I agree with Paul. For me, the guest list is not a major deciding factor when choosing which festivals to go to. This is because I know that in practice there's a good chance I won't get around to seeing many of them, either because I'm doing something else or the venue is too crowded. I also know that most of them will only be there for a short time. The bigger the festival, the less likely it is I'll get to see many of the guests.

The deciding factor for me is the all-round atmosphere, and opportunities for sessions. I know from experience, or from friends' recommendations, which festivals are likely to suit me. And these days I'm inclining more and more to the small, intimate low-key festivals.

Folk clubs, where you are going to see a single artist, are a different matter. However, at clubs where I trusted the organiser's judgement I would usually go even if I hadn't previously heard the guest performer (or even heard of them, in some cases).