On 15/07/07, Mike Stevens <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Sunday, July 15, 2007 10:39 AM [GMT+1=CET], > > I go quite a long way with what Adrian says on this point
Me too - but for different reasons. For a start I'd challenge the idea that the waterways actually need publicising in the way they used to in the days when each Festival in its own way was fighting for the very existance of the system. What's the use, I ask, encouraging more and more people to the waterways when there aren't even enough moorings and other basic facilities for them once they've bought a boat? What's the use crowding the waterways with so many people that their sense of separateness from contemporary life which is their greatest attraction is gradually eroded? The National was first conceived as a campaigning event, and the growth of the periphery 'entertainment' around it was just a way of giving people something to do once they'd arrived at the site. Nowadays, that campaigning element has been boxed off and compartmentalised, and the National's become a commercial event - though IMO, not a particularly good one compared to, say, Crick. So it's neither one thing or the other: neither good for trade nor good for politics. Increasingly, it's not much good socially either. More and people can't be bothered going to be moored in a field somewhere miles from the site. OK, the various clubs that do block bookings keep alive the spirit of the old Festivals, but the days when could amble around the site and pretty-well be sure of seeing all your waterways friends have long gone. Steve [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
