There is a similar discussion going on in the E-celidh group at the moment.

I get the impression that some of the livelier bands (Flook as an example) and ceilidh bands, (Tickeld Pink, Hekety), are getting young people interested and in fact at Holmfirth this year there were young people at most of the concerts we ran.

We do go out of our way to encourage the younger performer and this year 14 year-old Ruth Notman got two spots. And blew the brains out of people who heard her. I am also looking at various competition winners to perform - and I hope to put both a young person concert and ceilidh on. And if anyone has not seen Kerfuffle http://www.kerfuffleonline.co.uk/ then go and see them when they are near you. One fourteen and three fifteen year olds. Harriet Bartlett - 17 years of age, http://www.harrietbartlett.com/

I could go on.

It is difficult because at the same time we do not wish to upset our more traditional audience who expect to see established stars as well. I think what might help is when bands such as Kerfuffle and Harriet form a following and bring their "groupie" friends along. And thanks to Folkworks and Pads at Barnsley and other similar courses there are some more great young players coming along.

I do get a bit worried when go to folk clubs, then I get to a festival and see the younger end.

BUT and I wish I could make that BUT much larger, MUDCAT is a great place to say what you want!!

Dave