Very nice new Sidmouth Festival website but my friends at East Devon District Council tell me they have still NOT approved any licence for any outdoor venue in Sidmouth this summer.

One officer has expressed considerable doubt as to whether the planned Ham marquee will be allowed.

The Arena has already been ruled-out.

To quote 'Steve of Sidmouth' there are still "lots of practical questions to be resolved" such as licensing conditions; insurance (£15million Public Liability required by EDCC); risk assessments; health & safety issues; security (SIA registered staff now needed) etc. etc. etc.

Certainly there will be something in Sidmouth this summer but whether it's just a few sessions and morris dancing on the prom or a proper festival remains to be seen.