There is a cultural difference when it comes to busking. The idea that it is simply begging is, I would suggest far more common in the UK than elsewhere.......Sadly.

The problem with Sidmouth is that there are now in effect two festivals. The town and the festival proper, with it own site. If the town's street traders and buskers were to descend on the festival area and start to pass judgements there and try to assume control, there may be some justification for some of the attitudes and comments expressed about 'freeloaders' etc. As they don't directly interfere there, and just try get on with having a fun time in the town, I see there is little justification for some of the judgements being encouraged to be expressed.

If you do not wish things to 'get out of hand' and there is no reason to expect this to be more the case this time, it would be sensible not to take any action that may prevoke bad-feelings that may result in possible confrontation in the town. Perhaps those who are already encouraged to be 'p**** off about what other people are doing, in a still free country, can just get on with their own affairs, rather than passing judgement on others?   

The casual music (and dance)in the town and the range of it, is one of the main attractions. It all adds to the colour of the event, yes even the town's hair braiders. Most of the music is not done for money but for the sheer pleasure of doing it. Trying to make a narrow distiction between the music made for an individual's profit and the rest, is to place at risking the whole event, for very little benefit.

Is it really not possible to just enjoy it all?