Does it really matter when it might have changed it's name? It started as a mainly dance festival, in 1954, the year I was born. I remember hearing Packie Byrnes reminiscences of the first one (just a weekend IIRC) Over the next 53 years it has changed along with the world, and no doubt will continue to do so. I tend to agree with Sorcha. If people don't like it, get involved and change it, if you can. I know damn well that the planning for the next years festival starts on the monday morning after the last one finishes. From sorting out camp-site/lavatory problems, dealing with hiring marquees/PA requirements/dealing with the local council/Health and Safety concerns et al. It's like painting the bloody Forth Bridge....It never ends. Booking the artists is the least of the problems it seems to me. Providing the depth and variety of entertainment for 7 days in the height of summer is no easy task, and takes a lot of person hours to do. We as punters turn up with our own expectations, but, personally, I have never been dissapointed. For Gods sake, It'd Bloody Sidmouth! It's the same town as it was last year!!! Deal with it, or don't bother coming. I think it's just fine. And am looking forward to the events that will or maybe not! occur this August.
Surely even the most sceptical of punter can find just 1 event out of over 600 to interest them?