Maybe the reason my memory of Sandown was so good was because i had the pleasant company of Mono, BlueRobin, and DubTrub to add to the experience??
Every place can have an off day. I've been to Sandown 3 or 4 times in the last year and can only recommend it. They do live music on a Sunday as well. And I think they get a good mix of aviation folk and islanders/holiday makers in to watch the flying (and the aviation folk!)
Pitts2112