Anon- Don't give up on us just yet. It is great to see the youngsters coming through as Festival Guests- but it's even better to see them turning up at sessions. Getting them along to our Folk clubs would be great too. Regarding the Sidmouth sessions : I can't speak for this year as we went back to our local Festival in Broadstairs, but in the past every session that has been mentioned here (barring the ones we haven't been to) have been welcoming. It is easier for the session leader to recognise a potential singer if he/she is equipped with an instrument. Unknown unaccompanied singers can blend in with the listeners.. yoiu have to make yourself known. There are leaders who appear to put their mates on , but that maybe because we mostly all know each other, and what everyone does. Without the young people, we cannot survive.