If you’re accessing Folkal Point on the ‘net, you may not realise that it’s also available via email. Why not join the increasing number of discerning folkies and subscribe!? That way, you’ll automatically receive the current issue the minute it’s out (every Sunday, or earlier if I’m away for the weekend), without having to remember to access the website. You’ll also receive any Stop Press items as soon as I know about them. And in addition to what’s on these pages, I also include Selected Advance Dates, Folk Ads, Song of the Week, and loads of links to folk festivals, artistes, and other things that may be of interest. Email me now!: [email protected]

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Virginia Barratt

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Bothy Folk Reunion Night

> Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan: Singaround hosted by Joan Blackburn

> Cross Keys Inn, Chester: Raven Folk Club: Singaround

> Crown Hotel, Garstang: Crown Folk Club: Singers Night

> Dillon’s Whistlin’ Jig, Stockport: Irish Trad Music Session

> Galvin’s Irish Bar, 321 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ: Quare Craic 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0161 832 9640

> Halfway House, Blackpool: Singaround

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Bogtrotters

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (main hall): Tony Forde. Info 0161 205 4007

> Jackson’s Pit, Oldham: Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> Junction, Rainford: Wooden Horse Folk Club: Singers night

> Kendal, Cumbria: Celebrate African Arts - Cumbria. Taster Workshops - African Drum & Dance 1.30pm - 5.30pm. Workshops for all levels - beginners welcome. Contact Anni on 0113 248 6746 / 07789 731392 / email [email protected]

> CHANGED VENUE Lamb, Halliwell Rd, Bolton (previously Elements): Buskers Ball

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Jam Night

> Night & Day Cafe, 26 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN: Josh Ritter + Darren Poyzer. 8pm. £5.50 in advance. Info (venue) 0161 236 1822 / 4597

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Singers Night

> O’Shea’s, Manchester: Celtic Rogue

> Red Lion, 10 High St, Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, S Yorks: Live at the Lion (Wath Folk Club): Jill Fielding Band. Info (folk club) Ruth & Gary Wells 01709 878361. Info (venue) Geoff Turner 01709 872369

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

> CHANGED VENUE Star Inn, Failsworth (ex Railway & Linnet, Chadderton): Open Door Folk Club: Singaround

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: Live Irish Music 2pm - 4pm & 8pm - 10.30pm: The Gallery

> BBC Radio 3: Andy Kershaw 10.15pm with studio guests singer/songwriter Gillian Welch and guitarist David Rawlings

> BBC Radio Merseyside: Folkscene 7.05pm: with Stan Ambrose.

> BBC Radio Stoke: Genevieve Tudor: folk music 8pm

> BBC Radio Cumbria: Northern Folk 9pm; with Alistair Anderson

106-108 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF

Info Joan 01942 321223

> Aigburth Peoples Hall, Liverpool: Triton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Bacup Conservative Club: Bacup Folk Club: Singers Night

> Beech Inn, Chorlton, Manchester: Tune session

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Acoustic Songwriters Night

> Bulls Head, Manchester: Trad music session

> Farmers Arms, Frankby, Wirral: Folk Club: Singers & Musicians

> Gallagher’s, Blackrod: Folk Club: Singers Night

> Green Dragon, St Helens: Green Dragon Folk Club: Singaround

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Singaround

> Lostock Arms, Lostock, Bolton: Rafters Roar Folk Club: Singers Night

> New Land o’ Cakes, Manchester: Sound Check Acoustic Jam Night: Singer-Songwriter Open Mic

> O’Shea’s, Manchester: Ged & Paul

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Redmayne

> Railway Hotel, Parbold: Room at the Back: Music, Verse & Whatever

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: 5 Go Off To Play Guitar: Songwriters Night

> Red Bull, Stockport: Red Bull Folk Club: Brian Peters

> Shippons, Irby: Folk Session

> Star & Garter, Manchester: Anti-Hoot Open Mic hosted by Mark Silverman

> Trader Jacks, Chorley: Chorley Folk Club: Singers & Musicians Night

> Victoria, Fleetwood: Musicians Session

> Victoria, Woolton Village, Liverpool: Acoustic Jam Night

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> White Lion, Swinton: Swinton Folk Club: Singers Night

> BBC GMR: The Parlour 7pm: Alan Keegan with Irish music

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guests Chris Harvey + Alison Younger

> Alexander’s Jazz Theatre Bar, Chester: Unplugged Folk Night

> Atlantic (Banjo Bar), Liverpool: Atlantic Irish Night

> Bar, Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, Manchester: Phat Tuesday: Chorlton Cajun Massive: Singers & Musicians

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Folk Club: Singers & Musicians Session led by Sham & Dave

> Black Horse, Limbrick: Folk Club: Monthly Singers Night

> Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, Wigan: Open Mic

> Bruins Bar, Manchester: Open Mic Acoustic Night hosted by Chezz

> Bush Inn, Droylsden: Bush Acoustic Music Club: Singers Night

> Civil Service Sports & Social Club, St Annes: St Annes Acoustic Roots Club: Singers Night

> Clog & Billycock, Blackburn: Singers Night

> Crown, Stockport: Singaround/Open Mic

> Edale Rambler Folk Train: Cajun Specials. Departs Manchester Piccadilly at 6.42pm. Return on the 9.07pm train from Edale, arriving Piccadilly at 10.04pm. Cost: normal return ticket

> Everyman Bistro, Liverpool (ex Flying Picket): Singers Night

> Falcon Inn, Littleborough: Falcon Folk Club: Singers Night

> Fox & Goose, Wigan Lane: Wigan Folk Club: Singaround

> George, Sandbach: Sandbach Unplugged: Singers Night

> Hilldale Village Hall, Parbold: Newburgh Morris Practice

> Horseshoe, Ringley: Singers Night

> Iguana Bar, Chorlton: Acoustic Anarchy Open Mic

> Maghull Folk Club: Singers Night

> Navigation, 1 Manchester Rd, Lancashire Hill, Heaton Norris, Stockport SK4 1TY: Let It Roll: Open Mic. Free. More details from Martin Ainscow on 0161 286 2484

> Oak Tree, Coppull (ex Waggon & Horses): Musicians Session

> Peveril of the Peak, Manchester: Tune session

> RAFA Club, Leyland: Shredded Feet Appalachian Dance Group Practice

> Red Triangle Boxing Club, Liverpool: Johnson’s Acoustic Circus: Performers Night

> Roscoe’s Bar, Swinton: Sing When You’re Swiggin’: Acoustic Night

> Saddle Club, Birkenhead: Monthly Acoustic Night

> Sefton Park Cricket Club, Liverpool: Jacqui’s Folk Club: Singers Night

> Southern Hotel, Chorlton, Manchester: Tuesday Night Blues Club: guests + acoustic open mic

> White Lion, Heptonstall: Irish Trad Music Session

> Alison Arms, Coppull: Singaround

> Barley Mow, Warrington: Essential Songwriters Night

> Bay Horse, Horwich: Raglan (Tim, Juliette & Jim out of Bogtrotters)

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Liz Hunter

> Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight: Bromborough Folk Club: Singers Night

> Chillies Wine Bar, Wavertree, Liverpool: Catacoustic: Open Mic

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Firebrand

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Kevin Tarpey & Steve Woolley

> Crypt, Royal Kings Arms Hotel, Lancaster: Open Mic Night

> Falcon Hotel, Poulton-le-Fylde: Folk at the Falcon: Singaround

> Fishergate, Orrell, Wigan: Acoustic Night hosted by Steve Higgins

> Fleece Inn, Blackburn: Blackburn Folk Club: Singers Night

> Junction, Rainford: Bluegrass Workshop 7.30pm; Session 9pm

> New Britannia Inn, Preston: Singers Night

> Pacific Road Arts & Entertainment Centre, Pacific Rd, Woodside, Birkenhead CH41 1LJ: Waterson:Carthy. Info 0151 666 5023

> Pogue Mahone’s, Liverpool: Irish tune session

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Songs in the Snug: Singaround

> Sefton Conservative Club, Crawford Ave, Mossley Hill, Liverpool L18 1DR: Trouble at’ Mill + Graham Holland. Admission £4. Info Julia 0151 722 7241 / 077773 061508 / email [email protected]

> Shenanigan’s, Bootle: Irish Trad Music Session

> Star & Garter, 18-20 Fairfield St, Manchester M1 2QF: David Viner + Entrance 8pm. £5. Info 0161 273 6726

> Swan, Aughton (ex Kings Arms, Haskayne): Folk Club: Singers Night

> Underground @ Viva, Lark Lane, Liverpool: Acoustic Engine Songwriters Night: Jonathan Byrd + John Sands

> Union Vaults, Chester: Singaround & Music Session

> Upton Royal British Legion Club: Jacqui’s Folk Club: Singers Night

> Waggon & Horses, Burnley: Burnley Folk Club: Singers & Musicians

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: Live Irish Music

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Singaround/Session in bar

> BBC Radio 2: Mike Harding 8pm: highlights from last Friday’s final of the Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, featuring finalists Tom Kitching + Arlen + Emma Sweeney + XYZ + Jackie Oates + Jarlath Henderson

> Arden Arms, Millgate, Stockport: Song Carriers Folk Club: Singaround

> Bakers Vaults, 27 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES: Darren Poyzer & Friends 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 480 3182

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 6pm - 8pm; featured artiste Virginia Barrett 8pm - 8.30pm, followed by The Mersey Beatles + Wink Rogers

> Cellar Vie, Lloyd St, Manchester: Byron’s Dandy Club: Acoustic Night Open Mic

> Dun Horse, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4BH: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01539 728190

> Gregson Community Centre, 33 Moorgate, Lancaster: HoBow Fiddle Workshop 6pm - 8pm

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Blues Night

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Keith Davis - closing night - reopens 8.1.04

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

> King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn BB2 1AA: Afternoon Music Hall - Christmas Spectacular. 4pm - 7pm. Tickets £5. Free potato pie & peas served in interval at 5.15pm. Info (venue) 01254 582582

> Magazine Hotel, Wallasey: Magazine Folk Club: Singers Night

> Met, Bury: Met Singers Night hosted by Andy Steele

> Ormskirk Parish Church Hall, Ormskirk, Lancs: Jill Fielding Band. Info (vicarage) 01695 572143

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Railway Folk Club: Christmas Party Singers Night

> Seven Stars Hotel, Wallgate, Wigan: Wigan Folk Club:Singaround

> Ship Inn, Haskayne, nr Ormskirk: Folk Club: Singers Night

> South West Manchester Cricket Club: Chorlton Folk Club: Singers Night

> St Joseph’s Social Centre, Hogton, Preston: Gregson Lane Folk Club: Anthony John Clarke Band

> St Luke’s Community Centre, Salford: The Barflies + Open Mic

> Steamer, Fleetwood: Fleetwood Folk Club: Singers Night

> Swan, Aughton: Bluegrass/Acoustic Country Night

> Swan Inn, Dobcross: Session

> Volunteer Arms, Bromley Cross, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: The Gallery

> White Hart, Warrington: Acoustic Night hosted by Mike Bee

> Woodley Civic Hall, Stockport: Woodlarks Harmony Singing Workshop 1.30pm - 3.30pm

> BBC Radio Lancashire: Lancashire Drift 8 - 9pm; with Les Bond

22nd January RAMBLIN’ RIVERSIDERS

19th February JOE TOPPING

18th March ANDY SMITH - Beatles Night

1st April BRIAN PRESTON

29th April ALISTAIR HULET

27th May BERNARD WRIGLEY

24th June THRELFALL ELLISON EDWARDS

> Bay Horse, 206 Lee Lane, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7JF: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01204 696231

> Brewery Arts Centre, 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE: The Dylan Project. Tickets/Info 01539 725133; web: www.breweryarts.co.uk

> Castle Hotel, Oldham St, Manchester: Instrumental Session

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Singers Night

> Halcyon House, 55 Cable St, Formby, Liverpool L37 3LU: Bram Taylor afternoon

> Hare & Hounds, Manchester: Full Circle Folk Club: Singers Night

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: "The Theatre of Bread"

> Hinds Head, Charnock Richard: Musicians Session

> Lord Rodney, 67 Winwick Rd, Warrington WA2 7DH: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01925 234296

> Masonic Lodge, Uppermill: Safra Club: Monthly Big Sing

> Moorbrook Inn, Preston: Preston Folk Club: Singaround

> Queens Head Inn, Frodsham: Frodsham Folk Club: Singers Night

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: Open Mic Acoustic Night

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Patrick Feeny. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> Silver Dollar, 14a Nel Pan Lane, Leigh WN7 5JS: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01942 605788

> Southport Arts Centre, Lord St, Southport PR8 1DB: Bernard Wrigley + Oldham Tinkers. 01704 540011

> Star & Garter, 18-20 Fairfield St, Manchester M1 2QF: Malcolm Middleton (of Arab Strap) + Shadrack + Vinny Peculiar + Language of Flowers. Admission £8. Info 0161 273 6726

