So much then for those of us who have already purchased their £90 dance tickets in the hope of supporting the festival in 2005/2006?.

There are clearly many serious issues still to be addressed. Confidence needs to become established. One way of doing this would be for all those who are on the organising committee(s) or groups or whatever they call themselves to make known exactly what they are doing, with whom and with some statement as to their expertise and experience.

I did suggest a "roll of honour" on my website (or somewhere else if you prefer) with some photos, but I have had one response so far. As for the dance tickets (300 at £90 each) = £27,000, where is the money going if (as has been said) many callers and bands are going to almost give their services for free to support the Sidmouth Ideal?

Hiring village and church halls would cost a few thousand, if that. We need cards on the table and some more transparency. Granted no-one knows yet exactly what they will be doing but a statement of whos whats and wheres and some agreed principles of where the money goes (all of it) would help to take forward the whole idea of a 2005 event helping to support 2006.

If we are not careful the many people who started out with the idea of coming to 2005 (despite that it may not be all that great) to support 2006 will begin to wonder if their loyalty is misplaced.

I have stated on my SeeRed website that it is beginning to look like lots of little people giving what they can and none of the rich people (including some in Sidmouth who have for years made money from the festival) giving anything or much at all.

Mention the Rugby Club, the Cricket Club, the main car park owners, the campsite owner - we need to know how much is being offered 'free' this year as a token of goodwill towards the festival. If none of these people give this year, does Sidmouth deserve a 2006?

How much would marquees cost for Blackmore Gardens for the dances and childrens events - to keep these in the town centre where they belong?

By the way Lizzie, I want it to happen too, but I am more of a realist than you are.