Nairnac now joins the hallowed ranks of Gurn correspondent fame and if we knew who he or she was then he or she could also become a co-conspirator - but one thing at a time. Nairnac writes:
I can't quite see how people buying tickets on the night rather than in advance could have an impact on the environmental health license, but what do I know ! Maybe the polis were afraid of unrest in Nairn following the Vics licensing problems denying the populace access to their favoured late night watering hole and the Canteen's alleged duty free fag scam coming to light. Perhaps the thought of 45 disappointed cinephiles armed with home baking and copies of the Guardian arts section was considered too much of a risk to the public order! While it was very disappointing and frustrating for those of us who hoped to catch some of the programme (Nairnac included - I'd hoped to catch the early showing of Johnson & Boswell, and unfortunately couldn't make the 2nd house), at the same time, I suppose the phenomenal demand for tickets is a reflection of the success of the event, which is great for all involved in the organisation of the festival. It seems to have proved more popular than I for one would have anticipated. This is obviously a good thing for the future prospects of the worlds most bohemian film fest, and for the publicity the event has brought to our wee town. You couldn't buy the coverage given to the area from across the world with glowing reports on loads of Internet sites as well as loads of column inches and photo spreads in all the major papers.Hopefully things are still going well at the Ballerina now that I've had to return to work, and here's hoping that the venture will be repeated soon. (How about a winter film festival - I much prefer the flics in the winter, I don't really like emerging blinking into the bright sunlight - coming up for Xmas, what could be better than snuggling down on your beanbag in front of 'It's a Wonderful Life') Next time they could also maybe expand to incorporate the Social Club if it is indeed to be shutting down. and even the Regal Bar building which seems likely to remain in it's current state for some time to come - both ghosts of Nairn cinema's past. The sprinkling of Stardust from the Tilda, John and Mark has certainly added a whole new dimension to the annual programme in Nairn. It would be a terrible shame if the goodwill and interest created by the festival isn't repeated.
PS Nairnac, third showing of Johnson and Boswell to another full house. Another unforgettable night in the Cinema of Dreams. A poignant moment for John Byrne when he announced that Ian Drury, who starred in the film, has now been dead for 8½ years. 8½ being a figure that observers of the Ballerina Ballroom festival will know is central to the proceedings.
Update Nairnac adds:
Appropriate time for Gurners everywhere to pause for a minute and remember Ian Dury with his very own Bus Drivers Prayer.......
Our Father
Who art in Hendon
Harrow Road be thy name
Thy Kingston come
Thy Wimbledon
In Erith as it is in Hendon
Give us this day our Berkhampstead
And forgive us our Westminsters
As we forgive those who Westminster against us
Lead us not into Temple Station
But deliver us from Ealing
For thine is the Kingston
The Purley and the Crawley
For Iver and Iver
Crouch End
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