Sir, – An article on the highs and lows of the All Together Now (ATN) festival in Waterford last weekend argued strongly against the use of “decorated sticks” (Music, August 6th).
Firstly, the size of these sticks is minuscule compared with the grandeur of the ATN main stage and its screens. I was at the festival with a group of friends and they did not block views.
Secondly, they are not mere sticks but are highly functional navigation tools that facilitate members of large parties to leave and return to the group so they can see another performance, grab some food or use the bathroom. With attendance exceeding 27,000, this freedom can be vital to one’s enjoyment of the festivities.
Third, and most importantly, a majority of attendees enjoyed these innovative beacons, with strangers passing them through the crowd to revel in their joy.
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My friends and I look forward to seeing more “decorated sticks” at next year’s festival and have already begun brainstorming ideas. – Yours, etc,
KAREN SLATTERY,
Dublin 7.
