Danesis you are being ridiculous if you honestly believe Shrewsbury could be done without PA. I have some sympathy for the no PA argument but it would have to be a very small festival and even then you will undoubtedly sacrifice balance and subtlety. Sound and consequential noise is Mr Red's hobby horse, but I don't think even he would suggest that we could do Shrewsbury without PA.

Let's get something clear; I will continually strive to provide good quality sound at Shrewsbury. And before you start berating me yet again, please consider that last year we were on a new site with two completely new marquees and one completely new sound system. I do not set out to upset people by providing sound which they are uncomfortable with. Last year 4,997 people went home very happy, 3 had a problem with the sound. Sound and venue positioning will be improved this year as will many other aspects of the festival. There will no increase in audience numbers and more attention paid to improving the overall visitor experience. Criticism is one thing but malicious attacks with the intention of damaging the festival are wrong and definitely not what I expect from people who describe themselves as folkies. It is all too easy to sit in judgment on others, but not so easy to actually get off your backside and make something happen.

Good luck to anyone who organises a folk festival; with or without PA. It is a difficult job, often made harder by the self appointed ones who sit in judgment, turn gossip and supposition into fact, question every motive, exaggerate the truth and set out to rubbish the hard work of others. Most of the people I meet in the folk world are good natured, tolerant, happy and caring. I am astonished that a very few pick a public platform to say absolutely anything they wish about artists and organisers; however hurtful. Mr Red (and to a lesser extent John Rouse - Danesis) have been putting the boot into me for many months, I think it is time to give me a break.