When I go off to Sidmouth Folk Festival these days I take a side drum, and have found a long plaid very useful - worn with a long 'tail' if means I can sit down on the low concrete walls along the esplanade without skin contact, the folds and double layers on the left shoulder keep the shoulder strap away from my neck and spread the weight, the folds on the right hip keeps the metalwork from bruising me, and the general insulation means that I am comfortable even during the final procession which starts at 22:00 and it can be very cold waiting to set off.

It might not be so comfortable for a right handed drummer wearing the drum slung to the left, but it certainly works for me.

Anne the Pleater