Gardening Festivals [Merge]

MoominPapa

There a big plant stall at the Docklands Maritime festival thats well worth checking out. We got a lovely alium, a passion flower and a poker type plant for 14 quid. Prices in general seemed very reasonable and the quality is top notch, all the plants we bought have plenty of flowers to come.

foamcutter

There could also be some bargain's to be had at Bloom in the Phoenix Park tomorrow (Monday) as it is the last day of the show and the exhibitors might not want to take everything back with them.

hairymolly

Anyone been to Bloom? Was there last year, surprised no reference to it on telly or here. How was it?

Irish Gardener

I think you need to go where the gardeners are.
Loads of pics and comments on Irishgardeners.com as mentioned in my signature.

Sonnenblumen

More info here: http://www.bloominthepark.com/
or better still for much more authoritive info on gardening/plants etc go here: http://www.garden.ie/news.aspx

beolight

i was at last years one and came away full of enthusiasm but not this time this has now become a money making exercise

25 euros entrance price for adults and 15 for kids?? a tad much i think

i strolled though the first hall and i was totally put off the show by the time i exited it, it wasnt about flowers/trees and presenting something new it was about selling/selling , after seeing a stand selling ladies shoes i searched for nearest exit


the show gardens didnt really inspire and generally added to the feeling of claustrophobia jeez its the phoenix park surely more space could of been set aside for what after all is what the show is meant to be about

i actually had seen the plans for the ford garden by meadow a couple of weeks ago and was looking forward to seeing it in the flesh but when i finally found it it looked tiny and insignificant and was totally spoiled by the sponsors product placement .


hopefully the OPW will revise the handling and direction of this show or if they are only landlords their participation in it

this really is a good concept and in the right location. It could be a launching pad for irish garden designers but sadly the gardening and landscaping fraternity here in ireland are letting a great opportunity escape i think

Sonnenblumen

etcetc wrote: »

went to bloom yesterday still reeling from cost

75 notes for 3 adults 25 euros for adult 15 for a child do they think this is the chelsea flower show

add in 5 euro parking, 5 euro sandwiches, 2.50 soda drinks, 3 euros icecreams and you get the picture, show catelogue 5 euro

when i was leaving i gave my tickets to a couple waiting in queue might be worth been cheeky

i didnt see a hell of lot of bargains a lot of nurseries using opportunity to sell at full retail

also seen a lot of non gardening related stands i hate to think that this is going to go same route as all other similiar shows and just turn into a retailing opportunity

the organisers could also have put up a bit more signage

didnt really see any great innovation in the show gardens and surely it wouldnt hurt the designers to make themselves more approachable and accessible to the public a lot of them seemed quite content to relax on their loungers or in their gazebos


overall disapointing i think some other less profit orientated group should take on this event

BLOOM might aspire to being an Irish equivalent of Chelsea but like all such large events there are several dimensions directly/indirectly relevant to 'garden enjoyment'. Perhaps a representative from Bord Bia (the Sponsors), or Expo (The Organisers) will reply.

Whatever about your criticism of admission costs, others like parking etc are trivial and by and large market rates. I saw many people take their own sandwiches and sit out in the beautiful weather and I'm sure had enjoyable picnics.

Believe you me, it is very expensive to be at BLOOM be it within the Show garden area and/or in/outdoor exhibition areas, expecting to find big bargains is perhaps wishful.

Yes there was a lot of selling, but also a lot of demonstrations (even on Show gardens). Major sponsors were more in evidence this year, that said there were also many more exhibitors and wider categories.

Show gardens demand considerable effort and it is important that the creators manage their time/opportunity effectively. There is no obligation to provide any public service, but perhaps more through exhaustion/relief would access appear restricted. There were also several opportunities for public discussion at the garden clinics.

The future success of BLOOM will largely depend on public support but within an overall commercial context.

I hope you enjoyed the weather!

