• Andy Phillips (Stourbridge) writes “This festival was created without the financial safety net of any Arts Council grants or sponsored support and that its success depended entirely on ‘bums on seats’. I’ve been involved in local concert organisation and I’m only too aware of the time and trouble required. A number of Midlands BBMA members volunteered their services for the weekend, allowing Terry some power of delegation. The festival ran very smoothly and a good time was had by all, punters and helpers alike.”

• Jim Irvine of The Down County Boys writes “I think ‘scratch bands’, where people can have a taste of ‘performance mode’ without the pressure, should be adopted by all festivals. Terry’s idea is to encourage new bands - he thinks scratch bands will help with this and with promotion of Bluegrass. “The scratch band idea needs adopting.”

Scratch Band no.6:

Derek & Jean Brandon, Beth Holland & Peter Parker

• Barry Lowe (Oxford) writes: “A great venue for a small festival. Nice part of the country, easy access from motorways and a large friendly pub with character and good food. And it was nice not to be knee deep in mud despite rain. These smaller gatherings are enjoyable despite not attracting the US bands.
  “Two small complaints: No ‘programs’ and low on road signs. Large, easily-visible road signs give a great comfort to caravan towers and those with limited map reading skills!
  “The Concert worked well with the numbers present. I thought the earlier bands could have been given more numbers and the two last ones less with the stars perhaps split into two sessions.”
• “I Thoroughly enjoyed it - I like the informality - needs to be small and non-commercial; nice venue!”
• “I enjoyed it, but I think the ‘professional’ groups detracted from the idea of a picking festival.”
• ...and other similar gleanings.

The average of all the comments we received was “An excellent weekend!”

Updated 23rd Jan 1999