One quite encouraging feature, in one sense, is the increasing popularity of village hall/church hall type events with BYOB - many people are discouraged by pub prices for drinks; have been to a number of these recently, some folk some non, which have been very well attended.

Pubs have always been a crucial part of the folk world, but with many of the audience now retired, the drink price can be a put-off - you can often cover the entrance fee by what you save by bringing your own booze.