I was Festival Coordinator at Linlithgow Folk Festival for a good few years, not as long as some here, 'tis true, but worked my backside off while in harness, along with the rest of a good team. Gave my views and stated my role in other posts above. Doesn't that count?

In answer to Ripov re Sidmouth, pretty well every event is now sponsored by a local business or two: everything changed after the 50th anniversary festival, when the previous management pulled out. The festival could have died if local businessmen and folk supporters had not stepped in, put hands in pockets, and made sure it continued. It is now over 10 years into the "new regime" and thriving, if different from the more international format before the 50th. However some of the fringe events have gone on unabated throughout.