Certainly I agree, Helen, as I think I said back in a post some days ago. And sure, the not so good spots are the luck of the draw. And the Anchorage is a really good venue, and quiet too, but still with Joe Public in there. It's a really good chance to get through to non-folkies.

I think the venues do have to be near the West Pier, simply in terms of the performers getting from one venue to the next in double quick time! And because people should be able easily to dip in and out of the different venues as they wish.

I'd really like to see more folkies there as well as the public though.

Peter, I think your point about the Council dipping further into their pockets for a proper marquee is a bit of a forlorn hope, although undoubtedly a good idea - just an open-sided one would work, just so that the audience don't get rained on, but still feel the freedom to come and go with ease. A larger budget for performers would make life easier - six or seven different venues in one day is really a bit much for one act to do! More performers would allow a bit more time for us to support other performers too.

Barbara