I attended the Village Green Festival at Chalkwell Park (Sept 27), and was left unimpressed.

We went specifically to see Ballet Black and arrived early and secured seats. We should have known better, since audience etiquette is non existent in Southend, with people moving into and standing in the seating areas.

Having politely endured a youth burping into a microphone, a young man playing with a ball and the yelling of someone from Radio One, we were forced to move and stand.

Needless to say, we ensured we did not block anyone else’s view. However, those standing in front continued to mill around, holding loud conversations, and blocking the view.

Efficient stewardship and an efficient MC would have prevented this. You may argue this was a free event, but we went to see leading classical dancers, not buskers, and such a level of ill manners in an audience would not be tolerated at other events, whether paid for or free.

Mark Conway
The Broadway
Thorpe Bay