For the record (and it's not the first time I've said it) the festival management really values the fringe. As you may know, the festival receives local government support and sponsorship from local businesses. This is in part because of what's known as the "Sidmouth Spike" - an estimated £1.5m of extra revenue which comes into the town during folkweek. If you come, eat, drink, stay locally - you are contributing to the perceived benefit to the town of having the festival there. Of course, the festival is also very grateful for the money contributed to the collecting tins, which helps to pay for some of the provision such as bands and ceilidhs at the Anchor (which are free entry) and street theatre in the town. And people who buy tickets are absolutely essential to the festival's viability. But we have no gripe with those who don't.

I would also add that we publicise fringe venues in the festival programme.


Joan Crump
Artistic Director
Sidmouth FolkWeek