Alas no, my immediate family are not interested in folk music so paying to park all day and then waiting around whilst I went off to a folk club was never an option when visiting York.

Sidmouth is the only time I have to be away from the family and be entirely free to sing and play - I get away to a couple of local festivals for a few hours, but that is all.

Ironically I now have a promise of some work which will bring in almost exactly one season ticket's worth of money - if it happens - I am never sure of it until I have the money in the bank. Maybe I can get to some set price events after all.

I will still be unable to whinge over a pint in a pub - I can't afford to go out drinking.

I never meant to imply that a Sidmouth season ticket is not good value, if it can be got then it is fine. It is just that for people like me who are only just able to afford to get to the festival the increase in workshop prices, and the alteration of events from a collection to eight pounds entry will effect what I will be able to attend.

I only hope that it doesn't result in ever increasing segregation of ticketed events and the fringe.

Anne Croucher.