There is little in the modern so called "folk festival" that is about transmission any more.
It is all about money and fame.

I could go on for hours on this topic.
Most people who go to festivals are "minimally engaged" nothing wrong with that but performers could do much much more to see to it that their performances had a positive effect on transmission. Festival planners should do a "transmission impact statement" for every activity or performance.

They seem to only be interested in a positive effect on their cd sales and future bookings.

Don't get me wrong I have nothing against commercial performers. I just think they need to monitor their impact upon transmission.

Also. I would not extend this to all performers however, I go to a number of festivals and my experience tells me that transmission could be a lot higher. The perception of the performer is that of an untouchable specialist. The emphasis is on quality of performance not quality of transmission. I would rather someone who "had Songs" perform even though the quality of the performance might not be professional than some recording artist pro.

Part of the problem is that at 57-8 I remember attending festivals and events where those with the songs, the guardians of them from a far commanded the stages. They are all gone almost. These days instead of sitting down with a performer and being offered a shot of whiskey I am only offered a tee shirt or a cd or a concert ticket!

The folk processes (much better as plural) are out there and working just very slowly and often very far away from any organized folk anything.

Yes the folk sprouts new branches buds and flowers. We just have to be willing to recognize them.

I like to think of the ideal in terms of balance. I like to see as many branches buds and flowers as possible. Recently at a green man festival of all the bands celebrating spring and green man traditions, may poll etc....very few had balance. Not one trad UK traditional song was there. Most played new material often fusioned to the gills. Nothing wrong with that but we should try not to negativly influence the older material, its maintenance and transmission.

If visitors leave only entertained without a song in their heads then something is wrong. Unfortunately we have to go from the stage to the written song sheet and into the minds these days but that has worked well for centuries more has to be done with this. I am a strong advocate of hymnals and song sheets that people can use and take with them. Performers need to plan to get off the stage put their feet in the dust and transmit a bit after every performance.

I could go on for volumes.

Conrad