So thinking about the suggestion put forward a few days back. Re. audience participation being a requirement

Not every performer invited to the festival has that ability. We've had performers that don't speak English. We've had performers that play tunes, they don't sing in any language.

I would suggest however that that should be preferred behavior for the pub sings. It appears to have become quite fashionable to sing, long, slow, beautiful, boring, ballads at the pub sing. Although a few of us can in fact do that with taste. There are more and more inexperienced singers taking that route because they don't have the chops to carry off something with more energy. Unfortunately the choice of material prevents support from we who do have the experience and skill to help keep the energy up. And it is during these songs when folks can't sing along that the idle chatter starts, making it that much harder to grab your piece when the dirge is done. Many of these upcoming singers are learning from example. If those of us experienced singers kept the energy of the pub sing up, a solo ballad by a professional vocalist during the concert might be that much more enjoyable.

I have on more than one occasion in the last few years left the German club early because I actually grew tired trying to kick the energy back up. And I don't tire easily.

Just my own opinionated opinion.
Marc Bernier