I'm still very much of the opinion that people go to singarounds because they want to join in, and sing themselves, and the 'entertainment' is from being part of the crowd and taking part.

If I want just to sit and listen and be 'entertained' I would book tickets to see a performer who I know will achieve that for me.

I go to a singaround (as I did last night) with the expectation that the standard will be varied, as I know full well there will be people there to take part who have no illusions of wishing to be the polished professional performer, and just want to sing for the fun of it. I know there will be the old chap with failing memory who once was a good singer, but now relies on cheat sheets, I know there will be those who are still learning, and I know there will be those who are confident and well versed in performing skills.

In short, I see a singaround as 'self entertainment' and none of us are in a position to judge who can take part.

Are singarounds so very different in other parts of the country?