Josher,

You're right. It is a blow, but we're at pains to make it clear that it's not of our doing. The decision was made by the Folk Festival when Nick Burbridge had to pull out.

But, with all due respect to Nick and Dom Collins too Breakfast With Barker is Breakfast with Barker and I'm sure Les will not take offence when I remark that there's no show without Punch.

I spoke to Les when he did a gig for us here at Easter. He too was disappointed not to be here this weekend for what,as you rightly say, has become something of an institution.

We very much hope that 2007 will see a return to the status quo. You may make up your own jokes based on the last sentence.