Re Anger At River Festival - Mr P Wells' letter. I wasn't going to waste my time responding to this as I felt the number of people who came to watch and enjoy the festival, the illuminations and the fireworks were answer enough.

But I have been persuaded to by those same people who felt very affronted on my behalf. After all our efforts I was disappointed that the letter was given such prominence and trust this response will be given equal prominence.

The festival takes a year to organise; it is done by volunteers who do not get paid for their efforts but who care about the town and the river. It also costs an extortionate amount of money to mount. Cancelling or postponing was not a choice we had - acts were booked which we would have had to pay for anyway (you can't just cancel at the last minute), traders were booked, and most importantly, the boaters had booked. We did not deny anybody the right to express their response to the London tragedies - they could come or they could stay at home - that was their choice. However, I would remind Mr Walls that the Prime Minister pleaded with the country not to let the bombers win by changing our lives because of what might happen - his message was very much 'carry on as normal or they have won'.

The fireworks are well advertised and last for 15 minutes - we also ensure that they are over and done with well before 11pm (we also stipulate that they should be as quiet as reasonably possible but we all know they cannot be silent.) The town clerk did not have a single complaint and neither did I.

I deplore the bombings as much as anyone and my heart goes out to the families of the victims - they did not deserve it. But cancelling Evesham River Festival will change nothing. Evesham rules OK - yes - better Evesham should rule than the bombers.

HAZEL HANLON, Chairman, Evesham River Festival, Sankey Marine, Worcester Road, Evesham.