As the person who raised the issue on the "Feedback" programme I agree that Seth and Kate have brought vibrancy and life to the folk movement. You will not find me criticising Kate anywhere and I have made plenty of posts about her.

I have spent time with and booked them both so it is not about them. Were I still active in that way on the folk scene I would probably do so again, and I recommended my daughter (who is active on the folk scene) that she book Seth Lakeman for her festival last year and she did so. I also recommended she booked him again this year. I am cheering the singers on as you suggest and have been cheering Seth and his brothers on since 1996 when I first came across them. Probably before most people had heard of them. So my track record in regard to that is pretty good.

Nor is it really about Mike Harding - he has his agenda - and he is simply a presenter anyway. A difficult job and one that requires his undoubted talents.

It is about the transparency of the Folk Awards and how they are decided. They are important because lots of money rides on them. This track not being traditional has squeezed out a track that was traditional. It is a strong category as John Leonard says, so there is every chance that the track squeezed out is a good one.

There is a clear definition from the BBC (=Smooth Operations) as to what tracks fit into the "Traditional" category and the White Hare doesn't.

I am not on my own - listen to Feedback again tomorrow - 1.30 pm Friday.