Even if you only fringe, no one can deny that some of those sessions are made more special by the dropping in of "big time" artists.

I love the workshops and if having high profile acts which sell tickets help to pay for these, then more power, I say.

I don't know if I could cope with a week of just tune sessions and sing a rounds. I can't dance, so I would get bored pretty quick at ceilidhs.

What is wrong with catering to a variety of tastes? Because of the variety, I discovered artists and styles I never would have considered by name or youtube video only. Live experience is a great teacher.

I would like to see some lesser known artists get a chance at more recognition and some earnings. And I suspect that this is a big bone of contention among some Sidmouth detractors. It is unfortunate that due to the size of the festival and limited venue slots, this is difficult to address. However, there are busking spots dotted around town, a few places not being used to capacity by the festival (pubs, halls, sports club, etc.) might provide stage space, and the Hub outside the Ham provides high visibility. So they are not on the official programme! They would still be part of the scene contributing to the richness of the festival and getting some dosh and recognition to boot.

@ Spleen Cringe
There is plenty to see and do around Sidmouth reachable by public transport for your other half. The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth Museum, Norman Lockyer Observatory, number of railways and railway museums, houses and gardens like Sand in Sidbury and Cadhay in Ottery St Mary's. In Sidmouth town there are historic sites, gardens, esplanade, Jurassic coast, and loads of interesting shops. Not all that is going on is folk music either. I have heard blues, jazz, classic rock, world and popular music coming from buskers and out of pubs and clubs and churches. Variety of non music street performance and street vendors too. She shouldn't be bored at all.