> Sun Inn, Macclesfield: Irish Trad Music Session

> Victoria, Widnes: Ballistic Acoustic -Open Mic for songwriters

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Welcome Inn, Rusholme, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

> Boars Head, Middlewich: Irish Trad Music Session

> Bowling Green, 106-108 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Karl Derbyshire. Info (venue) 01942 516004

> Buffet Bar, Platform One, Stalybridge Railway Station: Folk Club: Singers Night

> Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo St, St Helens WA10 1PX: Mark Radcliffe’s Family Mahone. Info 01744 735436

> Croston Old School, Church St, Croston, Preston PR26 9HA: The One Accord Christmas Collection 2003 - carols, songs, tunes and stories drawn from the living tradition. 7.30pm. Tickets £5, includes glass of mulled wine & mince pie. Tickets from Favourites 01772 600142

> Diggle Band Club, Bankfield House, Huddersfield Rd, Diggle, Oldham OL3 5PJ: Carols, Christmassy Singaround, Brass Band, comedy and food. 8pm. Tickets £3. Info Ali O’Brien 01457 870391. Fundraiser for Saddleworth Folk Festival 2004

> Eaves Green Community Centre: Concertina Workshop (all systems) 2pm - 5pm

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (main hall): Sean Wilson. Info 0161 205 4007

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

> Lord Rodney, 67 Winwick Rd, Warrington WA2 7DH: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01925 234296

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: Levellers 7.30pm. 0161 275 2930

> Masque (Mercury Lounge), Liverpool: Rae Clarke + Open Mic 3pm-6pm

> The Mop (Weavers Arms), Halliwell, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9JX: Curragh Sons. Info (venue) 015394 37213

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Hilary James & Simon Mayor SOLD OUT

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Manchester: Comhaltas Irish Trad Music Session

> Welcome Tavern, Hennel Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston PR5 5UL: Trouble at’ Mill. Info (venue) 01772 627529

> Ye Olde Man & Scythe, Bolton: Acoustic Session

> BBC Radio 2: Van Morrison - Live and Exclusive 9pm - 10pm

> Aigburth Peoples Hall, Aigburth Vale, Liverpool L17 0DG: Triton Folk Club 8.30pm. Gladys Barooah 0151 486 2382 (Mondays)

> Albion Hotel, 104 Albion St, New Brighton, Merseyside CH45 9JH: Albion Folk Club 8.30pm. Roger Parker 0151 638 1987 (Sundays)

> Alexander’s Jazz Theatre Bar, 2 Rufus Court, Chester CH1 2JW: Unplugged Folk Night 8pm - midnight (bar till 2am). Admission free before 10.30pm, £2 after. Info (venue) 01244 340005 (Tuesdays)

> Alison Arms, Preston Road, Coppull, Chorley PR7 5DU: Alison Arms Folk Club 9pm. Free Food Provided. Kevin/Hilda 01257 792246 (Wednesdays)

> Arden Arms, 23 Millgate, Stockport SK1 2LX: Song Carriers Folk Club 8pm - 11.15pm, mainly trad, club room is smoke-free. Terry Whelan 0161 976 2716 (Thursdays)

> Astley Arms, 1 Chapel Hill, Dukinfield, Cheshire SK16 4BT: Open Mic & SongwriterNight 8.30pm hosted by Ann English. Info 0161 304 7132 or 07980 503889. Free supper & Singers drink. (Last Sunday)

> Atlantic (Banjo Bar), 162 Regent Rd, Liverpool L20 8DD: Atlantic Irish Night 9pm. 0151 922 9815 (Tuesdays)

> Bacup Conservative Club, Irwell Terrace, Bacup, Lancs OL13 9AW: Bacup Folk Club 8pm. Paul Edwards 01706 872810 (Mondays)

> Bar, 531-533 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, Manchester M21 0UE: Phat Tuesday: Chorlton Cajun Massive: Singers & Musicians 9pm. Info 07979 712712 or 0161 973 8701 (Tuesdays)

> Barley Mow, 29 Old Market Place, Golden Square, Warrington WA1 1QB: Essential Songwriters Night 8.30pm. Info (venue) 01925 651182 (Wednesdays)

> Bay Horse, 141 Lee Lane, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7AG: Raglan (Tim, Juliette & Jim out of Bogtrotters) (Wednesdays)

> Bay Horse, Longsight Rd, Osbaldeston, Blackburn BB2 7HX : Folk Club 8.30pm. Free Food Provided. Info (organiser) Seamus Heffernan 01254 812303, email: [email protected]. Info (venue) Alan Stables / Kerry Grimshaw 01254 812303. Details at www.moorlandfolk.btinternet.co.uk (click on "Bay Horse") (Tuesdays)

> Beech Inn, 72 Beech Rd, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9EG: Tune session. Info (venue) 0161 881 1180 (Mondays)

> Biddulph Labour Club, Hollies, Wharf Rd, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent ST8 6AJ: Biddulph Folk Club. Eric Cox 01782 514896 / email: [email protected]. Floor singers contact Liz Holland 01782 266821. Web: www.biddulphfolk.org.uk (1st & 3rd Thursdays)

> Black Horse, Long Lane, Limbrick, Chorley PR6 9EE: Folk Club 8.30pm. Venue 01257 264030 (2nd Tuesday)

> Black Horse, 111 Park Road, St Helens WA9 1ER: Irish Night (Sundays)

> Blazing Rag Inn, 15 George St, Mossley, Ashton-under-Lyne OL5 0HW: Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer 8.30pm - 11.30pm. Info (venue) 01457 837184 (1st Thursday)

> Blue Cat Cafe, 17 Shaw Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport, Cheshire SK4 4AG: Acoustic Songwriter Nights 8pm. 0161 432 2117; www.bluecatcafe.co.uk (Mondays)

> Blundell Arms, Upper Aughton Rd, Birkdale, Southport, Merseyside PR8 5ND: Bothy Folk Club. 8pm. Clive Pownceby 0151 924 5078; www.bothyfolkclub.co.uk (Sundays)

> Boar Hound, 37 Brook St, Macclesfield SK11 7AD: Singers Nights. Sue Capper 01625 614791 (last Thursday)

> Boars Head Hotel, Kinderton St, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0JE: Open Mike Night 8pm hosted by the Salt Town Poets. Free. Info (venue) 01606 833191 (3rd Wednesday)

> Boars Head Hotel, Kinderton St, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0JE: Irish Trad Music Session. Info (venue) 01606 833191 (2nd Saturday)

> Boathouse, 1 The Parade, Parkgate, Neston, Wirral, Merseyside CH64 6RN: Parkgate Folk Club 8.15pm. Eddie Morris 0151 677 1840 or Mike & Buddy Woods 0151 678 6713; www.parkgatefolkclub.com (last Thursday)

> Bowling Green, 106-108 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Singaround 9pm hosted by Joan Blackburn. Free. Info 01942 321223 / email: [email protected]. Free Food Provided (Sundays)

> Bowling Green, 106-108 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Open Mic 9pm - electric, acoustic, anything goes! Free. Info (venue) 01942 516004 (Tuesdays)

> Bridge Inn, Bolton Rd, Port Sunlight, Wirral CH62 4UQ: Bromborough Folk Club 8.30pm. John Coleman, tel 0151 334 0759, email [email protected] & Maurice Pursell, 0151 327 7652, email: [email protected]; web: www.bromfolk.com (Wednesdays)

> Bruins Bar, Ladybarn House, Moseley Rd, Manchester M14 6ND: Open Mic Acoustic Night hosted by Chezz 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 256 1992 (Tuesdays)

> Buffet Bar, Platform One, Stalybridge Railway Station, Rasbottom St, Stalybridge SK15 1RF: Folk Club 9pm. Jim Schofield 01457 833897; email [email protected]; web: www.jimfolk.org.uk (Saturdays)

> Bulls Head, 84 London Rd, Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2NN: Trad music session 8.30pm. Info 0161 236 1724 (Mondays)

> Bush Inn, 120 Moorside St, Droylsden, Manchester M43 7HL: Bush Acoustic Music Club 9pm (Tuesdays)

> Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE: Instrumental Session 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0161 236 2945 (Fridays)

> Cavendish Arms, 3 Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA15 8AZ: Folk Night 8pm. Bands & duos contact Robbie if you would like to perform: [email protected]. Info (venue) 01229 463325 (1st Tuesday)

> Cavern, 8-10 Matthew St, Liverpool L2 6RE: Songwriters Open Mic hosted by Pete Smith 6pm - 8pm; Featured Artiste 8pm - 8.30pm (small expenses fee); followed by The Mersey Beatles + Wink Rogers. Free entry for all. Email: [email protected] (Thursdays)

> Cellar Bar, 39-41 King St, Blackburn BB2 2DH: Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer 8.30pm. Free. Info: Tel. 07720 194135 or email: [email protected] (last Thursday)

> Cellar Vie, Lloyds House, 20 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5WA: Byron’s Dandy Club: Acoustic Night Open Mic 8pm. Free. Andy Callen: email [email protected]; venue 0161 834 9696 (Thursdays)

> Chetham Arms, High St, Chapletown, Edgworth, Turton, Bolton BL7 0EW: Edgworth Folk Music Session 8.30pm. Brian Frew 01204 852989; www11.brinkster.com/brianfrew/index.html (1st Monday)

> Chillies Wine Bar, 59 High St, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 8HE: Catacoustic: acoustic evenings with open mic 9pm. Free. Info (venue) 0151 733 3451 (Wednesdays)

> Civil Service Sports & Social Club, Shepherd Rd, St Annes: St Annes Acoustic Roots Club 8.30pm. Sue Arrow / John Gibney 01253 721503 (Tuesdays)

> Clarence Hotel, Preston New Rd, Blackpool FY4 4HG: Folk Club 8.30pm. Ann Green 01772 683027 (Wednesdays)

> Clog & Billycock, Billinge End Rd, Blackburn BB2 6QB 9pm. Pete 01254 207127 (alt Tuesdays)

> Cross Keys, Running Hill Gate, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6LW: Cross Keys Folk Club 8.30pm. Jim Schofield 01457 833897; email [email protected]; web: www.jimfolk.org.uk (Wednesdays)

> Cross Keys Inn, Lower Bridge St, Chester: Raven Folk Club 8.30pm. Nick 01244 677212 / Chris 01244 343788 / email: [email protected] / web: www.seelie.freeserve.co.uk (Sundays)

> Crown Hotel, High St, Garstang, Preston PR3 1FA: Crown Folk Club hosted by Tony Stollard 8.30pm. Info 01995 602152 (Sundays)

> Crown Inn, 154 Heaton Lane, Stockport SK4 1AR: Singaround/Open Mic. Kieron/Mary 0161 291 8243 / email: [email protected] (Tuesdays)

> Crypt, Royal Kings Arms Hotel, 75 Market St, Lancaster LA1 1JG: Open Mic Night. £2 on the door. Info (venue) 01524 32451 (Wednesdays)

> Cumberland Arms, 39-41 Chapel Green Rd, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3LL: VERSE & WORSE 8.30pm. Poetry, music, stories & chip butties. Free Food Provided. Joe/Sheila 01942 215775; www.verseandworse.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk (4th Monday)

> Dillon’s Whistlin’ Jig, 19 Wellington Rd Nth, Stockport SK4 1HJ: Irish Trad Music Session. Info (venue) Debbie 0161 476 1580 (Sundays)

> Dog & Partridge, 97 Palmerston St, Bollington, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 5JX: Folk Upstairs 8.30pm. Arthur Wakefield 01625 573596; [email protected] (Fridays)

> Eaves Green Community Centre, Lower Burgh Way, Eaves Green, Chorley PR7 3QG: Concertina Workshop (all systems) 2pm - 5pm. Friendly get-together, new players welcome. Angie 01257 263678 or email [email protected] (2nd Saturday). Band Workshop (aimed at developing instrumental skills) same details as concertina workshop (1st Saturday). Both events supported by Folkus

> Elements, Bradshawgate, Bolton BL1 1DG: Buskers Ball (Sundays) - now at the Lamb, Halliwell Rd

> Everyman Bistro, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BQ (ex Flying Picket): Folk Club 8.30pm. Christine Jones 0151 709 3336 (Tuesdays)

> Falcon Hotel, Hardhorn Way, Poulton-le-Fylde, nr Blackpool FY6 8AE: Folk at the Falcon 9pm. 01253 892001; www.fyldefolk.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/falcon/index.html (Wednesdays)

> Falcon Inn, 18-20 Church St, Littleborough, nr Rochdale OL15 9AA: Falcon Folk Club 9pm. Info 01706 342655 (Tuesdays)

> Falstaff Inn, 68 King St, Southport PR8 1LG: Music & Song Session from lunchtime until late afternoon. Clive Pownceby 0151 924 5078; www.bothyfolkclub.co.uk (1st Saturday)

