I spend much of my time in sessions. I usually manage to get to a few workshops, but I find I'm not sufficiently organised or disciplined to get to many of the programmed events. Even if I've highlighted something in the programme, when the time comes and I'm faced with the prospect of packing away my instruments, making my way across town to queue for an hour to get in, the temptation to get another pint and carry on playing is usually too much.

I also recognise the need to contribute financially to the main festival, without which the fringe sessions wouldn't be happening. One year at Sidmouth I totted up what it would have cost to pay on the door for those events I did get to, compared with the cost of the week's season, and it was well under 10%. There has to be a balance between making a reasonable contribution and getting value for money.

Sidmouth's camping passport means I can make a reasonable financial contribution and then only have to pay for the events I get to.