Interesting points raised.

If the big financial difficulty is securing the insurance, it would make sense to lower the risk as far as underwriting is concerned.

The arena is the largest of the sidmouth stages, but the only one that isn't covered over (and therefore weatherproof).

Logic would dictate that the other venues do not have the same weather dependant risk attached - Maybe downsize the whole festival a notch or two? Putting the biggest acts on in smaller venues means that they would get less potential punters (maximum capacity being a lot smaller), but a higher percentage in the event of foul weather.

Otherwise - what about staging more things at the Ham and Bowd marquees? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think they are used much in the day are they?

Jon Loomes