Thanks for that guys. I don't think the hosting of the Loft sessions can be at fault as it's been more or less the same since the beginning and it's only last year that there was a noticeable drop in attendance.
We don't actually get many instruments in the Loft, though they are welcome. Mostly it's unaccompanied singers or singers with guitars.
I guess what you're saying Terry, is that you need to 'seed' a singaround with a few good people to start with. That's maybe what happened inadvertently in the first couple of festivals because a lot of my personal friends came.
A host who 'picks' people shouldn't be a host. Everyone should get a turn and a hearing. (Even people who are known to be awful!)

Love Lynne