By Geoff Bowers

I JUST WANT TO SAY what a great job the A1 festival organisers did in creating a near-perfect situation for their first of what I have no doubt will be a permanent festival in the calendar. I felt it a shame that it was only a week prior to the North Wales Festival, since that is such a deservedly popular one that some would be forced to make an unwelcome choice. Given the enormity of the task though, I'm sure that circumstances must have conspired to make the date necessary.

The A1 festival preparation was a lesson to all on how it should be done. The dedicated website was a joy to behold and just oozed enthusiasm and efficiency. Everywhere I looked, no matter which publication I picked up, there it was.

Due to lack of available time, I was only able to get there by Saturday afternoon and the atmosphere on the campsite was just great.This professional campsite was neatly laid out and driving around the named roadways between tents and caravans (named after the bands appearing) we first came on an enthusiastic cajun band doing their stuff in fine manner. Further on, we heard a very nice bit of good old-timey music wafting across and of course, we heard lots of good quality bluegrass.

The phrase on many lips was that "This is going to be the new Edale!" and I know just what they mean. In my own opinion, it's already on the road to being even better! The halcyon days of Edale always had good Cajun and roots music on the fringe but the A1 doesn't stop there, it has them in their rightful place - on the stage. This way each style of closely associated music and dance gets exposed further afield than simply their own enthusiasts and enriches the whole weekend for all. No one feels marginalised and everything's fresh for all - I loved it. Call me shiftless, but I can't take part in three days of any one kind of music without climbing the walls!

The facilities at this purpose-built campsite are excellent and the whole family is catered for. The barn is pretty much ideal and not of the draughty and exposed variety that we are all so used to.

The sound provision by John Wirtz was top-flight. It was the first time that I've had the luxury of being asked if I had a special microphone which I would like to use and, when I said that I had, was offered the use of an identical one as a matter of course. There was even most impressive lighting effects hidden behind white translucent drapes behind and above us which changed the mood at will and was very effective and professional.

The crowd was most enthusiastic and there was a really good atmosphere in there helped in no small way by the antics of the Duffey Brothers.

This festival really has everything going for it: Luxury in facilities - a restaurant and even power hook-ups for the caravans; variety and equality of music and dance; a good central position in the country with perfect easy access from the A1; finally, a team of hard-working organisers who know from their own experience what is necessary to make a good festival. I'll be a permanent fixture there for sure.

More power to their elbow. Well done the Harrisons and all!

Geoff Bowers, Nottingham

21st Sept 2000