For us, Chester was an hour's drive away. Our problems started at the outskirts of Chester - Hoole Road had a sign up simply saying Road Closed. We didn't know where the closure was, and turned into the network of side streets in search of Hoole Community Centre, fortunately emerging within reach of it.

The narrow terraced streets were packed with parked cars, but we got to the Centre and turned into the car park - only to find that it was already full. We managed to turn round and set off again through the terraced streets to find that elusive parking place.

We walked back to the centre and joined the queue at the door. When we got to the desk, we found a sign pinned up there - No tickets available for afternoon session! There were still spare seats but tickets were being held back for people who had reserved, but not necessarily paid for, them. Together with several others, we were turned away. Chester now seemed a much less attractive destination.

The organisers may consider the day a success, but for us it was a day wasted. Although we regularly attend the festival at Kelsall, this was our first visit to the Hoole Community Centre. Of course we could have reserved tickets; indeed we would have done if we had thought that there was any prospect of being turned away. For their part, perhaps the organisers could update their website and provide a contact for late enquiries.