Excellent news that businesses are at last supporting the Festival. If they'd done so before the future of the Festival might never have been in doubt.

Fantastic to know the campsites are in place even if they are many miles away from the town centre and short of stewards.

Terrific to hear of all the dances being organised albeit in draughty church halls and the like on the outskirts of town.

Wonderful to learn that "steps are being taken to ensure the LNE will go ahead" even if we've only learnt second-hand that it was ever in doubt.

Marvellous to read that "ticket sales are exceeding expectations" even if we're not told what the expectations for ticket sales were.

Tremendous to know that the town will be quieter this year so those who do attend can get served more easily in the pubs.

All we need to hear now is that Lizzie is leaving town and we might turn-up to Sidmouth this year after all!