There is an English disease involving embarrassment and over regulation, together with tight-fistedness when it comes to providing support for events like Sidmouth. And there are worries soem people have about the European Union. But they aren't to be packaged together. I see that as a thread drift too far.

There is no way that the troubles of Sidmouth can be blamed on Brussels bureaucrats. Many other parts of our continent seem to be much more relaxed and helpful about this kind of event. If only England could learn from the example of Ireland in these matters, we'd be a lot better off musically and culturally.

Once again, I'd urge that most of the non-ticket events at Sidmouth should not be seen as "fringe", they are very much part of the festival, and a central part too.