I have never been to Whitby or Rochester sweeps for example.
However, if I were to read a thread like this one based on either of those two festivals I would not be so weak as to be swayed by the sort of sabotaging troll activity that runs through this thread. I would instead seek out the opinions of those I know and trust. I suggest that 'good grief' should do likewise...unless of course they have another agenda.
There do seem to be some very lame excuses for 'people' to 'announce' their rejection of the festival.