> Farmers Arms, 71 Chapel Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5JH: Irish music session. Sully 01625 267137 (1st Thursday)

> Farmers Arms, Hill Bark Rd, Frankby, Wirral CH48 1NJ: Folk Club 8.30pm. Free. Alison Parker 0151 648 4444 (Mondays)

> Fishergate Inn, 52 Orrell Rd, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8HD (opp. Miners Lamp): Acoustic Night hosted by Steve Higgins. Info Steve 01942 237441 / Tracy (Fishergate) 07752 211022 (Wednesdays)

> Fleece Inn, 24-26 Penny St, Blackburn BB1 6HL: Blackburn Folk Club 8.30pm. Brian Kirkham 01254 720745 (Wednesdays)

> Fosters Arms, Gisburn Rd, Barnoldswick, Lancs BB18 5LG: Folk At t’ Fosters. Info 01282 852899. (1st Saturday)

> Fox & Goose, 37-39 Wigan Lane, Wigan WN1 1XR.: Wigan Folk Club 9pm. Free. Free Food Provided. Joan Blackburn 01942 321223; email [email protected]; website: www.wiganfolkclub.co.uk (Tuesdays)

> Fox & Hounds, 201 Woodsend Rd, Urmston, Manchester M41 8QW: Urmston Acoustics 8.30pm. Martin Kavanagh 0161 748 5497 (1st Tuesday)

> Gallagher’s, 38 Little Scotland, Blackrod, Bolton BL6 5LW: Folk Club 8.15pm hosted by Pat Ryan & Ken Howard. Info 01942 832739 (Mondays)

> George, 39 High St, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 1AL: Sandbach Unplugged 8.45pm. Email [email protected]; web: www.sandbachfolk.com (Tuesdays)

> Green Dragon, Gartons Lane, Jubits Lane, Sutton Manor, St Helens WA9 4RR: Green Dragon Folk Club 9pm. Peter 01744 819765 (Mondays)

> Gregson Community Centre, 33 Moorgate, Lancaster LA1 3PY: HoBow Fiddle Workshop 6pm - 8pm. Jane Lawrence 01521 64689; email [email protected]. Supported by Folkus. (Thursdays)

> Guest House, 16 Union St, Southport PR8 0QE: Music & Song Session 8.15pm. Clive Pownceby 0151 924 5078; www.bothyfolkclub.co.uk (3rd Monday)

> Halfway House, St Annes Rd, Marton, Blackpool FY4 2QL: Singaround 8.30pm. Info (venue) 01253 401699 (Sundays)

> Hare & Hounds, 46 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AA: Full Circle Folk Club 8.30pm. Kevin Tarpey 0161 681 1593 (Fridays)

> Harlequin Theatre, Queen St, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5JN: Northwich Folk Club 8.30pm. John Booth 01606 79356 (Fridays)

> Hilldale Village Hall, Chorley Rd, Hilldale, Parbold, Lancs: Newburgh Morris Practice (Womens North West Side) 7.30pm - 9pm. New dancers & musicians always welcome. Rebecca 01257 463942 or Barbara 01695 723100 (Tuesdays)

> Hinds Head, Preston Rd, Charnock Richard, Chorley PR7 5HL: Musicians Session. Info (venue) 01257 791365 (Fridays)

> Hop Pocket, Carr Lane, Chorley PR7 3JQ: Blues Night. Info (venue) 01257 275597. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.thehoppocketchorley.co.uk (Thursday)

> Hop Pocket, Carr Lane, Chorley PR7 3JQ: Bogtrotters Info (venue) 01257 275597. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.thehoppocketchorley.co.uk (Sunday)

> Horse Shoe Hotel, Fold Rd, Ringley, Stoneclough, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 1FT: Singers Nights with residents The O’Reallys. Ian Brown 01204 705955 (Tuesdays)

> Howcroft Inn, 36 Pool St, Bolton BL1 2JU 8.30pm. Ron Callow 01606 863283 (2nd & 4th Tuesdays)

> Iguana Bar, 115-117 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG: Acoustic Anarchy Open Mic 8.30pm. 0161 881 9338; email [email protected] (Tuesdays)

> Irish Centre, Lever St, Bolton: Comhaltas Irish Trad Music Session 8pm. Contact Joe Mullarkey 01204 794036 / email [email protected]; or John MacManus 01204 308500 / email [email protected] (3rd Sunday)

> Jackson’s Pit, Barn St, Oldham OL1 1LP: Acoustica! Open Mic 8pm - 11pm hosted by Darren Poyzer. Web: www.poyzer.com (Sundays)

> John o’ Gaunt, 55 Market St, Lancaster LA1 1JG: Regular Guests. Tony Cooke 01524 35341 (Thursdays)

> Jolly Angler, 47 Ducie Street, Manchester M1 2JW: Singaround 9pm hosted by Joe Kerrins (Mondays); Irish Trad Music Session (Thursdays & Saturdays). Info (venue) 0161 236 5307

> Kings Arms, Hale, Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7BH: Hale & Hearty Folk Club 8.30pm. Frank Lewis 01524 734440 (1st & 3rd Fridays)

> CHANGED VENUE Lamb, 274 Halliwell Rd, Bolton BL1 3QB (formerly Elements): Buskers Ball (Open Mic). Alec Martin 01204 527414; email: [email protected]; www.busker.freeuk.com (Sundays)

> Leigh Conservative Club, Railway Rd, Leigh WN7 4AX: Leigh Folk Club. Pauline Dowsett 01942 604603; email: [email protected] (last Friday) - closed - reopens 30.1.04

> Longridge Royal British Legion, Townley Rd, Longridge, Nr Preston PR3 3EA: Longridge Folk Club 8.30pm. Residents & Organisers: Rod Flanagan 01772 784214 & Brian Preston 01772 457071 (1st & 3rd Tuesdays)

> Lostock Arms, Lostock Junction Lane, Lostock, Bolton BL6 4JP (by railway station): Rafters Roar Folk Club 8pm. Paul Wordsworth 0161 790 7153 or email [email protected] (Mondays)

> Magazine Hotel, 7 Magazine Brow, New Brighton, Merseyside CH45 1HP:Magazine Folk Club. Free (Thursdays)

> Maghull Community Centre, Green Lane, off Liverpool Rd Nth, Maghull, Merseyside L31 2JH: Maghull Folk Club 8.30pm. Joe Ryan 0151 531 9273 (Tuesdays)

> Masonic Lodge, 138 High St, Uppermill, Saddleworth, Oldham OL3 6BT: Safra Club: Big Sing 8.30pm. Ali O’Brien 01457 870391 (2nd Friday)

> Masque (Mercury Lounge), 90 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BH: The Acoustic Engine Open Mic hosted by Steve Roberts 3pm-6pm. Free. Tel The Masque 0151 708 8708; email: [email protected] (Saturdays)

> Mawdsley’s, Hall Lane, Mawsdesley, Ormkirk L40 2QZ: Broken Token Folk Club 8.30pm. Tickets for all events are £5 (£4 in advance on the previous guest night). Angie/Ken 01257 263678 or email [email protected] (1st & 3rdWednesdays)

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Met Singers Night hosted by Andy Steele. (alt Thursdays). Jam Night 7.30pm, admission £1 on the door (Sundays) Info 0161 761 2216 / web:www.themet.biz

> Moorbrook Inn, 370 North Rd, Preston PR1 1RU: Preston Folk Club 8.30pm. Rob Malaney 01257 231463 (Fridays)

> The Mop (Weavers Arms) 8 Brunel St, Halliwell, Bolton BL1 8AS: Buskers Ball (Open Mic) 8pm. Alec Martin 01204 527414; email: [email protected]; www.busker.freeuk.com (Saturdays)

> Mr Kite Benefits: Credit card bookings on 01257 241693 (weekdays & Saturday mornings); or by post from 24 Acorn Close, Leyland, Lancs PR25 3AF, cheque payable to ‘Mr Kite Benefits’. Indicate no. of tickets required and a contact no. in case of problems; cheque to reach Mr Kite at least 48 hours before the Benefit, tickets will be held on door of venue unless you enclose an s.a.e. If you do this, please send your application at least 10 days before the Benefit. Web: www.mrkite.org

> NALGO Club, Alder Rd, off Queens Dr, Liverpool L12 2AY: Jam Session at the Nalgo 8.30pm. Contact 0151 281 2530. (3rd Friday)

> Navigation, 1 Manchester Rd, Heaton Norris, Stockport SK4 1TY: Acoustic/Songwriters Night hosted by Keith 8.30pm. Tel 0161 477 2544 (Tuesdays)

> New Britannia Inn, 6 Heatley St, off Friargate, Preston PR1 2XB: 8.30pm. 01772 253424 (Wednesdays)

> DISCONTINUED (as at Nov 03) New Inn, Parson Lane, Clitheroe, Lancs BB7 2JN (ex Kings Arms): Singers Night with Laurie & Carol Harrison 8.30pm. 01200 424787. Email: [email protected] (last Saturday)

> New Land o’ Cakes, 60 Lever St, Manchester M1 1FJ: Sound Check Acoustic Jam Night: Singer-Songwriter Open Mic 8.30pm - 11pm. Free. Info: email [email protected] (Mondays)

> Nursery Inn, 258 Green Lane, Stockport SK4 2NA: Why Worry Songwriters Club. Mark Aherne 0161 483 4783 (last Tuesday)

> Oak Tree, 130 Preston Rd, Coppull, Lancs PR7 5ED: Musicians Session. Info (venue) 01257 791217 (Tuesdays)

> Old Manor Club, Withens Lane, Wallasey CH45 7NN: Folk at the Manor 8.15pm. Roger Parker 0151 638 1987 (Sundays)

> O’Shea’s, 80 Princess St, Manchester M1 6NF: Live Irish music every night. Info (venue) 0161 236 3096. Web: www.osheasmanchester.com

> Peveril of the Peak, 127 Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5JQ: Tune session. Free Food Provided. Info (venue) 0161 236 6364 (Tuesdays)

> Pogue Mahone’s, 77 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BB: Irish tune session 9pm. 0151 708 8301 (Wednesdays)

> Priory Club, Broadfield Walk, Broadfield Dr, Leyland, Lancs PR25 1NB: Leyland Accordion Club 8pm - 11pm. David Batty 01772 454328 / email [email protected] / web: www.accordionclub.co.uk (3rd Wednesday)

> Prospect Inn, 70 Weston Rd, Weston Village, Runcorn WA7 4LD: Folk at the Prospect 8.30pm. Roger Hanslip 01928 731567; email: [email protected]; www.folkattheprospect.co.uk (Mondays)

> Puss in Boots, Canal Side, Macclesfield SK11 7DB: Singarounds. Pete Blackthorn 01625 428687 (1st Tuesday)

> Queens Head Inn, 92 Main St, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 7AR: Frodsham Folk Club 8.30pm. Alton & Carol Alexander. Email: [email protected] (Fridays)

> RAFA Club, Golden Hill Club, Golden Hill, Leyland PR25 3NN: Shredded Feet Appalachian Dance Group Practice. New dancers & Musicians always welcome. Joyce Riding 01257 792304 (Tuesdays)

> Railway Hotel, 42 Mill Lane, Heatley, Lymm, Cheshire WA13 9SQ: Railway Folk Club. 8.30pm. Stewart Lever 07919 270916; www.railwayfolkclub.co.uk (Thursdays)

> Railway Hotel, 42 Mill Lane, Heatley, Lymm, Cheshire WA13 9SQ: Songs in the Snug. 8.30pm. Mainly trad. Alan Grace 01625 861042 (2nd & 4th Wednesdays)

> Railway Hotel, 1 Station Rd, Parbold, Wigan WN8 7NU: Room at the Back 8.45pm. Admission £1. Trevor Banfield 0151 430 0166 (Mondays)

> Railway Inn, 326 Lumb Lane, Droylsden, Manchester M43 7LA: Folk Upstairs at the Railway 8.45pm. Christine Stephen 0161 370 6587 or Brenda Judge 0161 432 4830 (1st & 3rd Thursdays)

> Railway Inn, 11 Shaw Hall Bank Rd, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7JZ: "5 Go Off To Play Guitar" Songwriters Night. Four guests plus host Darren Poyzer. 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 01457 872307 (Mondays)

> Railway Inn, 11 Shaw Hall Bank Rd, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7JZ: Open Mic Acoustic Night 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 01457 872307 (Fridays)

> CHANGED VENUE Star Inn, 69 Church St, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9JN (ex Railway & Linnet, Chadderton): Open Door Folk Club 8.30pm. Pauline 0161 681 3618; email: [email protected] ; www.opendoorfolkclub.co.uk (Sundays)

> Rattan and Rush, 39-41 Market St, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4QN. Folk Concerts. Penny 017683 72123; fax 017683 72132; email [email protected]; www.rattanandrush.co.uk (Saturdays, monthly)

