Hi Zozimus

I hope you get your pint from Liberty Boy!

Liverpool clubs and pubs on a Friday night are an experience everyone should try once, (and once only!) but the so-called Irish bars should be avoided at all costs. However since nobody else has yet mentioned it, may I draw attention to The Liverpool Irish Festival, of which perhaps you may already be aware?

The Eddie Butcher festival sounds as if it was great; I've already said that I think Len's illustrations to his book are superb - the videos must be something else again!

After my complaining that work has prevented me from attending so many festivals my employers have found a very elegant solution; they have invited me to volunteer to retire early at the end of this year so I may attend as many festivals as I wish in the future!

Matthew