Well, I still have memories of Bacup, Padstow etc, where the pubs used to get clogged solid with folkies singing sea shanties and what not, much to the annoyance of the locals. Needless to say, said folkies hardly ever set foot outside said pubs to go and watch whatever it was that they were supposed to be there for in the first place.

Also, customs are invariably bedevilled with the sad spectacle of people invading gardens, and climbing onto walls and garage roofs, irrespective of intrusion and damage to private property, just so that they can get a better look.

On the other hand, I wonder how many customs have been brought back from the brink by outsiders and enthusiasts, whose presence made the locals wake up and realise that they'd got something worth hanging onto.

Yes, by all means visit folk customs - including Sheffield carols - but only if you're interested in the custom, and only if you're prepared to act in an unobtrusive and civilised manner and to observe the mores and customs of the inhabitants.

In other words, don't get drunk. Don't stop the locals from getting to the bar. Don't drop litter. Ask permission before you photograph anyone. Don't behave like a Hell's Angel just rode into town. And you never know, you'll probably be welcome back next year.