Where are we going next? If I show how fast I can drink a yard of ale and wager money on it am I a (paid) performer?
The real answer to all this is to test the legality of the actions of police or council officials in a court. I know that this happened in Broadstairs a few years ago following the intervention by a new police inspector in a session for spoon players led by the old trout band. It was lierally laughed out of court by the chairman of the local magistrates who accused the police of time wasting. So there is a precedent. Are there any good (or otherwise) Lawyers who dance the morris, perform in mummers plays or just enjoy a good informal session. If so - please get to work. Write to your MP/Euro MP / Local councillor or anyone else you can think of. I'd be happy to lend my weight to any legitimate public protest. How about a mass mummers /dance display in Trafalgar Square?