It could well be that only singarounds and sessions are the only thing that survive as they cost very little to run. Likewise they tend to book less performers.

Festivals seem to be big business, but not sure if that is profitable for performers.

We as organsiers cannot help the way things are going. I have done my best to get youngsters involved, including my own daughters - but they don't like folk music, and when they go, its under sufference.

I have one resident performer who is 16 and the rest differ in age getting eventually up to my age of 62.

I think a lot of the problem in some ways is to do with people who refuse to try and get youngsters involved. As Guest says people are getting older and are also less prepared to pay enough to watch folk singers.

I have had quite a few youngsters on over the 4/5 years I have been running a club.

I do feel very sorry for professional performers who find they can't survive. Its not nice.

There is a lot of very good young talent out there, but are the old folkies prepared to listen to them - are they prepared to listen to you.

A lot of youngsters nowadays just want to do their spot and go. Life is so much different these days than in the 60's. Are us oldies able to step aside and let them take over and do their kind of music?

Having said that, the youngsters who have played at my club, do tend to stay on as long as possible. Can't complain.

I think the day of performers travelling long distances is going to die, as it is becoming too expensive for everyone and for bands, its even worse.

if there was only an answer.