John Mason

i really wanted to go, so rolled up with OH in tow, who has to be said was kicking his feet at being dragged to a flower show.


then what do we we see €25.00 each!!!!!!!!!! i think not, so we head off to Farmleigh for the day instead

etcetc

@ sonnenblumemm thanks for your input i wasnt going there looking for a bargain just inspiration which sadly was lacking also im sorry for pointing out rip off admission and catering prices maybe i should just shut up and put up with it

actually i did see madflowers offer good price on bux balls and bay trees but when i looked at quality of plants decided against it

if EXPO are left with carte blanch on this show it will quickly descend into farce they run a lot of events like this and when interest wanes from the target exhibitors or when they want to increase their profits they will let anybody who is willing to pay for a stand

i wonder do EXPO financially support any of the garden designers from the gate receipts/programe sales/exhibitors stand charges or are they left entirely to their own means and/or try find a sponsor

of course it has to be run within a commercial context there is a lot of interest from big name sponsors, the OPW own the land, board bia is a state company

who runs the chelsea show?

when bloom reaches the standard of chelsea then by all means they can price
admission at those levels but it certainly isnt chelsea and it it is not guided by the same ethos as chelsea

some good points...

the weather
phoenix park
the kids playground
the kids gardens and interactive gardens which you could go into
dicksonia fern trees stand

Curvy Vixen

Has anyone been or heard about anything to do with the home and garden show at Belvedere House next weekend?

We were debating on going if the weather keeps up. It's a tenner in which is fine.

We were at the garden festival at Emo last year and I have to say that we thought it was a bit pants tbh It was just a bit like, "Oh is that it??"

siochain

irishbird wrote: »

i really wanted to go, so rolled up with OH in tow, who has to be said was kicking his feet at being dragged to a flower show.


then what do we we see €25.00 each!!!!!!!!!! i think not, so we head off to Farmleigh for the day instead

snap,

checked out the prices on the net before hand and said no way €50 for a family ticket, then as etcetc pointed out €5 for parking, thats crazy. While some think pointing out additional costs are trival I think is important as it all adds up to what looks like a very expensive day. The sun can be enjoyed anywhere, when its out.

stapeler

Curvy Vixen wrote: »

Has anyone been or heard about anything to do with the home and garden show at Belvedere House next weekend?

We were debating on going if the weather keeps up. It's a tenner in which is fine.

We were at the garden festival at Emo last year and I have to say that we thought it was a bit pants tbh It was just a bit like, "Oh is that it??"

Here's the details on Belvdere House http://www.belvedere-house.ie/docs/garden%20festival.pdf

IrishGardener, Nice pictures from Bloom, thankyou

Gavin

I was there as an assistant to one of the designers - Not hard to guess who! - throughout the build and actual show. We were there last year as well.

Bord Bia are the 'owners' of the event. Expo are the contracted event organisers. Their contract continues for one more year and then is up for tender. There was a significant effort to make money this year from the show, as stated by Gary Graham, the Bord Bia man in charge of the show.

From our point of view, the build was poorly organised. There was no electricity, despite having paid for it. Running water was turned off in the evenings for several days. The soil we were working with was atrocious. Extremely compacted, full of stones. It would have been trivial for the organisers to have the soil tilled beforehand. Out of 10 days allocated to the build for small gardens, we spent at least two hacking at the ground with a pick axe. This was a common complaint, at least from all the small garden designers.

Designers were encouraged to incorporate lighting into the gardens, but there was only one late evening where the lighting could be demonstrated and this late evening was extremely difficult to get tickets to. The designers themselves were allocated one ticket and the rest sold out immediately.

The show itself was more organised than last year, more spacious, and actual solid footpaths to walk on. They obviously learned from the washout of last year. The weather was fantastic and the people I was talking to from the garden were relatively pleased with the event. We thought the tickets were too expensive alright. Several people we knew didn't bother go because of the price, and that was even with us exhibiting and encouraging them to come along !

etcetc wrote: »

i wonder do EXPO financially support any of the garden designers from the gate receipts/programe sales/exhibitors stand charges or are they left entirely to their own means and/or try find a sponsor

There is absolutely no money offered to designers from Expo/Bord Bia. The designer must pay for everything. The designer must pay a deposit on the garden, the electricity, even the posts and rope had to be paid for. In addition of course the designer must pay for everything in the garden and advertising. This can be accounted for somewhat with product placement and sponsorship. Sponsorship however is hard to come by. The costs mount up, including a skip at the end to remove waste/rubbish from the garden. For a self employed garden designer, it's a heavy burden. This was the situation for most of the small garden designers, ranging from costs of around €3000 to maybe €7000 or €8000. It remains to be seen if the investment will prove worthwhile !

Irish Gardener wrote:

I think you need to go where the gardeners are.
Loads of pics and comments on Irishgardeners.com as mentioned in my signature.

