I actually thought the taping off of the pavements was a good idea (as if here is a crush there is somewhere to go). However, I didn't realise they weren't even letting the societies :rolleyes:. Although it would be much easier if someone just put a couple of 'KEEP LEFT' signs up. Hey ho.
You really do seem to have a problem accepting that it is simply a case of numbers that is the problem. You're looking for something more sinister that simply isn't there.
If there was room it may well have escalated a la Glastonbury. But there isn't so it can't. People seem to think it is a choice thing but it is simple physics. There just isn't enough room for everybody. That's all. Nothing sinister.
Cliffe's bonfire is ticket only but ironically the actual bonfires at the end is where you have the most room. (well you do now, Cliffe's old site was bloody dangerous!)
The overcrowding is a problem on the street during the processions.
There is no way to actually enforce it. So they are left with politely asking those outside the area or not involved to not come.
However this is deemed as 'wickerman' yet when it is done in Brighton it is a sensible thing to do as a way of keeping down the numbers.
It's all a bit NSC
Why did Fat boy slim only sell tickets to people with brighton post codes? That's a bit 'wickerman' isn't it?
Or is it that when they did it before the city was overrun and the infrastructure couldn't cope?
I think some people are confusing being welcome and why it is being done.
It is not done for the crowds and if it was pouring with rain and no one turned up to watch it would still go ahead. Is it better with crowds? Yes of course it is. Can a town the size of Lewes handle every Tom, Dick and...