In reply to Ennerdaleblonde:
I dunno, having been involved with a few over the years I think they are great and offer a unique experience for those that want to visit places or maybe have no one to go with or they don't know the areas and just like being with lots of other people.
One of the best aspects, for me, of festivals like Women's Trad Festival was people turning up having never been to the Peak before, solo travelling and just coming climbing for the weekend with like minded ladies. Really amazing and brave of them to just jump on the train and do it.
I think this is getting overly criticised imo as yes, the Langdales are very busy at the best of times, but, this is one weekend in the year and if it engages with people that might not get their under the own steam for whatever reasons and shows them a truly amazing place and they get some cool climbing done that is a huge win I think. The Lakes is so absolutely massive for climbers that you can easily head elsewhere for one weekend or you can get potter along, get involved and perhaps witness people having a great time.
Unless it rains then it will be miserable.