Was it ever thus.

etiquette has changed. In society! The only positve thing is that it is demonstating "Folk" (as in what they all do) in the modern idiom.

I have to say if you went to somewhere like the Somers (Fri, Albion, Worcester) they would not just take a dim view of it, words would be said. It is a singers (& musicians) club and they demand respect, and get it.

In general I would think they are mostly of the same respectful type. I would vote with my feet and maybe report such in my column of "Folk West". PM if you think it appropriate geographically.

But then this is no different in concept to the volume at larger festivals leaking into the (distant) other venues. This is just more personal and insidious. If the organisers don't mind - don't go.

Of course it could be gamesmanship (aka jealousy).