Yes, there is a festival that is on as big a scale as Sidmouth, has sufficiant underwriting, has all the venues closer together etc. - its called Cambridge. The appeal of Sidmouth for many people is that it isn't like that and thats the point.

Being less flippant, Winnipeg folk festival in Canada is my idea of what sidmouth could be like if some of its problems were sorted out. The main arena fits ten thousand (yes, ten thousand people...) who turn out to see the headlining acts, running from James Taylor type crowd pullers to Oysterband who headlined a few years back. However, they also have 'In the tradition' type concerts and sessions, Songwriters circle events, and folk club-like venues. Everythings close together and they have more than enough camping space and parking.

Just a thought.