I wonder just how many full-time performers there actually are on the UK folk scene? Even many who we would generally class as full-time make a portion of their income (in some cases a large portion) from non folk circuit activity.

The notion of "serving your time" and becoming full-time I think is now past it's sell by date (it it was ever in date). I don't think that the UK folk cicuit can support, on a year round basis, more than a handful of full-time performers, the majority will have to develop a range of activities that they can offer in different spheres.

All the best

Steve