I watched the programme on Friday night. Living now in the USA I am rather out of touch with the professional folk scene in the UK and the new artistes who seem to be up and coming.

IMHO, for the most part, I have heard much better singers at song circles and sessions. To me, the various carols were murdered, not sung. Last night, at the folk club I attended, there were two female singers who would knock the girls on Friday night into a cocked hat. One the guys there made a much better job of In The Bleak Midwinter. To me, it looks like folk is imitating pop, favouring girlies with thin, breathy voices. Not at all impressive to me, and to other folk enthusiasts I have spoken to since.

Now, being of an older generation, I would doubt that my opinion would have any real validity insofar as those who decide what will and will not be broadcast, but I do wonder what the future of folk will be if these performances are anything to go by.