Saw your photos. A few of our garden and some nice comments. Much appreciated ! I've tried to organise a Bloom 08 group on flickr as well, if anyone here uses that.
http://flickr.com/groups/807141@N22/pool/

etcetc

nice to hear from a participant of sorts:)i hope the investment pays off or at least raises the designers profile

Bord Bia are the 'owners' of the event. Expo are the contracted event organisers. Their contract continues for one more year and then is up for tender. There was a significant effort to make money this year from the show, as stated by Gary Graham, the Bord Bia man in charge of the show.

thanks for the clarification. does this mean they lost money last year?, hence the price increase. at least we know now that the future of the show will be driven by profit and not a showcase of gardening excellence

i hate to say it (as despite the weather conditions last year i enjoyed it but not this year way too much emphasise on commercialism) but it seems the show gardens will soon become a minor part of show if they continue in this direction. next year perhaps we will get a show garden made up entirely of sponsors logos in flowers of course:) or perhaps a garden with a kellogs lorry in the middle of it and some corn plants of course

There was no electricity, despite having paid for it. Running water was turned off in the evenings for several days

did the organisers refund these costs?

We thought the tickets were too expensive alright. Several people we knew didn't bother go because of the price, and that was even with us exhibiting and encouraging them to come along !

me too lots of others also thought same judging by comments on radio shows this week. also i witnessed a lot of people turning on their heels at the gates when they found out the admission cost

There is absolutely no money offered to designers from Expo/Bord Bia. The designer must pay for everything. The designer must pay a deposit on the garden, the electricity, even the posts and rope had to be paid for. In addition of course the designer must pay for everything in the garden and advertising. This can be accounted for somewhat with product placement and sponsorship. Sponsorship however is hard to come by. The costs mount up, including a skip at the end to remove waste/rubbish from the garden. For a self employed garden designer, it's a heavy burden. This was the situation for most of the small garden designers, ranging from costs of around €3000 to maybe €7000 or €8000. It remains to be seen if the investment will prove worthwhile !

didnt think they did, the other stuff ropes/posts etc is typical EXPO stuff and it all adds up i know

im still a bit confused about how the bigger sponsors come into the picture ford,woodies etc are these organised by bord bia and then farmed out to the designers who then in effect have their gardens paid for?

the product placement in the ford garden was a joke and wouldnt be accepted anywhere else and the fact that it was awarded a bronze calls into question the bona fides of the judges

Gavin

etcetc wrote: »

nice to hear from a participant of sorts:)i hope the investment pays off or at least raises the designers profile

Cheers ! Me too !

thanks for the clarification. does this mean they lost money last year?, hence the price increase. at least we know now that the future of the show will be driven by profit and not a showcase of gardening excellence

I'm not certain on this. All I know is that Gary Graham said a significant effort was being made to ensure that the show succeeded in its own right. This does imply that Bord Bia made a loss last year and are eager to recoup in future years.

i hate to say it (as despite the weather conditions last year i enjoyed it but not this year way too much emphasise on commercialism) but it seems the show gardens will soon become a minor part of show if they continue in this direction. next year perhaps we will get a show garden made up entirely of sponsors logos in flowers of course:) or perhaps a garden with a kellogs lorry in the middle of it and some corn plants of course

Yes, there was a noticeably different attitude this year in the show, even during the build. It was not as friendly, although the small garden designers all got on very well.

did the organisers refund these costs?

No. It was not made clear that the electricity was only for during the show, for lighting/water features. Several people were extremely annoyed about this.

didnt think they did, the other stuff ropes/posts etc is typical EXPO stuff and it all adds up i know

im still a bit confused about how the bigger sponsors come into the picture ford,woodies etc are these organised by bord bia and then farmed out to the designers who then in effect have their gardens paid for?

There is some confusion about this alright. Certain designers were informed of companies wishing to sponsor gardens. Other designers were not.

In order to get a perfect garden, in general, money is needed. Money to pay reliable contractors with the right equipment to get things done quickly, instead of the designer doing it themselves. Money to buy quality plants/trees, to ensure that the plant suppliers actually provide what they say they will. Money for advertising and money for all those finishing touches. Several decisions made in our garden were based on a limited budget. We know from discussion with the judges that if we were able to choose what we wanted to choose, rather than what we had to choose, our medal would have been at least one grade better.

This in general can be seen from the majority of Gold & Silver-Gilt medals being awarded to sponsored gardens where a much larger budget is available, allowing for a perfect implementation of the garden brief.

This is all my opinion anyway, just from observing the show as a non-designer/horticulturist. Obviously, without a good design and brief, even with sponsorship, the garden will be going nowhere !

