PORT Fairy's accommodation providers continue to raise the ire of Port Fairy Folk Festival patrons, with their tariffs identified as a major issue.
Festival patron surveys have revealed that, while the majority of feedback about this year's event has painted a rosy picture, the mark-up on accommodation for the weekend is a sore point .
The survey results were discussed at a review meeting last Friday by the Folk Festival committee. Port Fairy Folk Festival ticketing manager Ian Wood said the cost of accommodation was the most consistent concern expressed in the survey.
"Overall the feedback was that the festival was brilliant with the balance of performers something which patrons were very positive about," Mr Wood said.
"The cost of the festival ticket itself was seen as great value but there was a real issue with the cost of accommodation, which is something we will take up with local agents and the council.
"We don't want to push people out of Port Fairy for their accommodation. As a town we don't want to overcook the benefits of the festival by milking it dry."
Mr Wood said the cost of accommodation was not just a concern for festival patrons but also for the festival committee , which has to provide accommodation for 800 performers.
He said the accommodation issue was not new and had been a constant source of concern for festival-goers for the past few years.
With the review of the 2012 festival now complete, the festival committee has turned its attention to 2013.
Tickets will go on sale on early again this year, beginning on the first Monday in September, following the success of an early ticket release .
Mr Wood said the early bird ticketing scheme was a success last year and he believed demand would again be high when tickets first go on sale this year.
Planning has begun for the 40th festival, which will be held in 2016.
A sub-committee has been formed to begin looking at ways to make this special event one to remember.
While securing a top line-up of performers is high on the list of things to do, the sub-committee is also looking at ways to introduce new activities both in the arena and around the town .