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Considering this year's financial climate (the weather was far better!) the response to the Festival was excellent - not only was there an extra component in the shape of a Handicraft Marquee, but a late flood of residents came in too.
It appears that the Festival Team is now so practised that they can set up the Festival in almost no time flat as strolling around the site on the Friday evening revealed very little 'last minute' panics.
On the competitive side of things, entries looked well set, although the proposed Betta Show was decided against owing to last year's poor support. But a 'good news' event was the Society Furnished Competition which not only enjoyed the traditional 10 entries but also benefitted both by the provision of live plants and a huge cast-list of Judges (872 of them!) over the weekend. The quality of the furnishings was superb with all manner of design ideas.
Among the Specialist Shows, the Discus again attracted admiration from visitors and other competitiors alike. These statuesque fish may not have the activity of some of the other 'trops' but their dignified demeanour and, of course, fabulous colours more than made up for their apparent immobility. Congratulations to Tony Vaughan, who made it a double by repeating his win from last year.
The Goldfish Society of Great Britain reported an immense interest in their Open Show, especially from visitors and managed to pick up several new members over the weekend.
The excellently-staged Koi Festival again drew much attention with excellent fish onview. A couple of 'Koi Girls' actually sneaked away from duty to enter a Society Furnished Aquarium and had the audacity to walk off with 2nd Place!
Within the several marquee-enclosed 'Halls,' each 'aisle' had a theme whether it was Discus, Koi, Goldfish, Trade and Craft Stands or Competitive Fish Show areas.
The centrally-situated refreshment area made a very convenient resting place!
A very busy section contained the 'home-bred' fishes and there was a constant crowd of viewers and wouldbe buyers. Increased in size this year, it looks as if it'll be necessary to expand the space again next year!
But the Festival wouldn't be the popular event it is without the residents. Early Friday evening, the recurring topic of conversation was "Great to see you again, how've you been, how are your fish doing?" just going to prove that to some the social scene is just as important as the fish on the bench.
Saturday evening saw the traditional Children's Fancy Dress and, although there was only one entrant in the Adult version, one could not deny her enthusiasm! The 'social whirl' rounded off each day's fishy activities and the 'ABBA Girls' and 'Rod Stewart' were warmly applauded by their respective audiences.
See you in 2010 - you'd be wise not to miss it!