Well, there can be certain modes of behaviour that develop around these things - there might be an element of "you can't sit there, that's so-and-so's chair", but I always think that when traditions really belong to a community, we "folkies" are basically tourists, and it's incumbent upon us to understand that and be respectful and try not to tread on anyone's toes. But having said all that, I can think of traditional events that are FAR more insular than Sheffield Carols. I've never observed anyone being made to feel unwelcome. But it is a pretty catch-as-catch-can experience, with everyone cheek-by-jowl, and the struggle to get to the bar or the loo can be a bit of a trial. If visitors go expecting lots of people sitting round singing politely as though they're in church, they might be in for a shock.

Re Holy Heathens: there are lots of versions of While Shepherds in the Sheffield tradition - i'm pretty sure that's one of them.

Wasn't there a post here a little while ago about the bloke who wrote Cranbrook? Or did I dream it?