To add to Ralphie's observations on the Volunteer ....

George Frampton certainly IS in charge of the lunchtime events at the Volunteer again this year, and will (as previously) have a rota of co-hosts during the week.

>>It's normally very crowded and tends to focus more on the traditional end of things.There is usually a pit orchestra of two or three musos, to play the occasional tune. But, as there are so many fine >>singers, most people only get a chance of one song.

There is always a pit orchestra :-)
One thing to be very aware of is that this is NOT a singaround. Singers get asked to do their one song (and that isn't guaranteed by any means)by invitation of the co-hosts only. As Ralphie said, the pool of fine singers that turn up is a large one, and even some of the best may not get a song during the course of proceedings ! If you want a singaround, then you will probably be happier with the ones run by Herga Kitty every day in the Yacht Club (I'm assuming that it's there again this year Kitty), or the sessions that the Middle Bar Singers hold in the Anchor every day.

>>Still it's well worth the trek up the hill at least once during the week, but be advised to get there erly (pre-midday) for any chance of a seat.

A wee bit alarmist methinks. Most people tend to turn up after mid-day...

>>Evenings are more relaxed, with a session in the bar, and mainly local bands playing in the garden.

The evening sessions (which I assume will be proceeding as in the last three years under the benign leadership of Roger Grimes, Bernie Cherry and Ken Langsbury) are mixed - singers and musicians ... and start on Sunday night. Quite often the bands in the garden in the past (can't speak for the pub's policy this year, although George aka Gaddaffi on here may well know what Steve and Jo are likely to be up to) tend to compete in volume with what goes on in the pub itself, but it can be fun to pop outside to see things like we've had in the past - the Sidmouth Silver Band for instance at one point!)
Hope that helps, and enjoy your visit.

Looking forward to being in the Volunteer, or as Frank Ingnobody has dubbed it in Borfolk "The Tune Lover" later in the week ! :-)