Well, The locals knew about it. I did attend sessions leading up to the event. I advertised in local publications and Steve sent press releases to all the local news papers. (I accompanied a photogrpher around the town on Sunday so the photos will be in The South Shropshire Journal) Posters went up all over the place, but I found that posters in BC were taken down and I had to replace them 4 times! Oh and most of the road signs were stolen.

The people who ran the story walk on the saturday morning were supposed to be running the tellaround in the afternoon, but decided not to turn up! We had to apologise to the local children who turned up for that event and send them to the Jester on the playing field instead!

Last year the story telling people organised an evening of stories on the Friday night and that was a complete loss.
9 people turned up, one child, who fell asleep. This was the first year we decided to have a concert on the Friday night. This was to celebrate 5 years of BCFW for which we had money from the local Council Arts Fund. Usually we advertise the event as 'the fringe without the main event'. The singarounds and music sessions are exactly the same as the local ones so I think it could be a territoral thing. A lot of the local folkies don't go to festivals and their fringes and don't want to mix with 'foreigners'.

I agree the footie does kill events and trading. what can I say? It's all my fault, the locals don't like me! (Tongue in cheek) I also think that there is a personal element preventing the local music makers from coming. If I asked them they would make polite excuses but I think it's got something to do with my ex-marriage. Loyalties and not offending him etc. Ah well, ces't la vie.

I've been beaten. So if anyone else can organise a folk event in BC I'd be willing to pass on any info etc., maybe they can make a better job of it. I'm moving away and starting a new life looking after my agen parents. I'm even changing my name!

I may sound disappointed, but actually I'm glad it's all over for me. The stress has taken its toll and I need a rest. I do too many things and need to shed a few. I think my kids'll agree. Steve too should the truth be known!

Sal