Thank you "Steve in Sidmouth" for providing the only real news on what is happening in Sidmouth. The answer seems to be "Not a Lot" at present. I'm not sure the local M.P. Hugo Swire can make any difference as "Shadow Secretary for The Arts" or whatever his new title is. The best way he could help is by persuading his local Conservative councillors in East Devon to start supporting the festival again. Has Mr. Swire said anything at all about the festival as the local M.P. I wonder?