A few thoughts having read this thread with interest.

For me, Sidmouth lost its charm when the current management took over and stopped inviting the majority of English Folk teams, and subsequently dropped folk from the title. I would be disappointed if it finished but I don't feel any strong compunction to save it myself.

This year will be a good festival - and if it is the last it will go out with a bang, which is much better than limping on into obscurity. Nevertheless, I'd remember it from 15 years ago not from the last 2 years when I've been again.

However, clearly there are many people out there for whom the magic is still very much there which is great. Go out there and put your money where your mouths are, or lobby those with deeper pockets. The trust idea sounds good, as does the idea of wet weather contingencies, particularly for the Arena. Keep them coming and pass them on to MrsC, who I'm sure would be glad of more brains working on the problems.

Although not directly relevant as it was some way up the thread, on the subject of cars on the campsite: at Chippenham Folk Festival they ban car movement on site in wet years. You are allowed to tow your caravan on (or drive on to unload) but then must stay there. If you need your car during the week - because you have kit to get to events, need to leave the area, use a wheelchair, etc - you have to drive it off site and park elsewhere. Seems to work fine there. The distances are similar, as is the hill through town...

Would it be Simouth if it was in a different location?!