"Surely if you've got a lot of people together who share a love of folk music it's a bit strange if they don't have a chance to enjoy some?"

Indeed, McGrath. And from what I remember, the reason Sheffield in particular was chosen by the Board for the EFDSS AGM this year is precisely because it is such a thriving hotbed of folk activity, from the major artists based there to the ceilidh bands and top quality music and song sessions. There was also a desire to demonstrate to the membership that EFDSS isn't just about things that happen in London.

It is a very odd turn of events to decide to celebrate activity that's happening outside of London, and then to go there and pretty much ignore it.

But to be honest, very little surprises me anymore.