Stewarding is a vital element in the Festival. It has to be well planned, be good, and be plentiful. All sorts of people need to know the precise details of the stewardng in advance, for example, the Garda, the insurance company, and not least, the organisers themselves. There was no problem getting advance commitment from local people, particularly after the spectacular success of last year's Festival.

A quick sweep around the scene in the morning. Copious notes taken. Progress noted. Further plans made.

As the most of the normal car parks were taken up with Festival tents, the entrance and exit to the main shopping centre car park, down the back of Supervalu, had to be kept clear for shopper parking. Here one of the Tidy Village Group pitches into a session of normal stewarding.

Even the traffic light pedestrian crossing is supervised. No chances taken, and no doubt, a finger kept on the button.

There's nothing says the stewards can't enjoy the day as well as anyone else.

Stewarding HQ with some stewards more in touch than others. Note the earpiece.

There is clearly no arguing with these hombres. It says NO PARKING, so it's NO PARKING. Comprende?

And you can't sneak in the back way either. These guys have thought of everything. I hope.

And there are no exceptions when it comes to putting in the effort. The Association's hands on Chairman pitches in with the stewarding.

Everyone is well briefed on their duties for the day. Barry briefs some of the younger stewards.

Still at it. The list is endless. But good planning and execution is the order of the day.

Time for a partial Committee meeting on the fly

And finally, a bit of outside backup and an item of interest for the younger fry. Fortunately, there was no need for any advanced riot control during the day.