> Red Bull, 14 Middle Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3AY: Red Bull Folk Club 8.30pm. Peter Hood 0161 432 4142 (Mondays)

> Red Triangle Boxing Club, 38 Everton Rd, Liverpool L6 2ENl: Johnson’s Acoustic Circus 7pm. Roy Johnson 0151 286 2974 (Tuesdays)

> Ring o’ Bells, 131 Church St, Warrington WA1 2TL: Folk Club 8.15pm (Sundays)

> Roscoe’s Bar, 377 Chorley Rd, Swinton, Manchester M27 6AY: Sing When You’re Swiggin’: Acoustic Night hosted by Benny & Gary. Start 8pm prompt. Intending performers should arrive before 8pm. Free. Contact: [email protected]. Web: www.roscoesbar.co.uk (Tuesdays)

> Royal British Legion, George’s Rd West, Poynton, Stockport SK12 1JY: Porkies Folk Club 8.30pm. Judy Hancock 01260 252633 (1st Friday)

> St Anne’s Parish Hall, Church Lane, Shevington, Wigan WN6 8BD: Folk at Shevington 8.15pm. David Jones 01254 54877 / Barbara Benbow 01257 255575 (Irregular)

> St Joseph’s Social Centre, 331-333 Gregson Lane, Hoghton, Preston PR5 0FD: Gregson Lane Folk Club. Graham/Bernadette 01254 853929 ; www.troubleatmill.btinternet.co.uk (alt Thursdays)

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Conhaltas Irish Trad Music Session 8.30pm. Info Michelle Farrell 0161 445 2610 (2nd Saturday)

> St Luke’s Community Centre, Swinton Park Rd, Salford M6 7WR: Open Mic hosted by The Barflies 8.30pm. Pete 0794 653 3824; email [email protected]; web: www.theringofstones.co.uk (Thursdays)

> St Mary’s Parish Centre, Lock St, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 3EE: Oswaldtwistle Folk Club 8.30pm. Dylan Owen 01254 390391 (1st Saturday)

> St Michael’s Irish Centre, Boundary Lane, West Derby Rd, Liverpool L6 5JG: Comhaltas Irish Trad Music Session. Info 0151 922 3503 or 0151 526 5118 (last Friady, except May & Aug)

> Saddle Club, Roman Rd, Prenton, Birkenhead, Mersyside CH43 3DB: Saddle Club Acoustic Night 8.45pm. 0151 608 0888 (2nd Tuesday)

> Sefton Conservative Club, Crawford Avenue, Mossley Hill, Liverpool L18 1DR: Liverpool’s Very Special Folk Club. Info Julia 0151 722 7241 / 07773 061508 / email [email protected] (Irregular Wednesdays)

> Sefton Park Cricket Club, Croxteth Drive, Sefton Park, Liverpool L17 3AD: Jacqui’s Folk Club 8.30pm. Jacqui McDonald 01244 300576 (2nd Tuesday)

> Shenanigan’s, 234 Derby Rd, Bootle, Merseyside L20 8LJ: Irish Trad Music Session. Info (venue) 0151 922 9071 (Wednesdays)

> Ship Inn, 6 Rosemary Lane, Haskayne, nr Ormskirk L39 7JP: Folk Club 8.30pm. Free Food Provided. 01704 840650 (Thursdays)

> Shippons, 8a Thingwall Rd, Irby, Wirral, Merseyside CH61 3UA: Folk Session. 0151 648 4444 (Mondays)

> Southern Hotel, Mauldeth Rd West (corner Nell Lane), Chorlton, Manchester M21 7SP: Tuesday Night Blues Club: guests + acoustic open mic 8pm. Admission £3. Mat Walklate 0161 881 0071 / 0776 231 6111; www.talented.fsnet.co.uk/mat.html (Tuesdays)

> South West Manchester Cricket Club, Ellesmere Rd, Chorlton, Manchester M21 0SG: Folk Club 9pm. Jo Zeph Roberts 0161 848 9621 (Thursdays)

> Star & Garter, 18-20 Fairfield St, Manchester M1 2QF: Anti-Hoot Open Mic hosted by Mark Silverman 9pm. Free. Info 0161 434 0451 / 07791 685199 / email [email protected] (Mondays)

> Steamer Hotel, 1-2 Queens Terrace, Fleetwood, Lancs FY7 6BT: Fleetwood Folk Club 8.30pm. Dave Ryan 01253 876351 (Thursdays)

> Sun Inn, 45 Mill Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 7NN: Irish Trad Music Session. Info (venue) 01625 610436 (Fridays)

> Swan, Springfield Rd, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 6ST: Folk Club 8.30pm. Info (venue) 01695 422396 (Wednesdays)

> Swan, Springfield Rd, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 6ST: Bluegrass/Acoustic Country Night with the Britannia Bluegrass Band 8.30pm. Aim to be of interest to folk and country fans as well. Pete Mackie 01704 870129; email [email protected]; http://pdmackie.users.btopenworld.com/bbbweb/ (Thursdays)

> Swan Inn, 1 The Square, Dobcross, nr Uppermill, Oldham OL3 5AA: Session (Thursdays)

> Trader Jacks, 38 Hollinshead St, Chorley PR7 1EP: Chorley Folk Club. Residents John Joyce & Wolfman Jack. John Joyce 01257 241536; Alan 01257 249109; email: [email protected]; web: www.geocities.com/chorleyfolkclub (2nd & 4th Mondays)

> Ulverston Sports Club, Priory Rd, Ulverston, Lancs LA12 9HT: South Lakes Music Promotions Folk Club. Tel 07743 555227. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.slmp.btinternet.co.uk (1st Thursday)

> Underground @ Viva, 90 Lark Lane, Liverpool L17 8UU: Acoustic Engine Songwriters Night, hosted by Steve Roberts and/or Dan Dean 8pm. Tel 0151 286 2662; email: [email protected] (Wednesdays)

> Union Vaults, 44 Egerton St, Chester CH1 3ND: Singaround & Music Session 9pm. Free Food Provided. Mr Happy 01244 675860 (Wednesdays)

> Upton Royal British Legion Club, 20 Heath Rd, Upton, Cheshire CH2 1HX: Jacqui’s Folk Club 8.30pm. Jacqui McDonald 01244 300576 (Wednesdays)

> Victoria Hotel, 20 Ann St West, Widnes WA8 7UB: 8.30pm. Free. Peter Bentham 0151 495 1495; email [email protected] (2nd Friday)

> Victoria, 42-46 Dock St, Fleetwood FY7 6AG: Musicians Session (Mondays)

> Victoria, Quarry St, Woolton Village, Liverpool L25 6EY: Acoustic Jam Night 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0151 428 8474 (Mondays)

> Volunteer Arms, 158 Darwen Rd, Bromley Cross, Bolton BL7 9JJ: Buskers Ball (Open Mic) 8pm. Alec Martin 01204 527414; email: [email protected]; www.busker.freeuk.com (Saturdays)

> Waggon Inn, 32-34 High St, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6HR 8pm. Guests plus Open Mic hosted by Ann English & Stuart French. 01457 872376 (Mondays); Celtic Revival 8pm: Open Mic hosted by Dave O’Dea. 01457 872376 (Fridays)

> Waggon & Horses, Colne Rd, Brierfield, Nelson, Burnley BB9 5RD: Burnley Folk Club 8.30pm. Phyl Watson 01282 774077 (Wednesdays)

> Walshaw Sports Club, Sycamore Rd, Tottington, Bury: Walshaw Folk Club 8.30pm. Frank / Doreen 01204 413909; email: [email protected] (2nd & 4th Sundays)

> Walton County Ward Labour Club, 39 Hale Rd, Walton, Liverpool L4 3RL: Folk Club. Lilian French 0151 474 0979; www.waltonmusicclub.supanet.com/index1.html (8.45pm Fridays & 8.30pm Sundays)

> Waxy O’Connor’s, The Printworks, Corporation St, Manchester M4 2BS: Live Irish Music. 0870 220 0823; email: [email protected] (9pm - 11pmWednesdays and 2pm - 4pm & 8pm - 10.30pm Sundays)

> Welcome Inn, Rusholme Grove, Rusholme, Manchester M14: Irish Trad Music Session hosted by Bernard. Contact 0161 224 4306 (Fridays)

> West Cheshire Sailing Club, Coastal Drive, Harrison Drive, Wallasey, Merseyside CH45 3PZ: Folk Club. Free (1st Friday)

> Westhoughton Golf Club, School St, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 2BR:Westhoughton Folk Club. 8.15pm. Pat Batty 01257 230508 / www.folkclub.org.uk (Fridays) - closed - reopens 9.1.04

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9XP: Folk at the Wheatsheaf. Terry Haworth 01900 604765 / email: [email protected] / web: www.collsarms.freeserve.co.uk/cmouth.htm(1st & 3rd Thursdays + 2nd Wednesday)

> White Hart, 56 Sankey St, Warrington WA1 1SB: Acoustic Night hosted by Mike Bee. Info (venue) 01925 638776 (Thursdays)

> White Lion, 242 Manchester Road, Swinton, Salford, Lancs M27 4TS: Swinton Folk Club 8.30pm. Ged Todd 01942 811527. Website: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/davewynn (Mondays)

> White Lion Inn, Towngate, Heptonstall, Hebden Bridge, Lancs HX7 7NB: Irish Trad Music Session. Info (venue) 01422 842027 (Tuesdays)

> Woodley Civic Hall, Hyde Rd, Woodley, Stockport SK6 1QG: Woodlarks Harmony Singing Workshop 1.30pm - 3.30pm. No auditions, no need to read music. £3.50 (£2.20 concs). Organiser: Faith Watson. Contact: Singing for Larks, 12 Lindow Rd, Manchester M16 0DP, tel 0161 881 0855. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.singingforlarks.co.uk (Thursdays)

> Ye Olde Man & Scythe, 6-8 Churchgate, Bolton BL1 1HL: Acoustic Session Open Evening starts 6pm. Free (Saturdays)

Advertise your Band / Event / Club / Festival / Shop / whatever...

All advertising must be prepaid. Cheques payable to "Joan Blackburn" should be sent to

Joan Blackburn, 66 Ince Green Lane, Wigan, Lancs WN2 2AR

Paid advertisements help to offset the costs of printing the paper edition, which is distributed free of charge. If you know of anyone who may benefit from advertising in Folkal Point, please ask them to contact me. Thank you.

Earlier this year I sent out a message announcing my plan for a year long ‘birthday tour’ to mark my 70th birthday. The dates to run from 15th June this year until 15th June 2004, my 71st. I’m happy to say the results have been good and I’ve had grand receptions and happy times visiting familiar places, and some new ones too.

The first part of the tour is over and now 2004 comes into view. I have the gigs listed below plus a few still to be confirmed, but I would like to add some more. If your club or festival could find space for me in the appropriate timescale please get in touch. Whether I’ve been to your place before or not, I’ll be glad to hear from you.

This WILL be my last go-around the scene. After this it’s local area clubs only though I’m still willing to go anywhere nationally or abroad for festivals. Hoping to hear from you. Thanks in advance.

Roy Harris, 02920 657311. [email protected]

2004 Jan 9 Potteries Folk Club

Feb 1 Traditions at the Tiger, Long Eaton, Notts.

Feb 3 Darlington Folk Club

Feb 20 Monmouth Folk Club

Mar 4 Maidenhead Folk Club

Mar 7 Bothy Folk Club, Southport

Mar 20 ‘Spring Sing’, Ripponden, Yorks.

Mar 30 Great Knight Folk Club, Northampton

Apr 9 - 12 Maritime Festival, Lancaster

Apr 20 Chichester Folk Club

Others Apr/May/June TBC

The new electronic signs on the M6 were switched on on Tuesday 2nd December. The bad news is that they are rigged with the SPECS speed cameras. This probably applies to all the new signs being installed on the M62, M60 and M56 .

SPECS is a computer-camera based system. As you go past the sign a digital camera reads your number plate. When you go past the next sign your number plate is read again. The computer ‘knows’ how far apart the signs are so it can work out your average speed between the two, or three or four.

The system is fully automatic and will issue a ticket without any form of human intervention. It does this for every single vehicle that passes. You will not know you have been caught as the cameras don’t flash. They work 24/7, 365 days a year, and theoretically, there’s absolutely no limit on the number of tickets that the system can issue.

The whole section of the M6 between Knutsford and Preston is wired both ways. The system is set to trigger a ticket at 78mph (don’t take this as a guarantee). Radar detectors will be of no use as SPECS is entirely passive; there is no laser beam to detect. Be warned and spread the news!.

Frank R (by email 4.12.03).

New Album from

Pete Rimmer Sarah Marks Roger Gardiner

The album features traditional and contemporary songs and instrumentals.

