Those who are members of the English Folk Dance and Song Society or who follow it on social media will be aware that is is considering changing its name. It is currently consulting the members, and will throw it open to all in the New Year.

The reasons given are set out on its website
A consultation about our name

There was a Mudcat discussion on this topic nearly 10 years ago:
Does the EFDSS need a new name/logo

The proposed alternative is "Folk Arts England". I must admit I don't like the term "folk arts" which doesn't immediately make me think of music or dance. It is already being abbreviated on social media to "FARTS" so we'll see whether it lasts.

I am concerned that it wants to drop the word "English". The negative examples it gives are all to do with people's sense of personal identity, but I struggle to see how it can promote English folk music without using the word. What hope have we of standing up for English culture if the organisation which exists to promote it is embarrassed by it?

I can understand that the name feels a bit old-fashioned, but it does encapsulate its purpose as set out in its charitable objects, which is "to preserve English folk dances and songs and other folk music". Note the "English".

I can't help but feel that the EFDSS should be more concerned by its utter failure to engage with the majority of people involved with folk music. Currently it only has around 2000 individual members, and seems to concentrate on professional artist development rather than the grass roots. It is often criticised for being London-centric. It seems to me it should first be taking a hard look at what it should be doing, and only then can it choose a name which reflects that.