Petworth Festival 2008 - a triumph?

The organiser declares this year's Petworth Festival a triumph. Well maybe. The one I went to was very enjoyable. It really is rather amazing that a town the size of Petworth has a festival at all let alone one that attracts world class performers like June Tabor. Judging by how hard it was to park outside my house most nights it was certainly well attended. I can't help thinking though that the last minute decision to cancel the big public spectacle in Market Square was a huge mistake that coloured the whole atmosphere of the festival. The reason given was health and safety concerns. But many events take place in Market Square without any problems. (The clue is in the name.) One particular event, the Charter Fair, has been going on since the Middle Ages. I really really hope that this hasn't set a precedent. One of the great joys of living in Petworth is that the town gets used as a proper town with things going on in its centre, despite it being bang on an A road. The Christmas celebrations there are particularly magical. If the Music Festival makes it difficult for future events in the Square, that will be very bad news indeed.