It’s available from Pete Rimmer at Gigs or the Bothy Folk Club or by post

6 Burlington Road, Birkdlae, Southport, Merseyside PR8 4RX, £10.00 post-free.

Email: [email protected]

To entertain in old peoples homes and day centres - mainly afternoon and early evening. "It’s paid work and there’s lots of it about." Contact Abacus Music (Pete Rimmer & Jill Fielding), 42 Church St, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 3AN. Tel 01695 587947 / 07972 623210. Email [email protected]. Website: www.abacusmusicagency.co.uk

Malcolm Rigby tells me they’re streaming again at KZSC. You can go to KZSC.UCSC.edu to get instructions on how to pick up the programme, so everyone who sent him CDs can listen to themselves again, if they stay up long enough. It goes out Mondays 3pm-6pm (local time), which is 11pm-2am BST. Recent plays have included Mark Dowding and Angie Blaydon, the Threlfalls, Jill Fielding, the Houghton Weavers, Carol Darwen and Nick Pantling, and Mary Humphries and Anahata.

(See "New Radio Programme Looking For CDs" below)

Some of you will know Malcolm Rigby, a Lancashire lad who’s now resident in California. He and his wife Bobby often visit back here in the UK, and are often to be seen at a good number of folk festivals over here. Malcolm ran a radio programme in California, but the station went all talk, so his music programme was lost. But the good news is that he now has a programme with another station covering roughly the same listening area, playing folk music and song from the British Isles and Ireland. The programme is called The Northern Bridge, and runs from 3pm - 6pm on Monday afternoons, local time (currently 10pm - 1am in the UK). The station is KZSC at 88.1FM, or www.KZSC.org on the web.

Malcolm would like to assure those artistes who have passed him their CDs, that they are getting an airing over there again, and that any others he receives will get an outing on the programme, particularly as he’s trying to feature good performers who aren’t known over there. If you want to send Malcolm your CD, email him at [email protected] for details of where to send it.

Price £6 at a Wench All gig, or £7 by post from P. Crewe, 38 Chatham Park Drive, Brierfield, Lancashire BB9 5QA (cheques payable to P. Crewe)

Tracks: You’re Only As Old, Little Willie, The Royal Charter, The Ballad of Scoonie’s Arse, The Potter’s Alphabet, ‘Orace ‘Oskins, Lozakin’ Abite, Lick ‘Em and Stick ‘Em, Absent Friends, Hear All See All, You’re Only As Old

Price £10.50 including p&p. Available by post (cheques payable to J. Parton) from His Worship and tghe Pig, 2 Birchgate Grove, Bucknall, Stoke-0n-Trent, Staffs ST2 8JU

Website: www.hisworshipandthepig.co.uk

Further info including How To Order: www.roseoftheribblevalley.com

Tracks: Brown Photographs, The Old Clog Dancer, The Maid In The Calico Dress, Tunes - Pleasures Of The Town/Tip Tap Polka, A Servant Of The Company, Dancing At Whitsun, The Heights Of Alma, The Little Pot Stove, Man Of The Earth, Tunes - Tom Bigsby’s Waltz/Margaret’s Waltz, Come Whoam To Thi Childer And Me, Jimmy Spoons, Following Olga To Lynn, Generations Of Change, Sally Wheatley, Tunes - Trip To Kanresborough/Three Jolly Sea Captains, Spanish Ladies/Last Man Leaving, Christmas 1914

Price £10 including p&p. Available from Mark at the Wooden Horse Folk Club on Sundays or by post - 143 Southport Rd, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 1LW. For further details telephone 01695 578215 / email [email protected]

Website: www.markdowding.co.uk

Price £10 at Penny Black gigs, or add £2 ( p&p & ins) by post - send POs to P.O.Box 44, Blackpool FY3 8GP.

Further details of this and previous CDs on Penny Black’s website at www.pennyblackfolk.co.uk

Is available again from Pete at Gigs or the Bothy Folk Club or by post

6 Burlington Road Birkdale Southport Merseyside PR8 4RX £6.00 post-free.

The album features traditional and contemporary songs together with a few guitar instrumentals.

Helping Pete out on the album are Paul Reid,Bev Sanders and Bill Hackney.

Email: [email protected]

Price £10 (or £11 inc. p&p) direct from Hands In Pockets. Telephone 01925 767801 for details.

If you would like to receive the "monthly", please email me on: [email protected]

Your details will not be made available to any other parties

It is available on free email subscription. The paper edition is obtainable at the New Aeon Bookshop, Manchester; Daemon Books, Lancaster; Crystal Carol’s, Ashton-under-Lyne; the Bowling Green Hotel, Swinley, Wigan; Wigan Folk Club; WasPsi meetings, Wigan; The Door meetings, Warrington; or contact Joan Blackburn on 01942 321223 / email [email protected]

G D C G

Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed

D C G

Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed

Bm Em C D

Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless aching need

G D C G

I say love, it is a flower and you its only seed

It’s the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance

It’s the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance

It’s the one who won't be taken, who cannot seem to give

And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live

When the night has been too lonely and the road has been too long

And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong

Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows

Lies the seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose

Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows

Lies the seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes the rose

This week’s song was requested by Kevin Brady. Further requests/suggestions for future Songs of the Week to Joan please. Requests have been received for enough songs for the next few weeks, including Peggy Gordon, Everything Possible, One Of Those Days, The Balena, Lovin’ Hannah, Rout of the Blues, Twilight Girl, Icy Acres, various songs of His Worship And The Pig, My Voice Keeps Changing On Me, and Sing Like No One’s Listening. Keep the requests coming!

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Tom Hingley

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: The Witches of Elswick

> Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan: Singaround hosted by Joan Blackburn

> Cross Keys Inn, Chester: Raven Folk Club: Music & Song Session in the bar

> Crown Hotel, Garstang: Crown Folk Club: Singers Night

> Dillon’s Whistlin’ Jig, Stockport: Irish Trad Music Session

> Elements, Bradshawgate, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Galvin’s Irish Bar, 321 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ: Quare Craic 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0161 832 9640

> Halfway House, Blackpool: Singaround

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Bogtrotters

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (main hall): Celtic Vibes. Info 0161 205 4007

> Jackson’s Pit, Oldham: Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> Junction, Rainford: Wooden Horse Folk Club: Dave Webber & Annie Fentiman

> Lowther Pavilion, Lowther Terrace, Lytham St Annes, Lancs FY8 5QQ: Bernard Wrigley + Oldham Tinkers. Box Office 01253 735211

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Jam Night

> Morgans, 114 High St, Atherton: Celtic Cross 4pm. Info (venue) 01942 882912

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Singers Night

> Platform, Old Station Buildings, Central Promenade, Morecambe LA4 4DB: Dick Gaughan. Box Office 01524 582803

> Playhouse 2, Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX: John Wright Band. Info Barrie Cottam 01706 847494

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Misty Blue. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> CHANGED VENUE Star Inn, Failsworth (ex Railway & Linnet, Chadderton): Open Door Folk Club: Singaround

> Walshaw Sports Club, Tottington, Bury: Walshaw Folk Club: Singers Night

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: Live Irish Music 2pm - 4pm & 8pm - 10.30pm: The Gallery

> BBC Radio 3: Andy Kershaw 10.45pm (note changed time) with studio guests hip-hop group Daara J from Senegal, who have been nominated for the 2004 BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music

> BBC Radio Merseyside: Folkscene 7.05pm: with Stan Ambrose.

> BBC Radio Stoke: Genevieve Tudor: folk music 8pm

> BBC Radio Cumbria: Northern Folk 9pm; with Alistair Anderson

> Aigburth Peoples Hall, Liverpool: Triton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Albert Halls, Victoria Sq, Bolton BL1 1RU: Bernard Wrigley + Alan Beswick. 7.30pm. Tickets/Info 01204 334400

> Bacup Conservative Club: Bacup Folk Club: Singers Night

> Beech Inn, Chorlton, Manchester: Tune session

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Acoustic Songwriters Night

> Bulls Head, Manchester: Trad music session

> Farmers Arms, Frankby, Wirral: Folk Club: Singers & Musicians

> Gallagher’s, Blackrod: Folk Club: Singers Night

> Green Dragon, St Helens: Green Dragon Folk Club: Singaround

> Guest House, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Singaround

> Lostock Arms, Lostock, Bolton: Rafters Roar Folk Club: Singers Night

> Mill at the Pier, St Thomas St, Wigan WN3 4BX: John Wright in concert with Maartin Alcock, Joe Wright & Chris Parkinson. Launch of new CD "Songdance". Special guest appearances by Allan Taylor + Kieran Halpin + Paul Millns + Joe Topping. Tickets £8 / Concs £7 availanle from Wigan Pier 01942 323666 or Barbara 01257 255575

> New Land o’ Cakes, Manchester: Sound Check Acoustic Jam Night: Singer-Songwriter Open Mic

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Curtis Jones & John Dowling

> Railway Hotel, Parbold: Room at the Back: Music, Verse & Whatever

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: 5 Go Off To Play Guitar: Songwriters Night

> Red Bull, Stockport: Red Bull Folk Club: Singers Night

> Shippons, Irby: Folk Session

> Star & Garter, Manchester: Anti-Hoot Open Mic hosted by Mark Silverman

> Victoria, Fleetwood: Musicians Session

> Victoria, Woolton Village, Liverpool: Acoustic Jam Night

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> White Lion, Swinton: Swinton Folk Club: Anthony John Clarke

> BBC GMR: The Parlour 7pm: Alan Keegan with Irish music

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guest Stanley Accrington

> Alexander’s Jazz Theatre Bar, Chester: Unplugged Folk Night

> Atlantic (Banjo Bar), Liverpool: Atlantic Irish Night

> Bar, Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, Manchester: Phat Tuesday: Chorlton Cajun Massive: Singers & Musicians

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Singers Night hosted by Mike & Sarah Stone

> Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, Wigan: Open Mic

> Bruins Bar, Manchester: Open Mic Acoustic Night hosted by Chezz

> Bush Inn, Droylsden: Bush Acoustic Music Club: Singers Night

> Civil Service Sports & Social Club, St Annes: St Annes Acoustic Roots Club: Singers Night

> Crown, Stockport: Singaround/Open Mic Christmas Party - closing night - reopens 30.12.03

> Everyman Bistro, Liverpool (ex Flying Picket): Singers Night

> Falcon Inn, Littleborough: Falcon Folk Club: Singers Night

> Fox & Goose, Wigan Lane: Wigan Folk Club: Singaround

> George, Sandbach: Sandbach Unplugged: Fred Loader with a special floorspot from the Jill Fielding Band

> Hilldale Village Hall, Parbold: Newburgh Morris Practice

> Horseshoe, Ringley: Singers Night

> Iguana Bar, Chorlton: Acoustic Anarchy Open Mic

> Longridge Royal British Legion: Longridge Folk Club: Christmas Party

> Maghull Folk Club: Singers Night

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: Stephen Fretwell 7.30pm. 0161 275 2930

> Oak Tree, Coppull (ex Waggon & Horses): Musicians Session

> Peveril of the Peak, Manchester: Tune session

> RAFA Club, Leyland: Shredded Feet Appalachian Dance Group Practice

> Red Triangle Boxing Club, Liverpool: Johnson’s Acoustic Circus: Performers Night

> Roscoe’s Bar, Swinton: Sing When You’re Swiggin’: Acoustic Night

> Southern Hotel, Chorlton, Manchester: Tuesday Night Blues Club: guests + acoustic open mic

> Stanley’s Cask, 212 Rake Lane, Wallasey, Mersyside CH45 1JP: Unplugged song session hosted by Reckless Elbow. Info (venue) 0151 691 1093

> White Lion, Heptonstall: Irish Trad Music Session

> Alexandra Hotel, 29 Dukes Brow, Blackburn BB2 6EX: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01254 52114

> Alison Arms, Coppull: Singaround

> Barley Mow, Warrington: Essential Songwriters Night

> Bay Horse, Horwich: Raglan (Tim, Juliette & Jim out of Bogtrotters)

> Boars Head Hotel, Middlewich: Open Mike Night hosted by the Salt Town Poets

> Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight: Bromborough Folk Club: Singers Night

> Chillies Wine Bar, Wavertree, Liverpool: Catacoustic: Open Mic

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: His Worship & The Pig

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Christmas Party: Stanley Accrington

> Crypt, Royal Kings Arms Hotel, Lancaster: Open Mic Night

> Falcon Hotel, Poulton-le-Fylde: Folk at the Falcon: Singaround

> Fishergate, Orrell, Wigan: Acoustic Night hosted by Steve Higgins

> Fleece Inn, Blackburn: Blackburn Folk Club: Singers Night

> Junction, Rainford: Bluegrass Workshop 7.30pm; Session 9pm

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: All About Eve + Fake Ray 7.30pm. 0161 275 2930

