I think that I should point out that this celebration started a few years ago when Salford City Council installed a plaque, commemorating the life and career of Ewan MacColl, in the Working Class Library. There were celebrations connected with the event, involving much singing and good fellowship, and some of us decided to make it an annual event.
MacColl, of course, was, and still is, a controversial person (I doubt whether he would have had it any other way) but I think that many of us felt that we had benefited, in some way, from his example.
Personally, I feel that I gained a real insight into traditional song from my contacts with him. Ewan also gave me some insights into how to sing traditional songs and for that I am forever in his debt. I'm proud to be associated with this annual celebration and I'm sure that Ewan would have been pleased that it is always an enjoyable event with a very welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.