Sonnenblumen

What's the point of someone making critical comment about an event they have little knowledge of or do not support whilst another person appears to be confused about the design process and the logistical challenges of creating a Show Garden or even a Display area.

One key point is that the Show Gardens will not and should not be the Highlight of the event, because frequently many gardens and the associated designers/creators are not commercially viable and thus a poor basis on which to build an event that must at some point be commercially viable. That said, I accept the show gardens will be important for some visitors and accept overall show gardens are an important show feature, but they are not 'THE SHOW'. As in previous years but also this year Design cliches were to be found in abundance but so too good examples of poorly executed construction/planting, in some instances absolutely appalling standards. There were also limited but nonetheless examples of well designed and well executed gardens.

I do agree that the absence of power during build up etc was unacceptable and also some other asspects were lacking. That said every designer must take responsibility for implementing the brief, afterall, it was he/she who developed the design. Reminscent of throwing stones in glasshouses.

Gavin

What's the point of someone making critical comment about an event they have little knowledge of or do not support whilst another person appears to be confused about the design process and the logistical challenges of creating a Show Garden or even a Display area.

To whom are you referring here ?

One key point is that the Show Gardens will not and should not be the Highlight of the event, because frequently many gardens and the associated designers/creators are not commercially viable and thus a poor basis on which to build an event that must at some point be commercially viable. That said, I accept the show gardens will be important for some visitors and accept overall show gardens are an important show feature, but they are not 'THE SHOW'. As in previous years but also this year Design cliches were to be found in abundance but so too good examples of poorly executed construction/planting, in some instances absolutely appalling standards. There were also limited but nonetheless examples of well designed and well executed gardens.

Well, surely Chelsea or Hampton court are renowned for their show gardens, and are in fact 'THE SHOW'. Anything else at the show is 'extra'. I'd also like to hear which gardens you felt were appalling. Given your comments about throwing stones in glasshouses, you could at least make your opinions clear.

I do agree that the absence of power during build up etc was unacceptable and also some other asspects were lacking. That said every designer must take responsibility for implementing the brief, afterall, it was he/she who developed the design. Reminscent of throwing stones in glasshouses.

Did you implement a garden and if so, what garden did you implement, out of curiosity ?

etcetc

What's the point of someone making critical comment about an event they have little knowledge of or do not support whilst another person appears to be confused about the design process and the logistical challenges of creating a Show Garden or even a Display area

perhaps your taking another dig at me anyways i made my comments because it is important to address these issues now Bloom will not survie without public support or enthusiasm for it. I do support the original thinking behind bloom hence my disapointment this year if they continue to go this route with it bloom will turn into yet another home garden exhibition just like all the rest of them.

i do believe the irish gardening/landscaping fratenity here are missing a huge opportunity to develop and market their products/services . The event should be all about the show gardens/plant growers and developing and supporting new designers/growers.This is the part they should be concentrating on as this is what creates the buzz and fuels public interest(footfall) the private sector will jump on this and the event will become an annual success.

One key point is that the Show Gardens will not and should not be the Highlight of the event, because frequently many gardens and the associated designers/creators are not commercially viable and thus a poor basis on which to build an event that must at some point be commercially viable. That said, I accept the show gardens will be important for some visitors and accept overall show gardens are an important show feature, but they are not 'THE SHOW'.

no you are missing the point here. everybody wants to have a nice garden and the vast majority of us do not have money to throw away however this does not stop us dreaming and wondering what if. nonetheless we look and marvel we watch countless garden design shows, we buy books/magazines and whilst realising we will never have the funds to do it like they do on tv or in magazines BUT perhaps we can scale it down, modify it a bit or maybe you just see one plant that fills a problem spot

As in previous years but also this year Design cliches were to be found in abundance but so too good examples of poorly executed construction/planting, in some instances absolutely appalling standards. There were also limited but nonetheless examples of well designed and well executed gardens.

would also be interested in how you rated each show garden and if you think any of them would of created any buzz at chelsea

Well, surely Chelsea or Hampton court are renowned for their show gardens, and are in fact 'THE SHOW'. Anything else at the show is 'extra'.

agreed also might i add in the best in show for plant growers

Sonnenblumen

etcetc wrote: »

perhaps your taking another dig at me anyways i made my comments because it is important to address these issues now Bloom will not survie without public support or enthusiasm for it. I do support the original thinking behind bloom hence my disapointment this year if they continue to go this route with it bloom will turn into yet another home garden exhibition just like all the rest of them.

