Folk music exists regardless of the arena it is heard in.

Its interesting of course that those used to function rooms in pubs are now seeing Youtube and social media as an outlet as if it's something new.

Welcome to the folk music platform that has been enjoyed for a number of years now by younger performers and listeners. Vastly far more of them judging by "followers" than half a dozen pensioners in a circle claiming to be the town's only "folk music outlet."

The question of whether folk clubs survive is being asked by those who see pubs as their social outlet. Folk music is surviving and evolving nicely where those who will carry it on congregate. On line, festivals and sit down concerts.

I'm misty eyed and nostalgic for the upstairs rooms with candles in wine bottles every bit as much as the next person. But survival of the genre is a different discussion to survival of the platform. I'm excited by the young acts we book at our concert style club, spend time listening on Youtube to wonderful new interpretations of traditional ballads by young people that have never had a bloke with trousers up to Jim's tits telling them they are doing it wrong. It's brilliant and exciting.