And as a Sheffield caroller (Dungworth Branch) I give a hearty Hark Hark to that. It really is an intense physical experience as it says here. http://www.folk-network.com/events/2006/carols_06.html

This weekend there is The Festival of Village Carols which sells out the moment tickets go on sale. Like Cambridge Folk Festrival or Sheffield United v. Sheffield Wednesday.

There is also a pocket of traditional carols in the USA at Glen Rock, York County, Pennsylvania, where I shall be lucky enough to be on Xmas Eve this year. There is also a pocket of Cornish carols in Grass Valley California and possibly in Australia. They were certainly sung there.

Vic Gammon's thesis whose name I have forgotten deals with this change to Hymns Ancient and Modern and away from "Village Carols".