I rarely write on Mudcat these days. But Lizzie needs to understand the vagaries of the the festival world.

The organisers will have been inundated with performers wanting to play for nothing. That's the way things are.

When there was no festival scene people went as floor singers to a folk club to do a spot, and once they had been seen, asked the organisers if they could have a booking. This is no different really.

Some do it for exposure. Some do it because they are trying to get a foot on the ladder. But if you are unknown then this is what people do. Organisers do not book non-established artists and pay them.

However if you think they should - organise your own festival Lizzie. Just like you wanted to organise your own radio station to play the singer-songwriters you felt were neglected by other people who did have radio shows. Whatever became of that idea?

I genuinely offered to help you then - I am happy to offer to point you in the direction of organising a festival.

Start off by listening to the Archers. They are doing one on there.