Dave, I appreciate your kind and honest words,

I have learned that there are always those who find it hard to accept change and when I took over as Director many people didn't understand how it came about and seemed to look for fault and maybe wanted to turn back time, but I knew that I had inherited what I could see to be piece of something special, a festival that although small (by some standards)has a huge reputation as a renowned international FOLK and BOAT festival and I treated it with respect.

Until only a few days ago I had been asked to and was intending to choose and book the bands for next years festival but not be so involved in the full running of the festival, but sadly I will say that I once again have been put in a position where my integrity was being questioned and I decided that enough is enough, I have done my best for a festival that I have been truly passionate about and it has been a fantastic experience, I have met some wonderful people, been invited to some fab parties and can drop names with the best of them. I have also met people who have become good friends for life. I am very lucky to have had that opportunity and alongside that some of those same people have encouraged me to find 'my voice' and here I am a singer in a band!

As with many things run by committees and directors who are local good people they are not festival goers and don't understand the 'ethos' of the folk festival. Too many things being questions and decisions made behind my back.

Hence I walk away from a festival that has been the most successful in years and my reputation as a respected festival organiser is (by the messages of support I have received) not in doubt.

I am looking forward to new projects and working again with many of the good friends I have made in this folk business.

I do wish the current committee well and hope they continue the festivals success.

And Dave thank you,

Liz