Just stuff I've heard down the years from various old folkie friends who have been made to feel less than welcome. From what I've seen & heard of it myself it looks jolly enough fun.

I have been going to Dungworth, most sings since 1973, so I now count as one of the old fogies.

We have welcomed dozens upon dozens of friends old and new over the years and from all parts of the Uk and the world. Three came back for soup and sandwiches yesterday afternoon, along with some others we had already invited. I do this most Sundays (unless we have previous invitations ourselves. They were total strangers at the start of the day. So I do resent the suggestion that people are unwelcoming.

However Barry Callaghan published a guide to etiquette. I quote from it "......but if ten strangers appear in the middle of the room taking up valuable singing space, they will quickly feel uncomfortable."

I have certainly seen this happen including this year(!!)(which is why it is in the guide). I just wonder if this is what your friends did perhaps?

http://www.folk-network.com/info/carols.html

The piece about etiquette is at the bottom.