There were two simple answers right from the start: although the rain did come during set up week, it didn't do any lasting damage and the huge marquees stayed watertight throughout; visitors poured in early on Saturday morning and appeared to do so again on Sunday. We had to wait as the weekend unfolded to learn the remaining answers.
Although an enclosed event, the several marquee-enclosed 'Halls' never gave a sense of being claustrophobic. Thanks to some clever planning, you could always see through a wide 'doorway' into yet another area containing a different aquatic interest, be it Trade Stands or a Competitive Show. A centrally situated refreshment area made a very convenient resting place between all sections!
Two areas were outstanding. The Discus Show commanded instant respect with its sweeping display of over 70 tanks with three large Discus filled aquariums being the first thing you encountered.
A magnificent bow-fronted aquarium (again containing Discus) was the backdrop for the VIP Reception Area - whoever decided to call it 'Grace Land' deserves a special award for inspiration. Furnished with very comfortable sofas, it made a hotel foyer entrance to the whole Show and, of course, Grace Nethersell used it to perfect advantage, taking reservations for next year from residents and Traders alike.
Joe says (Wednesday 17th October):
"Bookings are half full for next year already.
Book now and we'll hold the price!"
Contact Grace on 0208 847 3586 or email her HERE
But, naturally, the essence of the weekend for a lot of residents was the competitive side. The largest physical Shows - the Discus and Koi - ran literally side by side over the two days; on Saturday, the British Open, the Catfish, Killifish and Goldfish Shows taxed the brains of the Judges and the anxiety of the exhibitors. Sunday was no better, with the Festival Open Show and the FBAS Supreme Championship to contend with!
An innovative feature this year was the Society Furnished Aquarium Competition.
There were twelve entries and the judging was left to the visiting public rather than to official 'Federation-based' Judges. Voting was done by placing a ticket in the box alongside the aquarium of your choice, based on the question "Which Aquarium would you like to have in your home?"
Nearly 700 people voted and the winner, Ilford & District Aquarists and Pondkeepers Society, managed to top the poll in each of the public days. This attraction proved to be very popular with everyone and various Societies' members remarked what a great idea it was. Next year should be equally popular if such remarks are anything to go by.
Keeping with the furnished aquarium theme, two practical demonstrations by George Farmer and his team from ukaps.org, the online aquarium plants Society, showed how easily (and how technical maybe) a tank could be furnished; those returning later in each day could see the results of these demonstration which, on the face of it, were never going to be finished within the short time span allowed.
Although there were restrictions on the sale of fish, one very popular stand was where home-bred fish were displayed. Here, any aquarist could display up to four tanks of young fish for sale. Such was the attraction that 'stocks' nearly ran out on the first day.
Tucked away in mid-marquee was the Lecture Room - you probably missed its blacked out windows - and here the Guest Speakers, Bernd Degen, Charles Grimes, Adrian Taylor, Rupert Bridges and Dr Peter Burgess strutted their stuff to the followers of their various subject matters.
But the Festival wouldn't be the popular event it is without the residents.
Early Friday evening, it was a fair bet that the main topic of conversation wasn't necessarily the upcoming Football and Rugby matches to come over the weekend, but just the recurring "Great to see you again, how've you been, how are your fish doing?"
The social scene is just as important to most as are those tiddlers on the bench.
Tiddlers on the bench indeed, if you scrutinise the results of the various competitions. With all the 'big' winners being quite small fish, maybe there should be a stand space reserved for next year's Festival for the sale of redundant large tanks?
In all the seriousness of competition, there is always good humour and no less proof is needed than in the Adult Fancy Dress where Peter Furze really drew attention to himself with an outrageous costume. It seems that fishkeepers can keep a good sense of proportion about competitions and it is this great feeling of friendship that sets this Festival apart from anything other event in the aquatic world's calendar.
Thanks to all for coming, whether you were an exhibitor, resident, Judge, Trade representative, Guest Speaker, Day Visitor or Steward - you made it all worthwhile.
See you on the 10th October 2008!
