Ohhh stop moaning.
Let's have some positives.
Seth.... what a gem of a concert and an opportunity to test the heavy handed stewarding. Didn't Oliver Cromwell try to ban dancing? How unnatural to remain seated through that performance. Go Seth go and bring some people into our world.
Roy Bailey and Chumbawamba.. great to see the Socialist Worker selling his wares and then taking his seat. Roy was just so happy to be there, I thought he would kiss John and Martin. The beautiful simplicity of Chumbawamba..no analysing there.. but a lasting memory of OS maps as porn!!!
Those fireworks... what a spectacle and fitting end to the week. That "fan" just before the end.. stunning. Loved the people who had set up a table on the road outside the Bedford to watch the parade. How civilised.
The lovely atmosphere in the Blackmore Gardens.. the chap singing "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly".. the kids were enraptured. That is what the world of folk should be about - continuity and family. Thanks to Phillipa for all her hard work for the children's festival - NOONE ever mentions the hard work done there, invlolving the kids...and why no Chipolatas for the last couple of years...join in now.. ONE BALL ON THE FLOOR, ONE BALL ON THE FLOOR...

Norma and Mike Waterson's session in the Bedford..what an opportunity to gain an insight into their early days.

The "tea time" slots in the war memorial club.. for all who were not there, you missed some gems.

Strolling along the prom and enjoying the stalls... do you make the effort to talk to none folkies visiting the town for the day who are amazed how safe the environment felt? How their perception of folk had changed from their experience that day? Can't see how that would happen at Cambridge.

Taking a stroll along the Byes on the first Friday (what a beautiful aspect of Sidmouth) and seeing the people who had set deckchairs in the ford, were playing tunes and having a BBQ...what a way to start the week.

Great food at Chez Nous.. thanks...lovely crab sandwiches from the fish place... Georgies pies as good as ever, although they had obviously not understood the previous owner when he told them they would be quite busy folk week - they quickly learnt when their shelves were full on Sunday and the sign said open till midnight. A fantastic lunch at The Secret Garden and great mussels at both Dukes and Clovelly House. (The food options have definitely improved in the last 12 months).

And the lemonade... I'd kill for that recipe!!

Great Western Morris on Thursday evening.. so many good dancers when so many sides struggle to make the numbers. Which links me to the great bar staff at the lastminuuteceilidhs..thanks folks.

How often do you see a miserable ceilidh dancer? Some people just spend the whole week dancing, never missing a dance and never stopping smiling. What energy and what an array of footwear chosen specifically for dancing.


Can't wait for next year..