This year, as for many years in the past, performers were encouraged to attend the pub sing, but not required. I think the goal has always been to have the sing be completely open, with few rules. That said, organization is definitely required: chairs in place, bars stocked, someone to lead things off and shout "Belay" when the yard is mastheaded at the end of the night. I don't know who made that stuff happen, but they deserve thanks. The extra barman, at the East end of the hall on Saturday night, was a particularly customer-friendly touch.

Charley, that balance you mention is a key point. My own attitude toward the pub sing is that it's a chance to kick back and harmonize, without the pressure of performing. I'm not there to show off, but to revel in the awesome experience of so many voices making real music. That's what the pub sing is all about, and what traditional folk music is all about. Having 3 nights in a row when hundreds of people join in such music making is precious and rare. Long live the pub sing!

Jerry