The two things go together because while we're spending thousands of pounds and hundreds of man-hours on a counter productive event the party is falling - rapidly and things are in a rut. It is a social event, which, like I said, fulfills none of political or ideological goals and indeed sets them back. In addition, like I have also said, we should be concentrating our efforts and resources on training organisers and activists etc, and build a strong local movements. Not pissing it up, dancing around the Maypole and having kite parades. Like NG keeps on saying, we have limited time in which to make a real impact and we are wasting it. It costs £20 each to get in. So if 2000 people show up that £40 000. You really think it costs more than that to rent a field.     the party is falling - rapidly and things are in a rut   !!Which party are you actually talking about.