The following (from Steve's fine website) is probably the best action to ensure that the local council are aware of your feelings.

If you are a Festival-goer from out of town:

Write to EDDC (David Pagett, Head of Leisure, EDDC, The Knowle, Sidmouth. EX1O 8HL) telling them what you think of the Festival and their plans to have a 'down-sized' fringe festival next year.

Also write to Cllr Anne Liverton (Chairman) and Cllr Andrew Moulding (Portfolio holder for Leisure) at the same address.

Also tell them all how much you spend in the town during the Festival.

Make sure local shops know that you are a Festival visitor.

Write to your local MP

Write to Rt Hon Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State, Culture Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur St, London SW1Y 5DH.

(a Festival goer at 134 Gilbert Rd, Cambridge, CB4 3PB has started a petition and has a standard letter on which you can base your own letter).