The unnamed Irish singer mentioned by Ray Padgett is Tom McCarthy ... and he wasn't billed because he wasn't a booked artist. In fact, having travelled up on the train from London with him and one or two others, I think his decision to come to the festival was rather late in the day (and he thoroughly enjoyed himself). Racker Donnelly is certainly an acquired taste ... and can be quite intense ... but when he hits the right buttons is intensely funny!! (Although somebody really ought to fill him in with the correct history of Woking - severe distortion there !!! [grins])

Re the timetable, there certainly was a version up on the web last year (2008) - it was the only means I had of finding out when I was on the bill!!! (Different organisers). Sidmouth certainly publishes their full programme on the web about a month before the festival kicks off.

And as to feedback forms , I saw only one, in the hands of a lady in the Football club late on Friday night. I would certainly like to have had one to fill in, but had not seen one all week. (I gather from speaking to someone on that night that they were in the Festival office, but had been somewhat lacking in profile and visibility). Maybe someone should consider putting something up on the website??

The Wailer, principle organ of information about changes to events and venues, seemed to be lacking in visibility as well. I popped into the office nearly every day to get hold of one, but in previous years, I had normally bought mine from one of the venues. This year I didn't see hide nor hair of any at any of the venues I attended - was this a change I wonder?

Anyhow, a great week as always. Disturbing, though, to hear rumours that the politics of the local council might be involved in the double scheduling of the regatta against the festival. Tides were apparently suitable for the regatta two weeks before the festival week, and two weeks after it. Talking to a couple of local B&B owners they like the clash no more than we did, as it effectively loses them money. More worrying still the rumour that the council would like to see the festival moved to Scarborough!! For me the appeal of the festival is its traditional nature AND the charm of the location... I would certainly feel no attraction at all to the idea of going to Scarborough as the venue - please say it ain't so?