There is a predominance of fast and furious Irish music in sessions in the North of the UK to the detrement of other forms of folk music. Some people are trying to redress this and I don't think that that is elitism but rather an attempt to encourage diversity and revieve other music which is in danger of decline. If it takes elitism to keep the music alive then so be it.

I know the point you are making, but I question if "making fast and furious Irish music in sessions", is in itself causing any detriment to other forms. The more music making of any form must be good and this form is very exciting and popular for this reason.

If the steps taken to redress this consist of only encouraging sessions for other lesser known forms, this too is good. It should not take the form of disparaging Irish or any other form of music. Not that I am suggesting that anyone has done that here. Too often I feel it does and there is room for all.

I have been in many sessions (not in the North) where there is a struggle and Irish tunes usually win the day, because they are first exciting and secondly, better known generally. English tunes can be exciting too but too often are not played for excitment and 20 melodeons wheezing away are not to my ear, the best instruments to be playing them on anyway.

I don't think that playing music simply because it is felt it is in decline, or playing it very seriously because it is worthy, is the best reason, if you really wish it to be as popular as other forms.

The love of playing Irish or old time tunes, usually comes across, no matter how raggedly played. I would suggest that the love of other forms like English and French tunes, need to come over more too.

And more fiddle - less boxes.