REVIEW BY FEE
Not a festival in the 'normal' sense of the word, but a series of workshops where everyone could take part. Many different workshops & many, many different instruments! Nice to hear the Celtic Bagpipes & African Drums! The one thing both Celtic & African Music has in common is percussion which was carried out from the workshops into the camp site. This produced a great community atmosphere.

People, coming together around campfires enjoying expanding their experience in many different forms of percussion instruments. Next year we'll certainly be taking instruments with us, although there were a range of percussion instruments on sale at the various stalls. Lack of funds prevented us buying some this time round :-( .

One woman was over-heard to complain that the drum beats from around the campfires kept her awake! But I think that was her problem as it certainly added a great atmosphere to the site.

Some great food was available on site & wasn't overpriced (compared to the commercial festivals it was very cheap!!)

There was a solar shower which like all solar showers was limited by the amount of water which would be heated up with the UK sunshine. There was also a shower block where I discovered the water was cold. It was one of those "It's great now it's stopped" experiences! So a HUGE THANKS to 'Sams' for coming along with their Sauna & Shower!

There were plenty of recycle collection points which just about everyone was using so that the site stayed pretty tidy throughout ACE.

On the downside the bore hole which supplied water for the site couldn't keep up with demand, so that the water had to be switched off to allow the tank to refill. It was hot weather & there were a few disgruntled mutterings in the queue when the water came back on. For those, like ourselves, who took a large water container it wasn't a hassle, but for those with a limited carrying capacity it did cause problems.

Overall, water problems aside, ACE does not have the continual line up of bands of a traditional 'festival'. But ACE is a good way to spend a relaxing time especially if you want to join in with the many workshops (musical & dance), meet some great people from many different cultures & enjoy the impromptu campfire get-togethers.