Lorient in Brittany always coincides with Sidmouth for one of its weeks - not that I've ever been. (I think you gotta like bagpipes and bombardes tho')
If I don't get to Sidmouth in 2005 it won't be for any of the negative reasons put forward by the snide snipers: it will just be that I can't take any more time off after having a prolonged break in the Antipodes earlier in the year. I shall do my best to get there even if for only part of the time, and i applaud heartily the efforts of those working to ensure that there WILL be a festival.
TB