I enjoy Sidmouth whenever I go and at all levels from concerts to pub sessions via street entertainment. The only time I got frustrated was agreeing to be part of a backing band for a booked singer. Too busy to enjoy some of the bits I love.

Our original poster needs to give it a chance. It is too varied to sum up in one visit. I too was much younger than most of my first folk club mates when I started as a 16 year old, and even now in early retirement, I am one of the younger members of our local club. I don't buy into the Young and old so much as feel my generation is the missing one. Lots of older people still around and I am excited by the interest in folk and acoustic roots by a whole new generation of younger people, with their own heros who in years to come will be revered in words many here reserve for Martin Carthy, Nic Jones, Fairport Convention etc.

Give Sidmouth another try next year eh? I'll buy you a pint.