But, I suggest, they receive very significant indirect benefit.

That is probably why it is correct that the indirect method of monetary contributions via collections is undertaken from them. I hope you would agree that these folk should be able to choose to contribute or not, towards the enjoyment of those who pay to attend and directly benefit from the official events? But this method was thought not to be effective.

Some way of channeling money from the non-ticket buyers to the festival is needed. Collecting boxes doesn't really do the job.

I am not sure that this is needed or that any further increase in this approach is helpful to an all-round good festival atmosphere. The non-ticket buyers certainly contibute to the local economy and there is already a feeling in the town that the official festival organisers would wish to be able charge everyone for everything. Charging vistors for admission to the arena, is an example of what is thought by some to be a step too far. What is gained in revenue from this, is thought worth more than the further distancing of the official festival from the town and casual visitors.

It was suggested that there was a symbotic relationship between the fringe events and the official festival, and I would go along with this. I certainly don't argee with the idea expressed from some quarters that the fringe has more like a parasitic realtionship. Indeed, rightly or wrongly many feel that is the official festival that is already trying to suck their blood.

I am really not too sure either how much indirect benefit from the official festival events (other than possibly the fine company) is received by a participant in a seafront or pub session. The best things in life are free and long may they remain so. There may not be such a thing as a free lunch but many folk are not looking for one. But shouldn't you be able to sing and then eat your own sandwiches on the seafront, without someone expecting payment.