Well I thought it was great. I enjoyed everything I ate and drank, and considered the amplified noise outside the Anchor a useful reminder that this festival is for all tastes; besides a challenge to be triumphantly overcome.
I do feel guilty for not buying a ticket (I prefer sessions), but i did contribute each time the collecting box went around.

Incidentally, I spoke to a taxi driver who reckoned that the festival was popular with local youngsters. I expressed surprise, pointing out that the average age of festival goers was at least 50. Indeed, said the driver, but that brings down the town average by at least 20 for the the week.