I have heard a few sad comments from traders over the past 2 years. Basically they are being squeezed financially. I doubt many will post here because it is not good business to moan. eg Traders not invited because they have a traders selling that sort of "thing" and now we hear of traders having to quote for the priviledge of attending. And having to buy tickets for the 1/4 of the time left to them.

I personally like the stalls, but currently the choice I find has diminished at some festivals. Making it harder to "like".

Notable by exception are Upton and Chippenham where the public have full access. Indeed Chippenham BH Monday is a riot of stalls in the high street. Which is organised by the Rotarians I believe.

Organisers should be aware - if you are serious about festivals - traders are part of the buzz, don't be greedy. And traders are as traditional as Folk Song - and as a tradition, as old. They are part of the line-up.