The dividing line between professionals and non-professionals is very blurred in folk music. In how many other genres do non-professional musicians (by which I mean those who rely on other sources of income for a living) regularly appear at major festivals, not only on the same bill as the leading musicians but possibly even on the same stage?

However I'm not sure what role such an organisation would be able to fulfil. The full-time performers have Britfolk as a source of advice and support, and the MU is there to provide pensions, insurance and the other support services the self-employed need, but which the non-professionals probably obtain from other sources. Promoting folk music should really be the role of EFDSS, and whilst I agree it could do better (extending its vision beyond Camden would be a start) I can't really see what Alan is suggesting being able to do a better job than it or the regional folk organisations.