I know quite a few people who avoid ceilidhs now - just because of the sound level. If you wish to be pedantic (would I?) sound level is the level of 'intended' sound, noise level is the level of unwanted 'background' sound. So the band is producing an excessive sound level and the people talking to try and make themselves heard above it (and drowning out the caller so the rest of us can't hear) are making a noise - as perceived by the rest of us.....

I well remember Asha playing at THIS year's Towersey when the sound equipment didn't work. They had to start the ceilidh without any amplification. It was wonderful. The reason for all this excessive sound is simple - the technology is now available to produce it and the children who are in charge of sound desks feel they are not doing a proper job unless they use it to full effect.

I agree - it's not folk.

I agree with many other sentiments also.