i don't want to start a political discussion, but i thought people here might be interested in this (as it's music-related):

it seems the British National Party is trying to co-opt English folk music, dance and related events to support their agenda; to this end, they have set up an organisation called the English Fair Fund which, as the name suggests, funds "English" events like St. George's day festivals. the BNP then use these events (and the people involved) in BNP propaganda, to demonstrate how the BNP is helping local communities.

if you're asked to play at such an event, it might be a good idea to inquire where their funding is coming from, lest you are unwittingly branded a BNP supporter.

another group with similar aims is the Steadfast Trust, a charity whose aim is to support the "ethnically English". they are also involved in funding of folk music/dance events.

more information:

• Folk Against Fascism
• discussion on mudcat forum