Just a few observations, having attended sessions for several years now and run a few myself – and realising that I have now become part of the older generation ! Yes we were all young once and we all remember that nerve racking time when we first played a song or tune at a session amongst people we didn't know, and especially when they didn't join in because they didn't know the tune either. But please don't assume we don't want to hear new songs and tunes, we more than welcome and need new blood to liven us up. Sessions are well known for getting 'stuck in a rut' with playing the same old tunes and songs that the regulars know, and I have known a few sessions die because of this. However what I do love about the scene is the unpredictability of it. You never know who will turn up on the night, and it is always great to have new faces appear with new tunes, songs and instruments (and seeing the steel drum at The Globe the other week was a first for me!).
Yes I totally agree, there is a responsibility on the session leader/facilitator (whatever you want to call them) to try and make it relaxed and welcoming as possible, and this can be tricky sometimes. I can quite understand that youngsters coming into a roomful of wierdy-beardy-folkies-in-woolly-jumpers may well assume they are not welcome. But I can assure you this is not so, we more than welcome and would love to see and hear from more younger people with their songs and tunes that we may well not know, and may not be 'folk' (whatever that means). We still appreciate good music and playing.
My only minor gripe I do have though, is that if you want people to listen to your tunes and songs then do please have the courtesy to listen to others performing theirs as well – even if you aren't too keen on them yourself - as they too will have spent many hours practicing as well. (oh dear, maybe I am turning into a grumpy old folkie now).

Sal the Gal