Might be worth explaining that what I meant, when replying to GUEST's post above, was mainly a shorthand for "Whatever you like". In general, though, I've always looked on this massive and splendid ceremonial occasion as an essentially non-pro event (i.e. don't give up the day job).

In fact, my personal idea of "folk" would pretty much rule out the idea of a full-time "professional folk singer" anyway. It seems a contradiction in terms. I'm happy about professional entertainers who specialise in singing "folk" songs (whatever those are), and I'm happy to go to see them (and to pay). Just they've already got a massive awards thingy courtesy of the BBC, and I wanted to celebrate the other thing.

:-)
Ian