I love comedy.

Maybe a little too much at times!

And that love of comedy has led to an annual pilgrimage for my mates and me to the Machynlleth Comedy Festival. If you have never heard of it, you should look it up. It is brilliant…

About 13 years ago some locals decided to repurpose some of the buildings in their village to provide temporary stages for some comedy acts.

The idiosyncratic staging (imagine a stage in a farm shed or in a primary school classroom!) was itself quite funny and, over the years, somehow the ramshackle layout has become an important part of the experience.

So, every year this small town of just under 10,000 people, situated in the picturesque Dyfi Valley, is invaded by around another 10,000 comedy fans. We are all looking to kick back, have a laugh and size up the latest talent on the comedy circuit – and all while taking in the scenery.

This year’s festival took place over the May bank holiday weekend. It marked our thirteenth trip to Machynlleth and, as usual, it didn’t disappoint.

We usually pitch a tent. However, after struggling to find it among the sea of cardboard boxes in the garage (no, the house move still hasn’t happened!), I decided it was time for an upgrade.

So, I pushed the boat out and hired a motorhome. I’m too old for camping now anyway…

Equipped with beds, a hot shower and a kitchenette, it was far more comfortable than anything we’d previously slept in. Although I guess it doesn’t take much to beat a flimsy pop-up tent and a well-worn sleeping bag!

The Machynlleth Comedy Festival has played host to some big names over the years – think Josh Widdicombe, James Acaster, Jon Richardson and the like. Although personally, I always prefer to take my chances on the wild card acts. Thankfully, there were plenty more hits than misses this time around!

Despite the weekend being a laugh-a-minute, I found it hard to switch off. Maybe it’s the nature of the industry we’re in. And whilst I was wandering around one of the local shops in search of some playing cards (late night card sessions are a ritual once the comedy has finished for the day), I found myself checking out the retail security. What can you do! A few things immediately stood out – the 30-year-old EAS gates, the high price points and, to my surprise, the hard tags on the clothing (something I usually only see in larger apparel stores).

Even for a small independent store in Machynlleth, it seemed shoplifting was a big problem. Mind you, 10,000 comedy fans descending upon the tiny town doesn’t exactly help matters…

Ever the professional (aka salesman!), I felt compelled to strike up a conversation with the owner, much to the bemusement of my friends!

Once you start chatting with people, they’re fascinated to learn more about loss prevention and the different source tagging solutions we offer. And this time was no different. The encounter reminded me that every retailer – no matter where they’re located or how small they might be – is touched by theft in some way these days.

Nobody is immune.

It’s one of the reasons why I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing at All-Tag^® . And with our Global Offering serviced from North America, Mexico, Hong Kong and two locations in Europe, we’re helping to protect businesses in more regions than ever before.

And, who knows, perhaps the hidden corners of the Welsh valleys too..!