Just arrived back, after a long days drive. Logged in to see what was being said, and I'm delighted to read this thread.

It was indeed a great festival, and from direct contact with one of the main organisers, a success in every respect. There is money to get the ball rolling for 2006, and given the results achieved in so short a time, one year from now we will see something amazing next year.

My hat is off to those good people who knocked themselves out to ensure the survival of this unique event. They deserve nothing but praise and admiration for their efforts.

High spots of the week for me, in no particular order of merit,were:-

Bob & Gill Berry's Folk week folk club, which booked some very fine guests, and featured some talented and entertaining backing artists (I hate the term floor singers), playing to a full house throughout the week at the Arts Centre

Leadfingers' sessions at the New Tavern, which, while sparsely attended at certain times, were lightly guided and thoroughly enjoyable.

The open mike sessions at Dukes, very ably conducted and producing some really top class performers, including the odd appearance by professional artists.

The Middle Bar, as good as, or perhaps better than ever.

The first Friday evening session of The Asby de la Zouch folk club, well run as always by our own MBSLynne.

And of course The Bedford sessions, packing 'em in as always.

The concerts were in the main well attended, and those I went to were great value for money.

While the international aspect was much reduced (tho' not entirely absent), I felt that The whole was more integrated, and being centred in the town, there was less of the "us and them" division between the concert scene and the so called fringe, which I feel was, on balance, a good thing.

The business community were generous in supplying funds for this one, and deserve our gratitude for that.

All in all, I don't regret the past year of posting positively about Sidmouth 2005, and feel that my optimism and enthusiasm has been more than justified.

Don T.