So, what is the UGF, and why is it so special? It started in 2000 – oddly enough, to bring business and tourism into the local community in the wake of the foot and mouth epidemic. October was chosen as a way of extending the tourist season, and,as sponsors came and went, and audiences increased in size, the Festival evolved through performances in local pubs and the village hall to its current (and hopefully long-term) home in the MacPhail Centre. This has all the comfort and facilities associated with a first-class performance venue, including superb acoustics