This is a great discussion and as an American I have been amazed for years at the lack of national support, in Briton for its musical heritage. I am fascinated at everything said here .
        I would love to see how the powers that be in British legislation would feel about home made classical music get togethers in pubs . Would that fly easier then singsongs ?
        The British tourist board could use your wonderful folk music traditions as a commodity; not something to be embarrassed of to bring folks abroad.
        The discussion at hand is the tip of a rather large iceberg I think . Finding a common voice for a rather large and diverse group of folk musicians is daunting .I look forward some day to the Northumbrian Pipers So having a show at the Albert Hall in the same way great folk acts end up at our Carnigie Hall here in New York . More "traditional music" at both venues is the ticket!! In good will to all here , Guy Wolff