Having spoken to the Operations Manager, the delay is due to the system for managing stewarding changing a bit this year. As with any system review, implementation is just taking a bit more time than usual.
You should be hearing from the festival very soon.
"Come on Sidmouth, some people have to make money out of trading and the season is short. Most venues are done and dusted and they are well before your festival."
And most festivals aren't dealing with almost 700 events over 8 days, an infrastructure which spans both town and greenfield sites, and an administrative system which is going through a process of major change. The festival appreciates that you have to make money out of trading, and everyone on the Sidmouth team is doing their best to satisfy your needs as well and as quickly as possible - as well as the needs of all our other traders, catering partners, volunteers and customers. Thanks to all of you for your patience.