by general jack o'niell » Thu Sep 13, 2007 2:26 pm
buy a marquee with all that goes with it, there should be funding available to help out, then it can be used throughout the year, its a one off cost, if the fest runs at a loss for a year or two to pay it off then so what, i don't picture it going away so it will eventually be recouped. does the fest as an organisation actually own anything? they hire venues, PA etc, willie supplies lights, so does it have any assets? if not then a marquee would be a good solid investment as would a good standard PA system, they could be hired out during the year to cover costs, if all that they look for is an income to recoup the initial outlay then they could compete with companies who do this professionally. afterall it would only be needed for one weekend in the town.
if the event runs at a loss for a year or two so what? once you have the facility it gives a fourth venue, fifth if the school is used too, just that would effectively double the size of the weekend. the present, somwething for the old folks, saturday night headliner and sunday "everyone will go, cos its traditional" is getting to be a bit insular, no criticism intended, just an opinion looking from the outside.
such a plan would springboard a huge surge in interest from both the public and from bands, i know theres quite a few bands that come every year just because of the great atmosphere generated in the town, having an established premanent outdoor venue would only increase this interest, its probably surprising the amount of bands that would want to return year after year just because its a great place to play, the money side of things would take care of themselves if this was achieved.
oh and i still want the wigwambams next year, jimmyD and the boys are going strong and have just returned form the shetlands where they played two storming nights