"I suggest the big cities are actually relative deserts in terms of folk music of all kinds. The hearts of folk music in the UK is in smaller cities and for the most part towns and villages. For example if I limit my self to a 3 mile radius, I can go to a folk club 4 nights a week, and on 2 of those I have a choice. That just wouldn't be true in a city."

Can't believe I've just read this!!

Sheffield must be one of THE largest folk club resources on the planet! If you want choice there can be no better place - EVERY night of the week. If you want the cheapest and best ale; if you want the friendliest of folk (only the North East compares); if you want the variety; if you want Irish too (a very strong Irish music community); if you want villages within a larger Village (Sheffield is a Village); if you want easy travel etc etc

If you want details too detailed to list here, PM me.