>>>>they obviously don't want to be associated with it<<<< Can't speak for the last few years as I haven't had a programme but prior to that the programme always gave a list of venues that would welcome fringe activities. The Fringe is the Fringe. It's not Edinburgh. It doesn't need to be approved or sanctioned or advertised by the programmed festival.

>>>>>Ship sessioneers probably don't care<<<< Sorry but quite wrong. Tom Napper officially part of the festival for many years on and off, Martin Bull, a festival organiser until recently, Chris Sherburn, booked guest on many occasions, and probably others including myself in a multitude of different guises ever since the second festival in the 60s.