Alan- crumbs! You nabbed a really good URL there...
I've just heard from Union Chapel, dates in December are a bit tight so I'm beginning to favour an early Spring thing. No mulled wine... but my local brewery (popped in to see them this pm!) may be able to help out. Cost wise though, it sounds pretty reasonable.
What does everyone think of the following ideas:

Folk clubs to "sponsor" performers (not fully, and hopefully only as an investment, with the expenditure refunded after ticket sales).

We're hoping to invite some up n comings to play, and we intend to reward them by covering their travel costs and feeding them a big meal. Spot singers who apply would probably also be given "performer" access to the performers' bar/preparation space. They could probably nab some free grub too...

Saturday or Sunday? I think a Saturday'd be better because train services are better, and I do agree about the late night thing. I've lived in the London area all my life, but nothing will ever beat being stuck in Walthamstow in the middle of the night. I'd aim to finish up about 9pm... I'm also thinking family wise- I'd like to make this an "all-welcome" event.

My student loan should be a decent cover for pay outs before ticket sales (but I promise to be very honest and run all ins and outs through a designated bank account!). I'm also looking into a BBC Blast set up for it. Can anyone think of nice people who might loan us some money for a good cause?

Stewards to be volunteers, with paid security staff (but not a massive presence). Actually practically all staff to be volunteers. I guess I'll have to feed them too...

Thinking of calling it F**k London.With the tagline as "folk is a four letter word".

Er, and Alan, do you reckon we could use some of your hyperspace for info!?!

I'm not going to "audition" spot singers, cos that's not what it's about, really is it? So that'll be first come first served, but please send a tape kind of thing!

That's it for now.

Keep 'em coming. I'm feeling positive!
Helen