Smallpiper says:
   "it grieves me that (the English) belittle their own heritage whilst promoting that of minority cultures".
    Quite a few folkies seem to share this grief but I think it is very misplaced and is a divisive attitude. We're all in the same boat here, and I think current support for minority ethnic culture can help provide a chink in the wall, or a toe in the door, that can help English trad music. I have been an obsessive activist for the music for many decades, and I also work very hard for asylum-seeker/refugee and other minority musicians, helping people get instruments, recording opportunities, performance spots at festivals etc etc. I don't regard wearing these two hats as leading to a conflict. Quite the reverse. If I get called to a meeting and asked for contacts for bhangra drummers or a capella African singers for a mulit-cultural fun day in the park, I say"Sure. Glad to help, but if it's going to be really multi-cultural we need some English fiddle and melodeon as well".
   And this approach is starting to work. As devolution has started to bite over the last decade, interest in local vernacular culture from all sectors of the population has started to rise. A softly,softly approach seems to me to be starting to work, and I don't think displaying hostility to the promotion of minority cuktures is likely to lead you anywhere, except perhaps into the arms of the BNP. Much better to applaud it, all music is wonderful, and slyly slip in a request for a bit of clog dancing as well.
    As an example, earlier this year I was asked to sort out the multi-culturaal performers for a Radio 3 "World on your street" event in Stoke. I did so, and a great day was had by all. You can find soundclips on the Radio 3 website (type in "world on your street" and Stoke and that should get you there): and nestling beside some African singing and Kurdish playing you will hear yours truly and the rest of the Boat Band playing the Stoke Hornpipe.
    Support for minority culture is not a problem to more long-standing (in England) trad indigenous musicians: it is a solution opportunity. Not to mention a chance to learn about some wonderful music!