My thinking keeps coming back to the major difference between arts centres and "traditional" folk clubs is that one is exclusively for listening and the other for having a go yourself.

At Swindon club the evening is split into 4 segments. A singaround; guest; more singaround and guest continues.

On some occasions the singaround can be the highlight of the evening, on others there may be some dire singing but that is never a case for a put down or not being asked to sing (or play) again but usually for the person to realise and to practice ready for the next attempt. Many off key reditions in their early days have blossomed into good performers. In some cases it took years....

It can be a uplifting to watch someone go from nervous wreck to confident and accomplished.

To countess Richard (small c / big Rs - sorry feeble joke) do you sing or just listen? And not just joining in the chorus.