I'm with Morticia re the bands in the Anchor Gardens as I indicated in my post above. I was only in the "Middle Bar" at lunchtimes (and I don't think you were there then Kitty, or not often?), so can't speak for the evenings, but I'd love to have had a db meter on the sound that was coming through CLOSED windows - as for what it must have been like out there in the garden, I dread to think! There is just NO NEED for such ramped-up volume: we managed perfectly well 15 years or so ago when I used to go to the Anchor Gardens ceilidhs: we could hear the music and the caller at a much lower level of sound. They should fit noise limiters which would cut them off in full flight if they went over a critical level. If you want to wreck your hearing just keep going to the ceilidhs and Dukes!
Selby, I mentioned concerts too: there are loads of them, in numerous venues. Also forgot to mention the Fay Hield band: what an array of talent! Hubby John Boden, Andy Cutting, Robert Harbron, etc