"Explain?"

The awards are largely there (it seems to me) to promote artists that have agents, managers, record labels etc. Apart from possibly the Young Folk Award I can't think of any of the nominees, winners or performers on the night who don't fall into these categories. (I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong!).

Most of the nominated artists are also more interested in the festival circuit (who can blame them, it pays better).

A lot of Folk Clubs are still prepared to book some artists that don't fall into these categories..... I just don't think the Folk Club of the Year category fits with the ethos of the awards organisers anymore. Because most of the (150 or so) judges are (ones I'm aware of anyway) agents, managers, record label bosses, magazine editors, reviewers and the like. Not many who are JUST Folk Club Organisers or audience.

Folk Clubs aren't important to the "industry" side of folk anymore, just not enough money in them.