When I talk about the "fringe" at folk festivals it seems that some people are somewhat confused by this term.

If I have confused you I apologise.

My personal take or definition of this is ardent and true folk followers who support the true traditions of the folk scene with all their hearts.

They may not pay up for a full festival ticket and not wish to spend a whole weekend or a week sat in concert halls but they do add a tremendous amount of character and atmosphere to any festival through their singing and playing to the enjoyment of the whole local community. And the extra revenue in the campsites,local pubs and eateries.

Also in my experience folk 'fringers' don't just spend all their time (when it's possible) gathering in pubs. They also pick and choose and pay to go to some concerts on the menu and workshops and Ceilldihs etc and many I know also volunteer as stewards to assist the organisers at festivals and which allows the less affluent and hard working true folkies access to the odd concert or two.

So we actually contribute a lot, both in terms of financial gain to the festival itself and to the financial and spiritual soul of the local community.

Sp please don't try to type cast the 'fringe' as spongers. As many other very honourable people have said here, the true origins and traditions of the whole folk movement started with us meek and humble people just keeping the folk tradition alive in our homes, pubs and clubs.

The big commercial folk festivals came later on the back of us.
We are not parasites and we should hopefully be able to all live together and accomodate each other in the true spirit of the folk tradition. We are not all that different after all!

Very best regards to you all.

Chris