Unfortunately, Katherine, the bass lines produced by the obscenely loud jukeboxes they have downstairs do tend to make their presence heard (and felt!), very offputting when you're just at the point in the song where the jolly ploughboy dies because the pretty sheep isn't interested any more! LOL!

If it's not lack of venues then I don't know the answer - it's certainly not the excitement of Saturday night telly that keeps people in! Like you, I'd be delighted if someone with entrepreneurial dash and vigour decided to run a Saturday-night singaround or sesh, but don't ask me to do it - I've enough on me plate at the moment!

And BTW, the festival season runs from early April to late November.

Good luck with your search, post on here if you get off the ground.
S:0)