I'm involved with the running of three clubs, and they are all very different.

The Open Door Folk Club meets in a small room, and rarely has attendances into double figures. Songs in the Snug also meets in a small room, and has similar attendances, yet is located in the same building as the Railway Folk Club... which has average attendances in excess of fifty!

The OD and Snug are similar in that the attendees are predominantly unaccompanied singers, with a leaning towards traditional style songs.

The Snug is always a singaround, whereas the OD has a monthly guest.

We sit around the room in a circle (not 'twee', just furniture!), with singers being asked to perform in the order in which they arrived through the door at the OD, but round the room clockwise in the Snug.

The Railway attracts a much wider variety of performers, and has three different formats:

Singers Night: People perform from where they are seated, in the order that they arrive through the door.

Big Spot: A singers night up to the beer break, after which a local performer has the opportunity to show what they can do, and get paid for it. It is run in 'concert' format, but those singers who don't feel comfortable on the stage may sing from where they are seated.

Guest Night: No 'floor singers' unless by special arrangement; the support for the guests is done by the club 'residents' on a rota.

The atmosphere is warm and friendly at all three clubs, and the only 'rules' are the usual 'no talking or walking when someone is performing', which is fair to everyone - there's nothing worse as a performer to be distracted!

Fairly recently all three clubs became totally non-smoking, which is really another issue.

The variety of ability of performers is evident at all three clubs, from those who can't hold a tune (even if it's in a bucket) to seasoned professionals. But what is of overriding importance is the enthusiasm and enjoyment of all who participate.

All three clubs also have a policy of the performer being in charge - no-one else should join in with instrumental accompaniment unless the singer gives the okay, and singing the choruses is compulsory...!!

Some performers prefer to read, others sing entirely from memory, and some do a bit of both.

I don't think there is such a thing as a typical UK folk club - the beauty is in the diversity.

It's already been said - the only way to find out is by being there!