Although not on the same scale, when the Beverley Folk Festival didn't get off the ground a couple of years ago - then as a result of the determined efforts of some mudcatters namely oombanjo and roger de beverley les form hull etc, then a fringe festival was held, very successfully-for a lot of people festivals are only about the fringe - the acts they see all year long in their folk clubs- so a fringe can work as long as you have dedicated individuals prepared to put time and effort into it. I admire folk festival organisers as I see it as a pretty thankless task and festivals generally represent good value for money, but people can have a good time without the professionals as the middle bar and singing at Warwick and Whitby will evidence.