It seems that with some festivals and folk clubs, "who you know" is more likely to get you booked than your ability as a performer and if you are a group how much does the name of your group influence the decision to book you.
                         I,ve heard that with some festivals,you are more likely to get booked if you organise a festival or club of your own and can return the favour with a booking at your event. I know of some fine singers / groups who struggle to get bookings whilst some festivals book the same acts every year. Is this a case of "Better the devil you know".
                               I would be interested in the thoughts of others who struggle to find gigs. I know performers get booked on reputation, but you have to perform regularly to a wider audience in order to build a reputation don,t you ?