“It never rains, but pours” is the current phrase being bandied about by Joe Nethersell, Organiser of the annual FBAS Festival of Fishkeeping event. It could be just a justifiable comment on the current weather situation, but it's a bit more pertinent to the Festival than that (although the Festival did suffer from a literal deluge in the past).

The recent move, in 2005, to its now present home at Mill Rythe Holiday Village on Hayling Island was traumatic enough – just ask any of the 'moving gang' involved. Then, last year, the longstanding sponsorship from Rolf C Hagen came to an end, with the result that the 2007 event will take on a different appearance.

“”Let me say at the outset,” says Joe “that the Federation of British Aquatic Societies owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to all at Rolf C Hagen for the wonderful support they gave us over many, many years. They really helped us put the annual Festival on the aquatic map.”

“However, times change and we are faced with carrying on despite their absence.
But we are not 'high and dry' (sorry about another weather pun!) as we have also been fortunate over the years to have had generous support from others, notably Tetra, Aquarian, Practical Fishkeeping and RO-Man too.”

“You will see from our new Festival logo, that these Companies will be continuing with their support for the Festival and I would take this opportunity of thanking them for their support and for their confidence in the FBAS to make yet another successful event for aquarists in the UK.”

"Obviously, it would be impossible to stage such an event without support from many sources – from the Aquatic Trade and Societies alike – but there just isn't room for everyone's name on the logo however much we'd like to publicise their support."

"As this year progresses (there's only any 2 months to go to the Festival) you will see more and more people coming forward to get involved.
One exciting new feature for this year is a Furnished Aquarium Competition.
If there's one thing that gets people interested in taking up fishkeeping it is the sight of a well-planted, attractively-furnished aquarium - a 'must have' for every home.
Another feature, that I can reveal, is actually nothing to do with fishkeeping, but I know it will cause a stir of excitement for all those appreciative of the Festival's social aspect, especially the evening cabarets. This year we are repeating the popular music attraction by not only recalling the 'Blues Brothers' act for the Friday evening and we'll be featuring a special Cabaret Show on the Saturday."

"By paying attention to all aspects of the Festival – apparently there is life away from the Show Benches – we hope to continue to bring all that's best in the hobby to fishkeepers, wherever they may come from, and who are lucky enough to get to Hayling 2007."

See you on the 12th October 2007!"