Like Mr Red, I cannot claim to have run folk clubs, but I have been around them for almost all my life.

I don't think ceilidh series are a fair comparison though, because many folk clubs are in smaller venues, often with maximum capacities of about 30/40 people, so Murray's point about a seven piece band becomes quite critical. However, Mr Red does acknowledge that some performers turn up with a "helper" and I do agree that this person has to be let in for free. Beyond that, if the venue is small it would seem reasonable to restrict the performers "guest list" to two persons only (not each), then if the band have any particular friends/family in your area, you can let them in, but beyond this and you could be turning away regular audience and/or cutting seriously into your takings for that night. This could effect the viability of the club in the longer term.

I make this last point on the back of discussions we were having at a regular session I attend. How it seems to have changed in folk clubs now when artists are asking for a Travel Lodge or similar booking for the night. Gone are the days when artists were put up by a club member for the night and a late night session was always on the cards at that persons house. More the pity from many angles, not least clubs folding because they can't balance the books.

I think we must differentiate between an intimate "club" booking and a "concert venue" booking on this one. The figures have to balance, I agree with Big Al on that one.