The only folk based pub i have been to in Scotland is Sandy Ball's in Edinborough. That was a wonderful session and nothing like as described. Both folk clubs I have been to this week were joyful and, again, nothing like as described. In all my days of travelling round England for work, I never found a club as described.

There are festivals and concerts that are amplified as required and some bands use percussion. Last year I saw both Steeleye Span and Blackbeards Tea Party in concert. Both are loud and use drum and bass to great effect but they have as much to do with folk clubs as Ian McKellen has to do with the local amdram group.

Once again I say take no notice of the above and listen to the advice of those who actually go to and run folk clubs and events like those who posted earlier.