Just catching up on this thread after some time away, and was horrified at this comment from Peter Stockport in September:

"Dump the Bedford and get another decent mid size venue?
Peter"

While it may be the case that not all those who want to get into a certain concert can do so (and this applies to other venues too), Peter obviously doesn't realise what an integral part the Bedford plays in every Sidmouth Festival or Folk Week: apart from concerts there, there are the sessions, the good food, the accommodation for many visiting artistes, the fireworks, - and the sheer dedication of the proprietors Colin Pyne and his wife, and all the team who look after so many visitors with tolerance and good humour. I always make a point of thanking them at the end of the week, and they say they do it because they love the music.
Colin is, and was one of the people who helped to make sure that the festival continued after Mrs Casey pulled out.
"Dump the Bedford"? Shoot thyself in thine foot Peter!