I have just got home from a quieter, less crowded Sidmouth. The atmosphere was far more relaxed, possibly because people weren't dashing madly from place to place trying to get their moneysworth out of a season ticket.
The singing was super in the Middle Bar, Theatre Bar, RY&F and The Volunteer.
There was plenty of activity on the esplanade from dancers, traders and buskers.
The big dance marquee seemed to be full whenever I looked in.
There were plenty of music sessions going on in most of the pubs around the town, the Rugby Club and the Sailing Club.
The traders seemed to be happier now that they had a steady trade all day and didn't get the mad rush at 5pm when you used to be able to get into the arena free.
Most people who go to do fringe events were putting their hands in their pockets and putting their hard earned cash into the festival by attending some concerts and workshops or coughing up several times in the session when the collecting tins went round. There were more £ coins going in instead of small change.
The huge difference was that the festival was concentrated down in town and the locals seemed to be far more involved. I was certainly made to feel more welcome than has been the case in recent years.
I hope that this year will be a financial success and that it won't go too far down the money grabbing comercial route next year or this years lovely atmosphere could easily be lost. A lot of people commented that they had got the old Sidmouth back. Many returned for the first time in years having been put off by the direction took when Sidmouth Festival lost the 'Folk' in its title.