i do believe the irish gardening/landscaping fratenity here are missing a huge opportunity to develop and market their products/services . The event should be all about the show gardens/plant growers and developing and supporting new designers/growers.This is the part they should be concentrating on as this is what creates the buzz and fuels public interest(footfall) the private sector will jump on this and the event will become an annual success.



no you are missing the point here. everybody wants to have a nice garden and the vast majority of us do not have money to throw away however this does not stop us dreaming and wondering what if. nonetheless we look and marvel we watch countless garden design shows, we buy books/magazines and whilst realising we will never have the funds to do it like they do on tv or in magazines BUT perhaps we can scale it down, modify it a bit or maybe you just see one plant that fills a problem spot



would also be interested in how you rated each show garden and if you think any of them would of created any buzz at chelsea



agreed also might i add in the best in show for plant growers

I disagree with your interpretation of what Bloom is and what it may become. To see it as a gardening event is 'too narrow' and it is patently clear that Bloom must avoid a similar fate of other doomed events from over reliance on 'Show gardens' etc many of which have luckily disappeared off the radar. I do agree that ultimately Bloom will without the public (paying) support fail.

What big opportunity do you speak of ? The Irish horticultural industry is with the exception of a few hugely successful companies is full of 'lifestyle' potential dinosaur family owned and managed companies. Most landscaping companies employ less than 3 people, many appear to rely on basic forms of business promotion, so how do such companies exploit Bloom?

Designers who have little or no first hand experience of project management, project execution etc etc are given a window of opportunity and yet jump in the blame game because the ground is tough to dig and seek to blame others. Whereas an experienced company would make provision for site challenges the inexperienced, the poorly resourced etc etc well cry about things.

If you really are enthusiastic about supporting the development of Irish Landscaping and horticulture, well why not do it a more practical way. Instead of bemoaning the commercialisation of a new event, and hard effort and investment by many organizations and commercial entities to make it work, take a broader view of what constitutes the outdoor space: plants and trees for sure but a whole lot more besides.

I believe that it is within this broader 'outdoor living' context that the future success of the event will be found.

The Sweeper

Just an aside note on parking at events in Dublin. In the grand scheme of Europe, America and Australia, five euros is not expensive to park at an event in the capital city of your country. There are plenty of other cities in the world where, if you were even ABLE to park at an event like this, you'd shell out far, far more than five yoyos.

Parking at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) in Birmingham: at least £8. Parking at Wembley Arena - changes depending who's playing, generally around £15. Australia - Melbourne Cricket Ground - parking at least $8. The Telstra Dome, starts at $2 for half an hour, flat rates evenings and weekends start at $8. Sydney Opera House: $9 for an hour, $19 for two hours, $27 for three hours and so on. Back to Europe, and five hours parking at the George Pompidou centre in Paris will cost you €13.50.

I'd love to be able to park at an event for five euros. The last time I could I was probably in Dublin.

etcetc

@ mr jack daniels:)i think the parking fee charged on top of the high admission costs /rip off catering prices compounded the publics perception of being ripped off

Gavin

Sonnenblumen wrote: »

I disagree with your interpretation of what Bloom is and what it may become. To see it as a gardening event is 'too narrow' and it is patently clear that Bloom must avoid a similar fate of other doomed events from over reliance on 'Show gardens' etc many of which have luckily disappeared off the radar. I do agree that ultimately Bloom will without the public (paying) support fail.

You didn't address my Chelsea or Hampton Court point above. Or is it a case that these disprove your point, so you conveniently ignore them ?

Designers who have little or no first hand experience of project management, project execution etc etc are given a window of opportunity and yet jump in the blame game because the ground is tough to dig and seek to blame others. Whereas an experienced company would make provision for site challenges the inexperienced, the poorly resourced etc etc well cry about things.

Certain issues I raised were commonly complained about, such as the state of the soil. These complaints were made by far more experienced landscapers than ourselves. We've learned a good deal from our Bloom experience. Which I would imagine is part of the point of the event. To foster new designers, build experience and help raise the profile of designers.

