Shambles.
There is a noticeble difference within the US. I came to the Northwest six years ago to find FREE Folklife Festivals. Southern California had no freebies that I can ever recall. Seattle's Northwest Folklife is the largest free festival and the rest try to follow their lead. They don't seem to do a lot of jamming, but dance and workshops are plentyful.
Someday I hope to travel the British Isles and perhaps then I can give you a more qualified opinion.
Mudjack