At the meeting however, the agenda item was swiftly moved to 'Part B' - where councillors discuss amongst themselves items that are deemed too sensitive (or embarrassing) for mere taxpayers to hear.

The £5000 is presumably in addition to the £20,000 pa already committed on an ongoing basis. This would take the Sidmouth Town Council contribution to £25,000 pa - no wonder they act as though they now own the festival!

So once again mere taxpayers or ordinary folk dancers were not permitted even to attend a FolkWeek meeting where the progress of the event might be discussed.

Whilst being claimed to be more informal fun and useful than previous (public) meetings, a better description might have been secretive, sanctimonious and self-congratulatory.

Maybe the only views permitted to be discussed were those approved by FolkWeek management?

It is a prestigious new building and arguably a 'vanity project'. Ever since it was opened (with the usual fanfare involving variously lunatic and inadequate councillors) it has suffered from low usage, probably owing to its location.

There may be a desperation to have it more fully utilised.

One of the reasons for low usage may be the steep hire charges - £50 per hour for the whole building. Large village halls with kitchen facilities can be hired for typically £100 for 4 hours on Saturday nights, and £50 for 4 hours at other times. Smaller halls can be hired for £25 for 4 hours. Bulk booking discounts should also be available.