I've been asked to perform at an Irish festival next month effectively for free - they are paying for our travel and accommodation, however. This follows playing at a festival in Wales over a few years also for free (no, not Cinderford, which is almost Wales but not quite). The reason for doing this was initially to allow the festival to take place, and as it also opened up a performance space to the idea of music in the future this seemed a valid reason to me. The organiser worked her socks off to get grant funding to allow the space to be used and to ensure those of us travelling from a distance would have money towards expenses. She has now also opened up this Irish festival to a small group of us who had played at the other festival, and again she has worked very hard to make sure that at least our expenses are covered.

In each case there was/will be no admission charge for the audience and no one that I am aware of on the technical side is being paid either.

I would prefer to be paid and I agree that it is a dangerous precedent for professional musicians to waive their fees. However there is a realistic chance that I will (a) sell CDs and downloads as a result of playing (that was certainly the result of playing at the earlier festivals) and (b) stand a good chance of impressing the audience which could well lead to further (paid) gigs so I'm prepared to take the risk. If this was a festival where other acts or technical staff were being paid or where the audience was stumping up to come and listen I would feel very differently. It also opens up networking opportunities which would not be available if performers are not there.

There is, therefore, a somewhat grey area which is neither professional nor amateur in which performers may find they are asked to choose whether or not to play for free.

My husband, who is an actor, also has to make these decisions from time to time. Should he give his time for free to student film-makers? When he has done it has done his career some good as the films have been entered for competitions and can be added to his CV. It has also given him experience. He has a fine t shirt which sets out the "do not ask me to work for free" message - but I think for both of us there are times when we are willing to do that, depending on the circumstances.