I love the idea of free festivals. But without local authority support it can only work if everyone puts something in. If it's supposed to be a minority of activists and artists providing a free event for a largely passive 'feed-me' audience, I can't see how a venture like that can be sustainable long-term.
Small local folk events do sound a grand idea and it'd be fabulous to have more of them in the UK, but only if they can find some support from local business or arts bodies.
In principle it's all good. But I've heard far better practical suggestions from Jim Carroll who's seen local folk fests work in Ireland. I'll try to find them.