> Mawdsley’s, Mawsdesley: Broken Token Folk Club: Singers Night

> New Britannia Inn, Preston: Singers Night

> Pogue Mahone’s, Liverpool: Irish tune session

> Priory Club, Broadfield Dr, Leyland: Leyland Accordion Club

> Shenanigan’s, Bootle: Irish Trad Music Session

> Swan, Aughton (ex Kings Arms, Haskayne): Folk Club: Singers Night

> Underground @ Viva, Lark Lane, Liverpool: Acoustic Engine Songwriters Night:

> Union Vaults, Chester: Singaround & Music Session

> Upton Royal British Legion Club: Jacqui’s Folk Club: Singers Night

> Waggon & Horses, Burnley: Burnley Folk Club: Singers & Musicians

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: Live Irish Music

> BBC Radio 2: Mike Harding 8pm

> Arden Arms, Millgate, Stockport: Song Carriers Folk Club: Singaround

> Bakers Vaults, 27 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES: Martin Ainscow & Keith Derbyshire 8.45pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 480 3182

> Biddulph Town Hall, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Christmas Party with Gary & Vera Aspey. Admission £6. Bring your own food & drink

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: His Worship & The Pig

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 6pm - 8pm; featured artiste Katie Blundell 8pm - 8.30pm, followed by The Mersey Beatles + Wink Rogers

> Cellar Vie, Lloyd St, Manchester: Byron’s Dandy Club: Acoustic Night Open Mic

> Glossop Folk Train: Holly Burton & Phil Cawsey. Departs Manchester Piccadilly at 6.52pm. Return on the 9.40pm train from Glossop, arriving Piccadilly at 10.17pm. Cost: normal return ticket

> Gregson Community Centre, 33 Moorgate, Lancaster: HoBow Fiddle Workshop 6pm - 8pm

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Blues Night

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

> Magazine Hotel, Wallasey: Magazine Folk Club: Singers Night

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: Christmas Party: Roam (3-piece: Colin, Rachael & Ben)

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Irish Christmas Party: Garva

> Rose & Crown, 374 Union Rd, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 3NW: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01254 232741

> Seven Stars Hotel, Wallgate, Wigan: Wigan Folk Club: Singaround

> Ship Inn, Haskayne, nr Ormskirk: Folk Club: Singers Night

> South West Manchester Cricket Club: Chorlton Folk Club: Singers Night

> St Luke’s Community Centre, Salford: The Barflies + Open Mic

> Steamer, Fleetwood: Fleetwood Folk Club: Singers Night

> Swan, Aughton: Bluegrass/Acoustic Country Night

> Swan Inn, Dobcross: Session

> Volunteer Arms, Bromley Cross, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: The Gallery

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Folk at the Wheatsheaf: Singers & Musicians Christmas Night

> White Hart, Warrington: Acoustic Night hosted by Mike Bee

> Woodley Civic Hall, Stockport: Woodlarks Harmony Singing Workshop 1.30pm - 3.30pm

> BBC Radio Lancashire: Lancashire Drift 8 - 9pm; with Les Bond

> Castle Hotel, Oldham St, Manchester: Instrumental Session

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Singers Night

> Hare & Hounds, Manchester: Full Circle Folk Club: Singers Night

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Singers Night: Christmas Party

> Hinds Head, Charnock Richard: Musicians Session

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (lounge): Tony Sullivan. Info 0161 205 4007

> Kings Arms, Hale, Cumbria: Hale & Hearty Folk Club: Singaround

> Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9PJ: Artisan. 01900 826448; web: www.thekirkgate.com

> Moorbrook Inn, Preston: Preston Folk Club: Singaround

> NALGO Club, Alder Rd, Liverpool: Monthly Jam Session at the Nalgo

> Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, Union Rd, Oswaldtwistle, Lancs BB5 1HZ: Houghton Weavers Christmas Show. Info/Box Office: 01254 380293; fax 01254 380279; email [email protected] ; web: www.leisureinhyndburn.co.uk

> Palace Nightclub, Farmside Place, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3BF: Toss The Feathers. Tickets/Info 0161 257 2484

> Queens Head Inn, Frodsham: Frodsham Folk Club: Singers Night

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: Open Mic Acoustic Night

> Royal British Legion, Poynton: Porkies Folk Club: Gary & Vera Aspey

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Thomas Maguire. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> Sun Inn, Macclesfield: Irish Trad Music Session

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Welcome Inn, Rusholme, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

> Wheatsheaf, 298 Chapel St, Leigh, Lancs WN7 2AP: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01942 709132

> Woodman, Hurdsfield Rd, Macclesfield SK10 1LL: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01695 424863

> Bowling Green, 106-108 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Creosote Killed The Cat (Nick & Clem). Info (venue) 01942 516004

> Buffet Bar, Platform One, Stalybridge Railway Station: Folk Club: Singers Night

> Carling Apollo, Stockport Rd, Ardwick Green, Manchester M12 6AP: Saw Doctors. Box Office 0870 401 8000

> Church Inn, Church Lane, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6LW: Curragh Sons. Info (venue) 01457 820902

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (main hall): Sean Cuddy. Info 0161 205 4007

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

> Liverpool Academy, 160 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L69 7BR: Ian McNabb. Info (venue) 0151 794 6868

> Masque (Mercury Lounge), Liverpool: Open Mic 3pm-6pm

> The Mop (Weavers Arms), Halliwell, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Palace Nightclub, Farmside Place, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3BF: Toss The Feathers. Tickets/Info 0161 257 2484

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Denis & The Exiles. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> Smithy Manor, Jubits Lane, Sutton Manor, St Helens WA9 4BB: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01744 817657

> Southport Arts Centre, Lord St, Southport PR8 1DB: Waterson:Carthy. 01704 540011

> Unicorn, 378 North Rd, Preston PR1 1RU: Bluesline. Info (venue) 01772 254647

> Ye Olde Man & Scythe, Bolton: Acoustic Session

> Albion Hotel, New Brighton: Albion Folk Club: Singers Night

> Alt Park Hotel, Northway, Maghull, Liverpool L31 5JA: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 0151 520 4931

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: The Office Party

> Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan: Singaround hosted by Joan Blackburn

> Cross Keys Inn, Chester: Raven Folk Club: Singaround

> Crown Hotel, Garstang: Crown Folk Club: Singers Night

> Dillon’s Whistlin’ Jig, Stockport: Irish Trad Music Session

> Fox & Goose, 37-39 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 1XR: Just for the Crack. Info (venue) 01942 517605

> Galvin’s Irish Bar, 321 Deansgate, Manchester M3 4LQ: Quare Craic 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0161 832 9640

> Halfway House, Blackpool: Singaround

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Bogtrotters

> Irish Centre, Bolton: Comhaltas Irish Trad Music Session

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (lounge - afternoon): P Mylett. Info 0161 205 4007

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (main hall): Charity Concert/Ceilidh on behalf of Irish Community Care 8pm. Tickets £2 in advance, £3 on the door. For tickets contact Mike Doyle 0161 432 4363 or Pat Sweeney 0161 445 9615

> Jackson’s Pit, Oldham: Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> Junction, Rainford: Wooden Horse Folk Club: Christmas Party

> CHANGED VENUE Lamb, Halliwell Rd, Bolton (previously Elements): Buskers Ball

> Lowther Pavilion, Lowther Terrace, Lytham St Annes, Lancs FY8 5QQ: New Scorpion Band. Box Office 01253 735211

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Jam Night

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Fiddlestone

> Playhouse 2, Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX: St Agnes Fountain. Info Barrie Cottam 01706 847494

> Railway Inn, 11 Shaw Hall Bank Rd, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7JZ: Curragh Sons. Info (venue) 01457 872307

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: WestPoint. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> CHANGED VENUE Star Inn, Failsworth (ex Railway & Linnet, Chadderton): Open Door Folk Club: Christmas Party: Tap the Barrel

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: Live Irish Music 2pm - 4pm & 8pm - 10.30pm: The Gallery

> BBC Radio 3: Andy Kershaw 10.15pm

> BBC Radio Merseyside: Folkscene 7.05pm: with Stan Ambrose.

> BBC Radio Stoke: Genevieve Tudor: folk music 8pm

> BBC Radio Cumbria: Northern Folk 9pm; with Alistair Anderson

> Bacup Conservative Club: Bacup Folk Club: Christmas Party: George Borowski

> Red Bull, Stockport: Red Bull Folk Club: Christmas Party

> Trader Jacks, Chorley: Chorley Folk Club: Jez

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Singers Night hosted by Rick Wiggans & Kath Mackin

> Clog & Billycock, Blackburn: Singers Night

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien - "Christmas"

> Bowling Green, 106-108 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Jon Brindley. Info (venue) 01942 516004

> Lord Rodney, 67 Winwick Rd, Warrington WA2 7DH: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01925 234296

> Royal Hotel, Station Rd, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7BA: Bluesline. Info (venue) 01254 883541

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Aidan & The Strangers. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (main hall): Last of Breed. Info 0161 205 4007

> Joseph O’Neill’s, 67 Duke St, St Helens WA10 2JF: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01744 752433

> Morecambe Hotel, 25 Lord St, Morecambe, Lancs LA4 5HX: The Duo (Dave Emptage & Tony Cooke). Info (venue) 01524 418580

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Seamus Moore. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> Astley Arms, Chapel Hill, Dukinfield: Monthly Open Mic & SongwriterNight hosted by Ann English

> Bowling Green, 106-108 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Full Day of Music (details to follow). Info (venue) 01942 516004

> Royal Oak, 111 Standishgate, Wigan WN1 1XL: Just for the Crack. Info (venue) 01942 323137

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Sally Glennon. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> CHANGED VENUE Star Inn, Failsworth (ex Railway & Linnet, Chadderton): Open Door Folk Club: Pauline’s Birthday Bash with George Papavgeris (El Greko). Free (as long as you bring a big prezzie!)

> Chetham Arms, High St, Edgworth: Edgworth Folk Music Session - Extra Night

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien - Wassail evening

> Nursery Inn, Stockport: Why Worry Monthly Songwriters Club

> Britannia Inn, Penny Bridge, nr Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7RJ: Easy Street. Info (venue) 01229 861480

> Busy Bee, Kiln Lane, Skelmersdale WN8 8PW: One Hand Clapping

> Golden Lion, 33 Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QD: The Duo (Dave Emptage & Tony Cooke). Info (venue) 01524 842198

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Bogtrotters

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF (main hall): Tom Healy. Info 0161 205 4007

> Oswaldtwistle Working Mens Club, 37 James St, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 3LJ: Celtic Cross. Tickets £10 incl supper. Info (venue) 01254 232520

> Parmesan & Pepper, 38 Market St, Chorley PR7 2SE: New Year’s Eve Celebration with Jon Brindley. Contact venue for ticket availability 01257 261300

> St Kentigern’s Social Club, Hart Rd, Manchester M14 7BB: Last of the Breed. Info (venue) 0161 224 2033

> St Michael & All Angels CE Primary School, Foulridge, Colne: New Year’s Eve Ceilidh with two bands: The Old School Band with caller Gwyndon Boardman, + Frolicking Pete & The Fumbling Fingers 8pm - 12.30am. Adult £10 / Concs £5 / Family Ticket £25. Bring own hamper & bottles. Tickets & further details from Pete Crewe 01282 698455 / email [email protected] or Bob Snape, Old School Band 01254 878149

> Talbot Catholic Club, 12 Eldon Place, Eccles, Manchester M30 8QE: Whiskey in the Jar. Info (venue) 0161 789 1021

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Singers Night hosted by Jamie

> West Cheshire Sailing Club, New Brighton: Monthly Singers Night

> Bay Horse, 206 Lee Lane, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7JF: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01204 696231

> Falstaff, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session (afternoon)

> Fosters Arms, Barnoldswick: Monthly Folk At t’ Fosters

> St Mary’s Parish Centre, Oswaldtwistle: Oswaldtwistle Folk Club: Monthly Singers Night

> Dewsbury Little Theatre, Upper Rd, Batley Carr, Dewsbury, W Yorks WF15 7LT: Maire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman + Jez Lowe + Paul Wrigley. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10. Theatre 01924 324840. Info Geoff Pickles 01924 404346. A Cleckheaton Folk Festival Fundraising Event

Upper Road, Batley Carr, Dewsbury

presents

> Chetham Arms, High St, Edgworth: Edgworth Monthly Folk Music Session

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guest Shaun Hunter

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Singers Night hosted by Geoff Higginbottom

> Fox & Hounds, Urmston: Urmston Acoustics: Monthly Singers Night

> Puss in Boots, Macclesfield: Monthly Singaround

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Ken Nicol

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Singers Night

> Farmers Glory Inn, Roundhill Rd, Haslingden, Rossendale BB4 5TU: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01706 215748

> Mawdsley’s, Mawsdesley: Broken Token Folk Club: Quicksilver (Hilary Spencer & Grant Baynham)

> Blazing Rag Inn, Mossley, Ashton-under-Lyne: Monthly Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Tom McConville

