http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/folk/acoustic_club/launch.shtml Link to the the BBC's Virtual Session.

The FEATURE section on the performers involved in this fine project contain some background information on the what and how of sessions. Many of these performers have come up through these events and it is quite clear that these have been part of our culture for sometime.

Recent comments to the Government, connected with proposed entertainment licence reform were to the effect that such a tradition of folk music (and song) in our pubs did not exist.

The problem is that with many organisers currently keeping their heads down and as these events are not advertised, it is rather easy for the Government to make a case that these events are not happening.

It would be most helpful (I would say vital), if the DCMS and the Government could receive more accurate information about the many informal participatory events that are now actually taking place accross our land. Those anyway that have survived our current regime but will soon have to face a futher challenge.

You don't have to use the names of premises, just explain the set-up and history etc. Just to show that it is a real factor that they have to address in their proposed reforms.