The format in An Goilin is that the MC on the night calls on 3 singers to start the ball rolling. After that it's a case of anybody who wants to sing simply jumping in. There is never any shortage of volunteers. Sometimes there are guest singers who sing 5 or 6 songs before the halfway break and perhaps the same again afterwards. Traditionally the first singer also closes the evening.

The Clé Club operates slightly differently. The MC calls on singers from the floor rather than have people jumping in when it suits them. I personally prefer this format as it allows the MC to enquire of any new faces in the crowd if they are interested in contributing. There is no pressure to do so but it allows people the option. Again there are sometimes guest performers (singers, musicians and the odd poet or storyteller).