However, aggressive, and frankly, arrogant comments from 'experienced' industry people are not helpful. You make comments about helping the development of Irish Landscaping and horticulture, yet your constant attacks on any landscaper in this forum are somewhat contrary to this statement. You resort to childish, thinly veiled insults, ignore points raised and do not have the courage to stand by your claims. Which gardens were poor ? Why were they poor ? What gardens were cliched ? Why throw out such general statements and not back them up ?

etcetc

@ Sonnenblumen

perhaps you are right we all should all forget this nonsense about having a show to compare with chelsea we should save our money and just go to chelsea if we want to see the latest trends and developments in garden design and plants it might be an expensive trip but at least you know it is a real gardening show set up to showcase excellense in garden design/planting/growing and that the only Ford 4*4 you will see will be in the carpark

whatever was i thinking??? this is what happens when you record the highlights of the chelsea show and watch them all on your day off

Sonnenblumen

Verb wrote: »

You didn't address my Chelsea or Hampton Court point above. Or is it a case that these disprove your point, so you conveniently ignore them ?



Certain issues I raised were commonly complained about, such as the state of the soil. These complaints were made by far more experienced landscapers than ourselves. We've learned a good deal from our Bloom experience. Which I would imagine is part of the point of the event. To foster new designers, build experience and help raise the profile of designers.

However, aggressive, and frankly, arrogant comments from 'experienced' industry people are not helpful. You make comments about helping the development of Irish Landscaping and horticulture, yet your constant attacks on any landscaper in this forum are somewhat contrary to this statement. You resort to childish, thinly veiled insults, ignore points raised and do not have the courage to stand by your claims. Which gardens were poor ? Why were they poor ? What gardens were cliched ? Why throw out such general statements and not back them up ?

I have provided much advice where possible to many posters seeking help/advice, and dare I say it, apart from pimping a designer site, I don't recall any informed advice from yourself ? At least I am motivated to respond to or help a Poster and yes sometimes criticise but from what I can see your contributions are nothing short of any effort to pimp a website?

So not only are you uniformed and inexperienced but also lack independent credibility.

Regarding my criticism on gardens, I expressed a view which the judges also noted but I do think they could have been more critical and less generous with the number and medals awarded.

I mean it is simply impossible that after a 4 week dry spell, that ground conditions could be so tough, well my heart aches! The poor misfortunes , how cruel life must be and I cannot for one moment imagine how difficult it must have been to build a garden within 3 weeks in the middle of the Phoenix Park.

The Sweeper

Sonnenblumen & Verb, I suggest you agree to disagree from this point forwards. It appears that both the organisers and exhibitors at Bloom have something to learn from their experiences. I won't allow the Gardening forum facilitate an argument over who lacks credibility. This is the internet. Nobody's credible.

Gavin

I was attempting to debate in good faith. None of the issues I raised were addressed, or were addressed in an insulting manner.

But I see your point, it is quite safe to say that Sonnen and myself will not be in agreement.

magicbastarder

did ticket prices vary day by day? i heard yesterday that ticket prices for saturday and sunday were €35 a head - is that true?

magicbastarder

not so much a gardening festival as a festival in a garden, art in action (was on the bank holiday weekend) in townley hall, between drogheda and slane, was fantastic; 12 quid in (free parking too!) and much more relaxed than bloom.
general gist was lots of artists and craftspeople with displays, but they were required to actually work in front of the public. hour long classes in painting, clay modelling, etc., for about a fiver each. also, talks and recitals on in the house, and a farmer's market and picnic area too.

http://www.artinaction.ie/

gollyitsolly

Just a few words on the Bloom thing. I went last year and despite the rain, I enjoyed it. I dont think I paid for parking last year. The entrance fees were way too high. What were all the "heavies" doing at the entrance? Also a lot of security men outside the "corporate" resteraunts? I wouldnt mind but they were nearly empty! Did get the feeling this year it was all about money. Most people had brought picnics because you could feed a small country on the cost of decent food there. Wont be going again.

etcetc

The entrance fees were way too high. What were all the "heavies" doing at the entrance? Also a lot of security men outside the "corporate" resteraunts? I wouldnt mind but they were nearly empty!

protecting the prawn sandwiches perhaps?

Just a few words on the Bloom thing. I went last year and despite the rain, I enjoyed it. I dont think I paid for parking last year. The entrance fees were way too high..

agree

Did get the feeling this year it was all about money. Most people had brought picnics because you could feed a small country on the cost of decent food there. Wont be going again.

agree here i will give it another chance next year, never thought about bringing a picnic

did ticket prices vary day by day? i heard yesterday that ticket prices for saturday and sunday were €35 a head - is that true?

yes prices varied by the day it was 25 on sat and sun, you probably guessed the charge for next year:(