The State of Folk in the UK 2016

I recently responded to a questionnaire as a member of The EFDSS. It didn't really address or inquire much about "The State of Folk in the UK 2016" but it's basic and reasonable assumption was that I as a Member would be in favour, be a supporter and even promoter of "Folk".

Last night I watched the BBC 2 Folk Awards Ceremony at The Royal Albert Hall. I felt the quality and variety of performance was breathtaking and thought that anybody finding the recording on BBC iPlayer could only be impressed and entertained. On reflection I also felt that these Awards are mostly awards to professional singers and musicians.

I have no intention of getting into a discussion about how much "professional singers and musicians" contribute to or are part of the greater world of UK Folk but it made me think about how far "Folk" has come since the Folk Clubs of the 60s and 70s.

In many parts of the country Folk Clubs are few and far between but they are and always have been only one aspect of "Folk".

My question is: What are the other aspects and how are they fairing?

1. Folk Clubs – resident singers, audience, guests.
I don't know but I guess the collapse of the 80's & 90s has leveled out.
2. Singarounds – most people who go sing songs, small audience if any
Don't know – how can we find out?
3. Tunes Sessions - most people who go play tunes, small audience if any
Don't know – how can we find out?
4. Folk Concerts – in larger venues and small theatres pro and semi pro performers
Seem to be good in larger towns and cities
5. Folk Festivals – weekends to weeks, residential audiences pro and semi pro performers
Seem to be very popular – probably at least one every week or weekend through summer
6. Social Country Dance Clubs – often associated with The EFDSS, regular meetings to dance Social Dance to a Band or recorded music
Don't know but I guess EFDSS does.
7. Ceilidhs – sometimes organised by "Folkies" for "Folkies" Social Dance with a Band
Popular with some folk clubs and Morris sides etc.
8. Ceilidhs – sometimes organised by "Folkies" for "None Folkies" Social Dance with a Band
Popular with PTAs, Birthdays, Fundraisers etc.
9. Solo Clog Dancing – individuals learn the same routine but often dance together in public
Don't know – is their a national organisation?
10. Other regional solo display dancing -
Appalachian, Suffolk …...........................
11. Longsword and Rapper Dancing -
I guess in good shape but don't really know
12. Morris and related Dancing -
I guess in good shape but don't really know
13. Mummers Plays and other Folk Drama -
No idea!

With all this going on I am tempted to say that "Folk" in the widest sense is in good shape. How is it for you?