I got the same reply (word-for-word) yesterday from Gordon Ross. Here'[s whjat I wrote back to him:

Thanks for the info.

I trust this will get resolved somehow, even though I wouldn't be so confident about it except for the fact that an international outcry is just now getting underway.

The fact that a regular annual shanty festival had been funded in Liverpool, but that funding was suddenly denied at the very moment that the city is planning a major celebration and presumably has more money available for the performing arts than ever before, indicates to me that something is seriously wrong. Undue favoritism for certain new applicants, perhaps, coupled with appalling cluelessness on the part of some decisionmakers. At least, that how it looks from across the ocean.

Increasing international awareness of this controversy is inevitable. I trust that you and your colleagues will spare yourself embarrassment, and will encourage participation on the part of a significant class of visitors, by restoring maritime music to its rightful place among the Liverpulian arts to be celebrated during your anniversary.

Good luck!
Tom Henehan