I agree with Laura.

I'm not going because it's not going to be anything like the Festival I have known and loved, also because there are better alternatives in 2005 at Broadstairs and, I hear, Eastleigh in Hampshire.

Having said that, I wish those who do still go for the sessions in The Anchor and The Bedford or the concerts in The Manor Pavilion or at the Ham an enjoyable time.

I respect their wish to have a smaller, very traditional Festival with few big-name artistes and international visitors. Good luck to them. I hope they have a great time.

All I ask is that they also respect my reasons for not joining them. We're all entitled to our own views so please let's avoid all the negative sniping that sadly characterised previous threads on Sidmouth.

Happy New Year!