A point worth remembering is that Folk Festivals are supported by many musicians who only go for the sessions.They are the backbone of these events.They are the future artists people will pay to go and watch.These sessions are practice and breeding grounds for future star musicians,as are song sessions for singers.Most sessions do not have rules,they consist of players going there for fun. A singer going to a music session is in the minority and must expect to be treated as such,but at the same time should get the respect of the other musicians when he sings.Likewise for a musician (instrumentalist) turning up at a sing around when he plays.
Al