"Can I just go back to the orginal poster who said he had been "compering fringe events". I am wondering (having not been to Beverley for a number of years) how come fringe events need compering? I can understand people organising sing arounds to enasure people get a chance to perform - but "compering?" and "fringe" are not normally words I would associate together."

I think the answer to this is that in a situation where there are many wanting to perform, some degree of very low key guidance may be useful in ensuring that the session is not taken over by a few more forceful contributors, to the detriment of those who are somewhat diffident about putting themselves forward to perform.

The best example of this is the Bedford sessions at Sidmouth, led by John Barden (The Barden of England). You hardly know he's there until someone tries to hog the session, but when that happens you quickly become aware of who is in charge. The balance of his sessions is a delight, with even the most timid performer getting a fair share.

Don T.