Quite right Pete from Essex. I think we've bin down this road before but........I think everyone connected with the folk/contempory music scene either as organiser, spectator (audience), floor-singer, semi or full-time professional, should take note of Bee-dubya-ell's comments up above. Maybe (just maybe) the 'folk-clubs' and pub sessions, where many of those performing at festivals start out, would then thrive more than they do at present in some areas. Diversity and, more important, tolerance is the key.

I get a bit sick of the old contempory versus traditional or accompanied versus un-accompanied arguments. There's room and enjoment in all these forms. Folk clubs/sessions are a great appetiser for the festivals........In my 'umble opinion!