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: Singaround

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: His Worship & The Pig’s Pantomime

> Top Lock Hotel, Copthurst Lane, Wheelton, Heapey, Chorley PR6 8LS: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01257 263376

> Golborne Catholic Club, High St, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3BG - near Wigan, M6, J23 (Haydock Island): Phoenix Ceilidh with Alf Alfa, caller Linda Westrupp. Tickets £7, concessions £5, children (5-16) £3. Family tickets available. Tickets/Info Rachel Calderbank 01257 269397 or Vicky Lindsay 01772 323988 / email [email protected] / web: www.lesession.co.uk/phoenix

> Masonic Lodge, Uppermill: Safra Club: Monthly Big Sing

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Tom Browne & Ian Goodier

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Tom Topping Band

> Bridgewater Hall, Lower Moseley St, Manchester M2 3WS: Donovan. Tickets/Info 0161 907 9000

> Stanley Street Social Club, 58-60 Stanley St, Accrington BB5 6PQ: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01254 301605

> Alma Hotel, West Street Place, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8JD: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01282 772894

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Karen & Colin Thompson

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Folk Club: Singers & Musicians Session led by Sham & Dave

> Black Horse, Limbrick: Folk Club: Monthly Singers Night

> Saddle Club, Birkenhead: Monthly Acoustic Night

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Trouble at’ Mill

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Jill Fielding Band

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. His Worship & The Pig

> Dun Horse, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4BH: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01539 728190

> Life Cafe, 23 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR: Carina Round. Info 0161 833 3000

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Jane & Amanda Threlfall with Martin Ellison & Roger Edwards

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Folk at the Wheatsheaf: Quicksilver

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Anthony John Clarke

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Singers Night hosted by Bill

> NALGO Club, Alder Rd, Liverpool: Monthly Jam Session at the Nalgo

> Philharmonic Hall, 36 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX: Joan Baez + Josh Ritter. 0151 709 3789

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Nancy Kerr & James Fagan

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Elbow Jane

> Junction, Rainford: Wooden Horse Folk Club: Th’Antiques Roadshow

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: John Kirkpatrick + Chris Parkinson

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Restless Bentleys

> Guest House, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Joe Topping Band

> White Lion, Swinton: Swinton Folk Club: Roam

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guest Bram Taylor

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Singers Night hosted by Moorland Folk

> Longridge Royal British Legion: Longridge Folk Club: Gary & Vera Aspey

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Cloudstreet

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Tony & Mariane Downs

> Sefton Conservative Club, Crawford Ave, Mossley Hill, Liverpool L18 1DR: Brilliant Welsh ‘Tympath’ dance group Danswyr Delyn with caller Geoff Jenkins. Admission £3.50. Info Julia 0151 722 7241 / 077773 061508 / email [email protected]

> Sheffield City Hall & Memorial Hall, Barkers Pool, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S1 2JA: Joan Baez + Josh Ritter 8pm. Tickets £25. Box Office 0114 278 9789

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Janine Wells

> New Hall Tavern, Cuerdale Lane, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0XA: Moorland Folk. Info (venue) 01772 877217

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: Joe Topping "excellent young talent from the Wirral"

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Singers Night Big Spot with Alan ‘Shantyman’ Grace

> St Joseph’s Social Centre, Hogton, Preston: Gregson Lane Folk Club: Ramblin’ Riversiders

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Mundy Turner

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Threlfall, Ellison & Edwards

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Acoustic Strawbs. Tickets/Info 0161 761 2216

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Anthony John Clarke

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Mundy Turner

> St Michael’s C of E High School, Astley Rd, Chorley, Lancs PR7 1RS: Ceilidh with All Blacked Up, caller Dave Hunt 8pm. Organised by Stone the Crows morris side who are also running a border morris workshop at the event. Details from Murray 01772 499074

> Astley Arms, Chapel Hill, Dukinfield: Monthly Open Mic & SongwriterNight hosted by Ann English

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Steve Tilston

> Cross Keys Inn, Chester: Raven Folk Club: Hilary Spencer & Grant Baynham

> Worden Arts & Crafts Centre, Worden Park, Leyland PR5 2DJ: Kirsty McGee Trio featuring Miranda Sykes & Saskia Tomkins plus support David Hughes. Tickets £8 - in aid of tbc - see Mr Kite Benefits under ‘Venues’

> Cumberland Arms, Hindley: Verse & Worse

> Trader Jacks, Chorley: Chorley Folk Club: Caroline Lovett

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guests Westhoughton Folk Club / Auld Triangle

Next meetings: January 26, February 23, March 22

For further info contact Sheila Mellor-Barnes 01942 215775 (new phone no.)

www.verseandworse.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Folk Club: Singers & Musicians Session led by Paul Heald & Second Spirit

> Briton’s Protection, 50 Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE: Doug Hoekstra. Info (venue) 0161 236 5895

> Nursery Inn, Stockport: Why Worry Monthly Songwriters Club

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Elbow Jane + Brass Tacks

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Geoff Higginbottom

> Farmers Glory Inn, Roundhill Rd, Haslingden, Rossendale BB4 5TU: Moorland Folk. Info (venue) 01706 215748

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Vin Garbutt tbc

> Boar Hound, Macclesfield: Monthly Folk Club: Singers Night

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: Anthony John Clarke

> Cellar Bar, Blackburn: Monthly Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Flossie Malavialle

> Leigh Folk Club: Singers Night - potential performers please be there no later than 8pm

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Po’ Girl. Mr Kite Benefits. Tickets £10 from the Met 0161 761 2216

> Royal Hotel, Station Rd, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7BA: The Marauders. Info (venue) 01254 883541

> University Arts Centre, St Peters, Fylde Rd, Preston PR1 7BQ: Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman 8pm. Box Office 01772 893001

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Roy Bailey

Monthly Friday Concerts at Leigh Conservative Club, Railway Rd, Leigh WN7 4AX

30 January: Singers Night: potential performers please be there no later than 8pm

27 February: Tom & Barbara Brown

30 April: Colum Sands

28 May: Harvey Andrews

25 June: Marie Little

Concerts start at 8.15pm and are supported by Calico

JOE’S NIGHT on 20th March 2004 at

St Joseph’s Sodality Club, 136-138 Chapel St, Leigh WN7 2DB

For tickets and further info contact Pauline Dowsett 01942 604603 or Des on 01942 604868

email: [email protected]

> Forum 28, 28 Duke St, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 1HH: Fairport Convention + Mundy Turner. Info (venue) 01229 820000

> Playhouse 2, Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX: John Spiers & Jon Boden + Kirsty McGee Band. Info Barrie Cottam 01706 847494

> Poynton Sports Club, London Rd Nth, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1AG: Bernard Wrigley. Info Andy 07890 783577

> St Anne’s Parish Hall, Shevington: Folk at Shevington: Bob Fox

> Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Preston New Rd, Blackburn BB2 6PL: Moorland Folk. 7.30pm. Info/tickets Ann 01254 57096

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Bandersnatch

> Chetham Arms, High St, Edgworth: Edgworth Monthly Folk Music Session

> Red Bull, Stockport: Red Bull Folk Club: Joe Topping Band

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guest Maggie Boyle

> Fox & Hounds, Urmston: Urmston Acoustics: Monthly Singers Night

> Mechanics, Manchester Rd, Burnley BB1 1JA: Fairport Convention + Mundy Turner. Box Office 01282 664400

> Puss in Boots, Macclesfield: Monthly Singaround

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Pete Abbott

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Pat Ryan & Ken Howard

> Farmers Glory Inn, Roundhill Rd, Haslingden, Rossendale BB4 5TU: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01706 215748

> Mawdsley’s, Mawsdesley: Broken Token Folk Club: Dave Sealey

> Southport Arts Centre, Lord St, Southport PR8 1DB: Fairport Convention + Mundy Turner. 01704 540011

> Blazing Rag Inn, Mossley, Ashton-under-Lyne: Monthly Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Julie Ellison

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: Singaround

> Ulverston Sports Club: Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Folk at the Wheatsheaf: Jon Harvison & Saskia Tomkins

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Jon Harvison & Saskia Tomkins

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Sally Barker hosted by Ailsa

> Royal British Legion, Poynton: Porkies Folk Club: Ken Nicol

> West Cheshire Sailing Club, New Brighton: Monthly Singers Night

> Westhoughton Folk Club: John Tams & Barry Coope (30th Anniversary Celebration) - Ticket Only

> Bridgewater Hall, Lower Moseley St, Manchester M2 3WS: Joan Baez + Josh Ritter. Tickets/Info 0161 907 9000

> Falstaff, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session (afternoon)

> Fosters Arms, Barnoldswick: Monthly Folk At t’ Fosters

> Golden Lion, 33 Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1QD: Julie Ellison. Info (venue) 01524 842198

> Holy Souls Parish Hall, Whalley New Rd, Blackburn BB1 9BE: Moorland Folk 7.30pm. Tickets/Details 01254 247941

> St Mary’s Parish Centre, Oswaldtwistle: Oswaldtwistle Folk Club: Monthly Singers Night

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Stanley Accrington

> Black Horse, Limbrick: Folk Club: Monthly Singers Night

> Saddle Club, Birkenhead: Monthly Acoustic Night

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Th’Antiques Roadshow + Scolds Bridle

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Jon Harvison & Saskia Tomkins

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: Frances Black - Extra Night - Ticket Only

> Carling Apollo, Stockport Rd, Ardwick Green, Manchester M12 6AP: Jethro Tull. Box Office 0870 401 8000

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Tom Napper & Tom Bliss

> Bay Horse, 206 Lee Lane, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7JF: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01204 696231

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Singers Night featuring The Bobcats at Davenham Players Theatre

> Masonic Lodge, Uppermill: Safra Club: Monthly Big Sing

> Thwaites Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd, Ewood, Blackburn BB2 4HT: Amy Wadge & Band + Jane Taylor + Pleasure Cell. 7pm. Tickets £8. Booking Office 01254 680137

> University Arts Centre, St Peters, Fylde Rd, Preston PR1 7BQ: Maggie Boyle, Chris Parkinson & Steve Tilston 8pm. Box Office 01772 893001

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Frances Black - Ticket Only

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: Damien Rice 7.30pm. 0161 275 2930

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Boo Hewerdine - Sold Out

> Royal Court Theatre, 1 Roe St, Liverpool L1 1HL: Jethro Tull. Tickets/Info 0151 709 4321

> Royal Hotel, High St, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B72 1UD: Jill Fielding Band. Info (venue) 0121 355 8222 (festival) 0121 464 8990. A St Valentines Folk Festival Event

> Waddow Hall, Clitheroe, Lancs BB7 3LD: St Valentine’s Weekend of Music. Folkus workshops in Bodhran, Fiddle, Guitar, Melodeon, Voice, Whistle. Evening concert & ceilidh with John Kirkpatrick + Ben & Joe Broughton + Heyfeva + Alan Bell Band. Weekend accommodation plus full catering available. Tel 01253 872317 / email [email protected] / SAE for booking form to Folkus (Waddow), 55 The Strand, Fleetwood, Lancs FY7 8NP

> Windermere, Cumbria: Celebrate African Arts - Cumbria. Taster Workshops - African Drum & Dance 1.30pm - 5.30pm. Workshops for all levels - beginners welcome. Contact Anni on 0113 248 6746 / 07789 731392 / email [email protected]

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Mick Ryan & Pete Harris

> Junction, Rainford: Wooden Horse Folk Club: Wench All

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Joe Topping

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Boo Hewerdine - Sold Out

> Silver Dollar, 14a Nel Pan Lane, Leigh WN7 5JS: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01942 605788

> Waddow Hall, Clitheroe, Lancs BB7 3LD: St Valentine’s Weekend of Music. Folkus workshops in Bodhran, Fiddle, Guitar, Melodeon, Voice, Whistle. Weekend accommodation plus full catering available. Tel 01253 872317 / email [email protected] / SAE for booking form to Folkus (Waddow), 55 The Strand, Fleetwood, Lancs FY7 8NP

> Guest House, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Mick Ryan & Pete Harris

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guest Joan Gallimore (winner of the Fred Jordan Memorial Trophy at Saltburn Folk Festival)

> Longridge Royal British Legion: Longridge Folk Club: Anthony John Clarke

> Maghull Folk Club: Elbow Jane

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Singers Night

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Tom Napper & Tom Bliss

> Falcon Hotel, Poulton-le-Fylde: Folk at the Falcon: His Worship & The Pig

> Sandpipers, Fairway, Southport PR9 0LA: Jill Fielding Band. Info (venue) 01704 548001

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Harvey Andrews

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: Song Auction Fundraiser for Droylsden Folk Festival

> St Joseph’s Social Centre, Hogton, Preston: Gregson Lane Folk Club: Joe Topping

> Top Lock Hotel, Copthurst Lane, Wheelton, Heapey, Chorley PR6 8LS: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01257 263376

