Russ, my previous posts were generalising, hence equating free entry with dj's plying their trade for free. There are obvious exceptions .....charity events (though they shouldn't be free admission IMO), and a few events where collectors and music fans gather together to celebrate the artists and their output - Dave Moore's brilliant Hitsville Weekenders being a notable example.
You're very lucky to find a venue that pays you, and it's admirable that your profits are used to pay your dj's. Not the sort of event I was talking about in my generalisation, and I must pay another visit to Peterboro soon - it's been too long.
I will add that on a number of occasions, at various venues, I've been offered free entry (for distance travelled or helping set up etc) , but insist on paying as I reckon the the promoters and dj's at the places I attend are worth every penny they can get.
- Kev