Yup, both the Tenterden and Trav Folk sessions were enjoyable- as was the TF satnite session at Isfield. I agree with Dave, the appeal is relaxed- there were about 25 players/singers by my count at Tenterden, each with their own material and style- and maybe because there's no money involved ego-trips are few and far between. I think this is where the real folk scene resides, rather than in concerts, because you do get eg Rima along, singing new material alongside the traditional favourites and tunes- and if those songs stand that test (as Rima's did), they are likely to survive. I've always valued the comments of friends on new material- if you know them well enough they don't have to be complimentary! It's the winnowing process, and very valuable. Younger performers cut their performing teeth, too, sometimes by realising that the material they begin with hasn't the resonance of the older songs. If we're not tolerant of them, they'll never make that leap. Back onto my faithful charger!
See you all at Broadstairs