I think it is worth pointing out, that the Sidmouth festival is bigger than those running it.
It has been going longer than some of us have lived, and certainly longer than some of us have lived in the UK
It will still be running after we have gone too, hopefully.
If big name performers can, join in activities without expecting special treatment, then the same should be true of others.
Standing beside a famous singer or player, does not improve your own abilities in either direction either.
There seem to be more non performing prima donnas, then performing ones sometimes.
PaulF