Well, Mr Saur, I haven't listened to the MH prog for YEARS and nowadays rarely even bother to scan the playlists. I don't need to to be aware that the event under discussion is The Young Folk AWARD, an annual competition entirely unconnected to the Folk AWARDS, which are an industry event.

These are young people who, for several months, have competed through a series of heats to take part in a final in which their performance is judged against their peers. The act which comes out best ON THE NIGHT in terms of not only musical ability but also all-round stagecraft is the one that gets the award and opportunities for further exposure.

Many who have not won in the past have, nevertheless, come through anyway and have become established stalwarts of the circuit, of festivals and the recording world. One example was someone whose work I knew well who had the misfortune to have her instrument stolen only days before the final. Being a little unsure with an unfamiliar replacement quite possibly robbed her of the award, in exactly the same way in which a seasoned performer can also have an off night and fail to impress.

The YFA is thus but one route to success. It is not (and shouldn't be) a vehicle for anyone - whether judge or vocal punter - to promote their own particular fave or hobby horse. It is merely a test of who might be up-and-coming as well as a wonderful experience for all participants to share.