In 47 years around the folk scene, I have never seen litter as here described, nor seen fights break out at a folk festival.

Plenty of music played, sung, and listened to. Plenty of heavy drinking (sometimes, but not often, to the point of oblivion).

I have never attended a festival north of the Scottish border, so can't testify to that situation, but the description seems more akin to the scene of destruction after rock concerts, or raves.

I have serious doubts as to the veracity of the writer's account, and a deep suspicion of his motives, especially as UK folk festivals are generally family oriented affairs, and I would never have allowed my kids anywhere near the one described.

Don T.