Canopus, speaking frankly as one pretty much involved, varies from two old gits (me and big growly Simon) singing largely traditional to a heaving throng with Kay doing Appalachian dancing, and all points in between.

It's in the bar (in the Canopus, Hill Road, Rochester).   Sometimes it's a bit noisy to start with until Sarah the lovely landlady (and I mean that most sincerely) shuts the buggers up. But usually all are listening and only talking quietly by about 9.30. It's a song-session with turns taken (one song at a time) but all joining in (voices or instruments) unless you see the leader of the song wince in which case hold back. Tune players welcome, but same system albeit one tune-player's go works out about the same length as a song so the number of tunes in the go varies since they don't go verse-chorus and so on. The amuse-geules are usually good and the IPA is usually a nice pint, sometimes a very nice pint. Simon smokes like a chimney and it is definitely NOT a non-smoking venue (although I don't smoke, I would not go if it were).

The other thing not to be missed while in the area is the range of beers from the Nelson Brewery - up to Nelson's Blood at 6% and Nelson's Blood Extra at 7%. Also Kenny Cramp's cider - the "Double vision" tasting a bit like champagne and weighing in at up to 15% depending on the apples that year!!