused to believe just how much real ale the folkies would shift! He at least had the satisfaction of saying 'I told you so.' Bellowhead were very impressive and got people up and dancing in the aisles and the standard of musicianship from the other turns I heard (John Dipper Band, Equation) was very high. I hear that Sharon Shannon had PA problems on the Saturday, but I was in the singaround then. The group I'm in (Puzzlejug) did their bit and got complemented for the performance. The Morris dancers got cold and wet but soldiered on. Moor Music are favourites of mine because I know about their Devon heritage, and Rob Murch has got to be the best banjo player playing English folk music.

So I would say it a good time was had by (nearly) all. I heard of a few frustrations of queuing for events, but all was sorted in the end.

Get your ticket early next year.

Gwilym