As we emerge from the end of our 27th Arundel Festival, may I record my thanks to the many people whose hard work, dedication and unfailing humour made this festival happen.

We appreciate the support of every member of our audience who was willing to take a gamble on the weather.

Thanks, too, go to our band of volunteers for the extraordinary amount of hard work they put in and the creative professionals who performed for a fraction of their full professional rates.

Finally, thanks to the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, Robert Bruce and all the staff at Arundel Castle who tolerate our annual "invasion" with unfailing good humour and support.

Without their backing, our lives would be much more difficult and we appreciate constantly the beauty of the surroundings in which we are able to perform.

We welcome reaction to this year's festival and look forward to people's support as we make plans for 2005.

-Mary Hamilton, Festival Director, Arundel Festival