Carol -We've already decided that we will have to start earlier. However, an important part of the club atmosphere is the craic and conversation that goes on as people arrive. I'm assured that the warm and personal welcome is part of our appeal!
Like you, we've travelled long distances to festival singarounds in the most awful environments and had to give up on the idea of ever getting in. Robin Hood's Bay last June was very disappointing so we didn't go this year. Perhaps we should draw up a list with star ratings!
I could recommend the all day singaround at Wickersley Festival (near Rotherham) in March - although you might not like the fact that they have a named artist on in each hour to do 15 minutes.