Yes, getting back to the topic. Good point made by Matt. Does anyone have any evidence that the folk scene is in decline? We have already disproved that festivals are dying. There are more open mic nights than ever and by their inherent inclusiveness there is plenty opportunity to perform folk music there. So, apart from the word of a handful of people on here, is there any evidence? The very title of this thread and the OP seems to indicate that there is plenty of folk about. Just not in the same format as it was 50 years ago.