Peter Stockport's opinion (above) is, obviously, as valid as anyone else's.
But I suspect he isn't aware of the struggle to put on the festival this year.
Must stress, I am not one of the organizers, but I do have first hand info (as an Otley Folk Club regular) on the sequence of events…..

Advance notice was (as far back as last year's fest) that the Fest couldn't have the Main venue – the Civic.
Without that venue, big name acts were 'off' and the organizers set up the fest for 09 as a very much pared-down affair relying on local acts – as without big names, numbers would (of course) be down – and for a few months, facing such loss of advance revenue, there was even the likelihood it would run just Sat & Sun and no camping!
Suddenly, months after things are usually set in place – and much already agreed and in place (eg the hiring of the Methodist Hall and contracts with many local artists) the local Council gave word that the proposed refurb of the Civic was postponed and it was now available (for all EXCEPT the Sunday eve).
The organizers were faced with the choice – leave it as a low-key affair – or attempt to widen the choice.
Snag now, of course – most 'named' or 'national' acts have their bookings sorted a good year of more in advance – there was little chance of having a pick from the whole field by that stage.
The publicity 'machine' re all the national mags was also, now, way behind – as was publicity through all the usual channels (leaflet distribution at events all year)
Phone calls to old faves & friends of the fest, favours called-in – and main-man Steve magically conjured up….
Show of Hands, Steve Tilston, Chris Sherburn with Denny Bartley (ie Last Night's Fun), Mawkin/Causley, Harvey Andrews, Ben & Joe Broughton – that's six INTERNATIONALLY renowned acts.
That's about the usual number of 'headliners' for Otley in any year!
- The sort of acts in the bold letters at the top of the usual posters.

Then came all the acts in the next font-size down (listed before all the local acts – though also including some local acts that are known 'nationally'!) For example….
Stanley Accrington, Hekety (for the ceilidh), Ember, Grace Notes, The Hall Brothers, D'Urbervilles and my own McF band!
All these names have featured 'nationally' at festivals all over the UK for some years (and, indeed, currently!)
….From main stage Sidmouth to Shrewsbury to Scotland!

Next font-size down on the poster came all the local acts – so many of quality there, too!
And such acts provide much needed backbone to any festival.

I am sorry Peter didn't enjoy his festival. There are always some that don't – fair enough.
But this festival was unreservedly a GREAT success, in extremely difficult circumstances – hugely enjoyed by the greater proportion of those attending – I know – I've had that much feedback - personally, from the public, other artists – and from the stewards/organizers et al.

My hat's off to Steve, all his team, the stewards, stallholders, Moor & Coast at the campsite and particularly to the Food Hall saviours 'Rejoice' who stepped in to do the (wonderful!) catering at the Civic Hall with about a day and a half's notice!

Well done Steve and all – you even did a good job on the weather again!
(Once again – for example)
There were 250+ folk on the Cricket Club outfield, in blazing sunshine, watching us McF's play outdoors in front of the pavilion at Sunday teatime!
From the atmosphere generated, the dancing that went on, the smiles and the rousing applause – something good was happening!
All the best – Duncan