I think I have stumbled onto a thread about a different Sidmouth Folk Festival. The one I went to was great - nicely sized venues like Kennaway House, bigger ones like the concert tent on the Ham, amazing late night ceilidhs up the hill at the Bulverton. Some of the best folk musicians from Britain and beyond playing at them, everything from the return to health and performing of Norma Waterson to exciting new bands like Telling The Bees. Lively dance displays, old grannies careering around the streets on motorised shopping trollies. Some really good instrument stalls. Lots of young people. Lots of sessions chugging along for older people who'd rather spend their money on beer, but they don't bother the festival goers.

You lot should try the Sidmouth I go to a change. It's in south Devon the first week in August. I didn't hear anybody moaning about events they didn't have to pay to get into the whole week.