Guest Realist, I don't think its fair to refer to visitors who don't buy tickets as " Parasites", not all of them are necessarily obsessive Folkies who want Wall to wall Folk activities, some of them may have only limited time to spend here, or be of limited means, many I know come principally for the social aspect of meeting up with old friends for a once a year re-union. And there are many supporters who, like myself live in the area, and for whom Folkweek is not a holiday but a working week, making it uneconomical to buy a season ticket that we cant make adequate use of, but still like become involved in the festival to the best of our abilities.
There are a few however who seem to want to make a virtue out of not contributing financially,who turn up year on year, spend the entire week in one (Free) venue and boast of never having paid for anything, all this despite the amazing variety of entertainment on offer.
Festivals cost money to put on, Artists, Organisers, and the like all have bills to pay and are entitled to their wages, and contrary to what you might think, the biggest costs are things like the Hire of venues,and supply of the necessary ancillary services to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable time, very little goes on "Free" or Cut price tickets for people, and many performers are willing to appear for reduced fees, some having even having performed free of charge.
However it should be obvious to all, that those who buy tickets DO subsidise those who do not, and that if there was no Festival due to lack of money, there would be No free fringe to enjoy, So please if you do come without a ticket, PUT SOMETHING IN THE COLLECTING TINS !!!

Henry Piper. Old Father Christmas, Sidmouth Traditional Mummers.