It's good to see I shall be in such good company!

Alan, I think you have put two and two together and made five! I am not "Anti Sidmouth" but I have come to the conclusion that BIGGER is not always better.
After working 7 straight 14 hr days last year putting the electrics into the Ham,Bulverton, Blackmore Gardens and the campsite I asked my self why? Is this folk? My answer was no, it is folk based CABERET!
Why do we do it ? Answer - For the benifit of a few "Stars" and their agents, record companies and the Shop Keepers and publicans of Sidmouth.Certainly the hard working task force , stewards and organisers don't make out of it!!
Yes Sidmouth did have a good "Fringe" but my experience last year of the new Regimen at the Ancor with it's Bolshie Owner, surly staff,Goons at the door and Bogos and Bagpipes somewhat changed my mind. I think My mind was finally made up when I experienced the infamous Clique at the Volunteer. I expect I would be waiting now for a song if Barbara Brown had not had a sharp word in someones ear on my behalf!
So as I said there was many reasons why I will miss Sidmouth this year but the main one is I am looking for small festivals where people sing to people not crowds and where commerce is kept to a minimum. I.E Bideford ect.

Maybe its my age!

"A man of independent mind he looks and laughs at a' that" R. Burns


                                     Jim