If I could throw in my two pence worth.

It seems to me that Sidmouth (thankfully) manages to cater for all tastes on the Fringe.
As a Concertina player playing predominately (though not exclusively!) English/European styles. I would naturally gravitate to the Radway, and almost exclusively live there whenever I'm in Sid.

The Big Daddy of the sessions though, seems to be at the Bedford. I only caught a bit of it on the Sunday, but it seemed to be going great guns. I can see where Robbie is coming from though. The Bedford, situated as it is on the sea front, will automatically attract the passing non-folkie holiday maker, so, it makes sense for people to sing/play more familiar stuff. In fact, it's vital that they do. After all, I can't see a 40 verse Child ballad going down too well with the uninitiated!!

So, it makes a good starting point for the casual visitor.
Then of course, if they fancy a serious lung busting sing, there is always the Anchor Middle Bar (and congrats to them for supporting the Fest through difficult times.)

A slightly quieter time (Hello Kitty!) could be had in the Theatre bar at the Manor, and for strange/quirky/hard trad stuff there was always the Volunteer.

These were the only places I saw in the day and a half that I was there, but I know there were many more.

My point is (finally). All sides of UK(and Irish!) Trad/Other music, seems to have found there natural home in Sidmouth, one way or another. And we all seem to rub along pretty well together. Yes, of course there will be minor disputes, as there is in all families. But, I suggest that we celebrate the fact that after last year, it actually happened at all.

As an aside, and you can all shoot me down in flames if you want. What commitment was shown to the up and coming youngsters during the fest?
I helped out with the John Gasson Morris Competition in the Manor on the Sun. (God I wish I was that supple!!)
Please forgive my ignorance, but, I hope that some "Shooting Roots" stuff happened. (sure it did)

See you all on the beach (sorry, pebbles!) next year.

Regards Ralphie