Sorry to play Johnny-come-lately, but I've been off the net for the past few days, and unable to contribute to this thread until now. May I please make a couple points, and try to clear the air a bit?
First point. Although I didn't write the letter which started this controversy, the author did consult me during the drafting, because I also witnessed the events it describes. The concern which underlies this letter is shared by a considerable number of people. Some Mudcatters may believe this concern is misplaced, but please accept that it is genuine.
Second Point. I am entirely in favour of informal, impromptu, or "scratch" Morris teams performing in public. I think they are a Good Thing, and should be encouraged. So do the organisers of the Sidmouth and Whitby festivals, who clearly state that any such teams are very welcome to participate – PROVIDED that they do not interrupt, or disrupt, the official dance programme. This is the key issue.
Now for the air-clearing.
The Sidmouth incident took place during a programmed display in the garden behind the Anchor inn, in front of an audience of at least 200 people. The headline act was an excellent dance team from Spain, who put on a stunning show. Supporting them was a bog-standard English Morris team, trying hard to perform their dances as well as possible for the enjoyment of the punters.
Motley Morris turned up uninvited, just before the start, and asked if they could dance as a part of this show: the MC said "yes". In fact, Motley were not at all bad, as scratch sides go. Most of them could dance a bit, and quite a few seemed to know the particular dance they were supposed to be doing (though not all of them knew the same version of it). But inevitably, their sets were fairly ragged, and with most of them wearing ordinary beach clothes, rather than Morris kit, the overall impression was fairly shambolic. On the promenade, or out in the street, a performance like this would have been perfectly appropriate. But as part of the official programme of an international festival, it was, I believe, out of place.
As regards the Whitby incident – well, there is a long history of scratch teams dancing there, and I'm all in favour of them continuing to do so. What kit they wear, and what style they dance in, is entirely their own business. But gate-crashing official festival events and deliberately disrupting the dancing of other teams is not acceptable, and they should stop doing it. End of story.