I wouldn't normally get invpved with snidy coments from anonymous GUESTS, but the one a post or two back does raise a valid question.
The Boat Band was asked to perform, and also to help with workshops. The workshop participation didnt happen for various reasons. I thinked they asked us to become involved because of various reasons: one is living on boats(the attempt was being made to involve all itinerants, including Gypsies and other traditional travellers, as well as boaties, new age travellers etc etc). I guess our boat and Glastonbury connections were judged relevant by the organisers.
    I have also been involved with gyspies, and other excluded minorites(especially asylum seekers in recent years) in various artistic community projects projects. I am currently researching gypsy music.
    I suppose the best reasons are that people like step-dancing to our music, that we like a good time, and that we have a love and respect for traditional music, and like telling and hearing stories. We all had an excellent get-together, and I think the event was a great success. It seemed to me more relaxed and inclusive than some more obviously"folky" festivals and concerts: I learnt a great deal, as I'm sure the rest of the Boat Band did. And I especially enjoyed playing for the Orchard family's dancing.