The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #163325   Message #3895916
Posted By: JHW
26-Dec-17 - 03:53 PM
Thread Name: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
Subject: RE: What's Happening to our Folk Festivals?
'apathy from the younger generations'

Today (Boxing Day 2017) I watched Redcar Sword Dancers perform the Greatham Sword Dance Play at Greatham, nr Hartlepool I think for the fiftyfirst year. As sizeable an audience there as I've seen on many visits. Many of them young. Some very young. The sword dancers performing are mostly of the generation that 'invented' the revival. They can't keep it going a further fifty years.
Same with Festivals; same with Folk Clubs; same even with pubs. Most of the folks I see out walking or cycling or on motorbikes and in the tearoom are retired. My guess is that when we are all gone so will be the many strands of the folk revival.

At least many very young folks had enough interest in old folks doing an old custom to turned out and watch today.