I contributed to the discussion on E-Ceilidh. I have danced to "a" Ship Band at Sidmouth. The driving force is an excellent fiddler and comes from a folkie/morris family. My problem with the concept is that you don't know who will be in the line-up. In effect they are a band of deps - effectively.
They were danceable in the open on the sloping tarmac at the Anchor, Sidmouth- a (sort of) free dance event. But in an auditorium with a sprung wooden floor & a band full of deps - I am not so sure. They would have to prove it to me. And they will get their chance at Stroud Ceilidhs next year. I will spot any Gloucestershire members (if any). I don't choose the bands only publicise "Stroud Ceilidhs". Which start on Fri Sept 26 at Stroud Folk Festival with GB²H a local band with national credentials (Paul Burgess & Martin Brinsford are the B² - eg)