At the very least, Sally, it would have been 'the right thing' for John to have written to you, apologising for his arrogance and rudeness.

He is in charge of this Festival, and therefore, his behaviour, and attitude, should be beyond reproach towards everyone.

You most certainly don't just discard those who've been at Sidmouth for many years, because you have others now who will willingly pay the recent vast increases in pitch fees without questioning as to why they are having to pay so much more.

Or maybe you do, if your folk week is about money and nothing else. I'd always thought that Sidmouth carried with it a certain amount of loyalty to artists and those who make it what it is, the crafts people, the catering crews, the cool drinks sellers...

Sadly, it seems The Corporate Bastard Attitude has even crept into the world of the folk festival.

I've been reading a few sad reports about why people no longer are attending Cambridge this year too.

Very sad when Greed comes before Loyalty towards all those who make Folk Festivals/Weeks, what they always have been.

I think the harm that has been done over this horrid email is evident, particularly on your FB page where people have left many comments in your support.

You will be greatly missed, Sally, by many of the adults as well as the children, for whom I'm sure, 'The Lemonade Lady' stall in Blackmore Gardens, with its' cooling, fresh lemonade, has always been a very welcome and much loved part of Sidmouth Folk Week.

To all over festival organisers who have Sally on their books, treasure her.   :0)