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bob Fox

> Golborne Catholic Club, High St, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3BG - near Wigan, M6, J23 (Haydock Island): Phoenix Ceilidh with Stomp. Tickets £7, concessions £5, children (5-16) £3. Family tickets available. Tickets/Info Rachel Calderbank 01257 269397 or Vicky Lindsay 01772 323988 / email [email protected] / web: www.lesession.co.uk/phoenix

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Ian Bruce

> Kings Arms, 144 Bawdlands, Clitheroe, Lancs BB7 2LA: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01200 422450

> NALGO Club, Alder Rd, Liverpool: Monthly Jam Session at the Nalgo

> Westhoughton Folk Club: The Animals & Friends - Ticket Only

> Aughton Village Hall, Winifred Lane, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 5DJ: Bob Fox + Jill Fielding Band. 8pm. Tickets £6. Tickets/details from Abacus Music 01695 585400 / 07973 623210

Abacus Music and Ormskirk Comes Alive

Present

Premier Singer/Guitarist

IN CONCERT

£6.00

TICKETS and MORE DETAILS Tel

Aughton Village Hall is only 5 Minutes Drive from Maghull or Ormskirk

> Spinning Jenny, Rimington Ave, Accrington BB5 0NP: Celtic Cross. 3pm. Info (venue) 01254 236855

> Cumberland Arms, Hindley: Verse & Worse

> Red Bull, Stockport: Red Bull Folk Club: Mary Humphries & Anahata

> Trader Jacks, Chorley: Chorley Folk Club: Carol Dunnington

> Nursery Inn, Stockport: Why Worry Monthly Songwriters Club

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Hoover the Dog

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Back of the Moon

> Preston Guildhall & Charter Theatre, Lancaster Rd, Preston PR1 1HT: Fairport Convention + Mundy Turner. Tickets/Info 01772 258858

> Boar Hound, Macclesfield: Monthly Folk Club: Singers Night

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: Back of the Moon

> Cellar Bar, Blackburn: Monthly Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Anthony John Clarke

> Steamer, Fleetwood: Fleetwood Folk Club: Ron Trueman Border

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Solan

> Leigh Folk Club: Tom & Barbara Brown

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Risky Business

> Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Rd, Hoole, Chester: February Folk Day: Nancy Kerr & James Fagan + Marie Little + Solan ++. Info 01352 762931

> St Anne’s Parish Hall, Shevington: Folk at Shevington: Back of the Moon

> Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DJ: Martin Carthy + Martin Simpson. Box Office 017687 74411

> Astley Arms, Chapel Hill, Dukinfield: Monthly Open Mic & SongwriterNight hosted by Ann English

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: John Kirkpatrick

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Phil McGinity

> Southport Theatre & Floral Hall, Promedade, Southport PR9 0DZ: Dennis Locorriere. Tickets/Info 01704 540454

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Tania Opland & Mike Freeman

> Chetham Arms, High St, Edgworth: Edgworth Monthly Folk Music Session

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Singers Night hosted by Geoff Higginbottom

> Fox & Hounds, Urmston: Urmston Acoustics: Monthly Singers Night

> Puss in Boots, Macclesfield: Monthly Singaround

> Coliseum Theatre, Fairbottom St, Oldham OL1 3SW: Oldham Tinkers + Bernard Wrigley. Tickets/Info 0161 624 2829

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Ben Sands

> Farmers Glory Inn, Roundhill Rd, Haslingden, Rossendale BB4 5TU: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01706 215748

> Mawdsley’s, Mawsdesley: Broken Token Folk Club: Robin Laing

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby

> Blazing Rag Inn, Mossley, Ashton-under-Lyne: Monthly Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> New Hall Tavern, Cuerdale Lane, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0XA: Moorland Folk. Info (venue) 01772 877217

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Singers Night Big Spot with Nick & Lin

> Ulverston Sports Club: Steve Tilston

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Folk at the Wheatsheaf: Ben Sands

> Royal British Legion, Poynton: Porkies Folk Club: Tom Topping Band

> West Cheshire Sailing Club, New Brighton: Monthly Singers Night

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby

> Falstaff, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session (afternoon)

> Fosters Arms, Barnoldswick: Monthly Folk At t’ Fosters

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby

> St Mary’s Parish Centre, Oswaldtwistle: Oswaldtwistle Folk Club: Monthly Singers Night

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Roy Harris

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Quartz

> Black Horse, Limbrick: Folk Club: Monthly Singers Night

> Saddle Club, Birkenhead: Monthly Acoustic Night

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Tom McConville + Pauline Cato + Terry Docherty

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Roam

> Iguana Bar, Manchester: Colin Wakeford + John Roberts + Debbie & Mark 8.30pm Free

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Steve Tilston

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Roam

> Golborne Catholic Club, High St, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3BG - near Wigan, M6, J23 (Haydock Island): Phoenix Ceilidh with Florida, caller Chris Pitt. Tickets £7, concessions £5, children (5-16) £3. Family tickets available. Tickets/Info Rachel Calderbank 01257 269397 or Vicky Lindsay 01772 323988 / email [email protected] / web: www.lesession.co.uk/phoenix

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: 27th Birthday: Last Night’s Fun

> Masonic Lodge, Uppermill: Safra Club: Monthly Big Sing

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Bob Fox. Tickets/Info 0161 761 2216

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Jez Lowe & the Bad Pennies

> Windermere, Cumbria: Celebrate African Arts - Cumbria. A residential festival of participation of a range of African Arts including drumming and percussion, chanting, story telling, dancing and creative textiles. Full programme of activities for all ages and abilities. Disability friendly. Contact Anni on 0113 248 6746 / 07789 731392 / email [email protected]

> Playhouse 2, Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX: The Hush. Info Barrie Cottam 01706 847494

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Mike Silver

> Windermere, Cumbria: Celebrate African Arts - Cumbria. A residential festival of participation of a range of African Arts including drumming and percussion, chanting, story telling, dancing and creative textiles. Full programme of activities for all ages and abilities. Disability friendly. Contact Anni on 0113 248 6746 / 07789 731392 / email [email protected]

> Cross Keys Inn, Chester: Raven Folk Club: Bob Fox

> Windermere, Cumbria: Celebrate African Arts - Cumbria. A residential festival of participation of a range of African Arts including drumming and percussion, chanting, story telling, dancing and creative textiles. Full programme of activities for all ages and abilities. Disability friendly. Contact Anni on 0113 248 6746 / 07789 731392 / email [email protected]

> Guest House, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session

> Longridge Royal British Legion: Longridge Folk Club: Robin Higham + Scolds Bridle

> St Albans Social Centre, St Albans Place, Larkhill, Blackburn BB1 6HY: St Patrick’s Night with Moorland Folk. 8pm. Info (venue) 01254 661193

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: St Patrick’s Night Celebration hosted by John Denny. Fundraiser for Droylsden Folk Festival

> St Joseph’s Social Centre, Hogton, Preston: Gregson Lane Folk Club: Andy Smith - Beatles night

> Southport Theatre & Floral Hall, Promedade, Southport PR9 0DZ: Charlie Landsborough. Tickets/Info 01704 540454

> Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5DJ: Mistresses of Harmony. Box Office 017687 74411

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Folk at the Wheatsheaf: Phil Hare

> NALGO Club, Alder Rd, Liverpool: Monthly Jam Session at the Nalgo

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Allan Taylor

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: Shane McGowan & The Popes + Mark Radcliffe’s Family Mahone 7.30pm. Tickets £17.50 adv. 0161 275 2930

> St Anne’s Parish Hall, Shevington: Folk at Shevington: Robin Laing

> St Joseph’s Sodality Club, 136-138 Chapel St, Leigh WN7 2DB: Joe’s Night with Calico + guests: Marie Little + Bram Taylor + Pennygate (tbc)

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Lester Simpson

> Church House Inn, Buxton Rd, Buglawton, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 2DY: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01260 272466

> King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn BB2 1AA: Houghton Weavers. Admission on the door: £10 & £7.50. Info (venue) 01254 582582

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Reckless Elbow

> Philharmonic Hall, 36 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX: Martins4: Martin Carthy + Martin Simpson + Juan Martin + Martin Taylor. 0151 709 3789

> Cumberland Arms, Hindley: Verse & Worse

> Maghull Folk Club: Mundy-Turner

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby

> Boar Hound, Macclesfield: Monthly Folk Club: Les Barker

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby

> Cellar Bar, Blackburn: Monthly Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Ron Trueman Border

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Harvey Andrews

> Bay Horse, 206 Lee Lane, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7JF: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01204 696231

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Steve Tilston

> Philharmonic Hall, 36 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX: Paul Brady. 0151 709 3789

> Platform, Old Station Buildings, Central Promenade, Morecambe LA4 4DB: Houghton Weavers. Box Office 01524 582803

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Lindisfarne Acoustic - Ticket Only

> Albert Halls, Victoria Sq, Bolton BL1 1RU: Dennis Locorriere. Tickets/Info 01204 334400

> Aughton Village Hall, Winifred Lane, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 5DJ: Barn Dance with Gallimaufry. 8pm. Tickets £5. Tickets/details from Abacus Music 01695 585400

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Extravaganza 6: Dulaman + Debra Cowan (USA) + John Spiers & Jon Boden + Singarounds. Saturday Ticket £12. Weekend Ticket £20

> Astley Arms, Chapel Hill, Dukinfield: Monthly Open Mic & SongwriterNight hosted by Ann English

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Extravaganza 6: Slide + Brian Willoughby & Cathryn Craig + Roy Bailey + Singarounds. Sunday Ticket £12. Weekend Ticket £20

> Worden Arts & Crafts Centre, Worden Park, Leyland PR5 2DJ: Martyn Joseph. Tickets £12 - in aid of tbc - see Mr Kite Benefits under ‘Venues’

> Red Bull, Stockport: Red Bull Folk Club: Judy Cook

> Nursery Inn, Stockport: Why Worry Monthly Songwriters Club

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Richard Grainger

> Farmers Glory Inn, Roundhill Rd, Haslingden, Rossendale BB4 5TU: Moorland Folk. Info (venue) 01706 215748

> Life Cafe, 23 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR: Tommy Emmanuel. Info 0161 833 3000

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Show of Hands

> Blazing Rag Inn, Mossley, Ashton-under-Lyne: Monthly Acoustica! Open Mic hosted by Darren Poyzer

> Bridgewater Hall, Lower Moseley St, Manchester M2 3WS: Paul Brady. Tickets/Info 0161 907 9000

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Singers Night Big Spot with Dave Pugh

> St Joseph’s Social Centre, Hogton, Preston: Gregson Lane Folk Club: Brian Preston

> Top Lock Hotel, Copthurst Lane, Wheelton, Heapey, Chorley PR6 8LS: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01257 263376

> Ulverston Sports Club: Emily Slade

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Singers Night at Davenham Players Theatre

> Mawdsley’s, Mawsdesley: Broken Token Folk Club: Geoff Higginbottom & Harvey Davidson

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle + Kellie While. Tickets/Info 0161 761 2216

> West Cheshire Sailing Club, New Brighton: Monthly Singers Night

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Sean Keane - Ticket Only

> Falstaff, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session (afternoon)

> Fosters Arms, Barnoldswick: Monthly Folk At t’ Fosters

> St Mary’s Parish Centre, Oswaldtwistle: Oswaldtwistle Folk Club: Monthly Singers Night

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Kate Howden & Paul Jones

> Chetham Arms, High St, Edgworth: Edgworth Monthly Folk Music Session

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Threlfall Ellison Edwards

> Fox & Hounds, Urmston: Urmston Acoustics: Monthly Singers Night

> Puss in Boots, Macclesfield: Monthly Singaround

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Ann English

> Farmers Glory Inn, Roundhill Rd, Haslingden, Rossendale BB4 5TU: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01706 215748

> Liverpool Academy, 160 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L69 7BR: All About Eve. Info (venue) 0151 794 6868

> Dun Horse, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4BH: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01539 728190

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: John Kirkpatrick

> Kings Arms, 144 Bawdlands, Clitheroe, Lancs BB7 2LA: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01200 422450

> Masonic Lodge, Uppermill: Safra Club: Monthly Big Sing

> Bacup, Lancashire: Britannia Coconut Dancers. Info: email: [email protected]. Web: www.coconutters.co.uk

> Blundell Arms, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Bryony

> Spinning Jenny, Rimington Ave, Accrington BB5 0NP: Celtic Cross. 3pm. Info (venue) 01254 236855

Keith Roberts and many of the original gang will be in Wigan to join in the celebrations

Info from Joan 01942 321223 / email: [email protected]

Twice-weekly Singarounds 9pm - Close:

37-39 Wigan Lane, Wigan WN1 1XR

262 Wallgate, Wigan WN3 5AR

There is an open music policy - anything you want to sing or play is acceptable as long as it’s acoustic. Free food is provided every week at both venues.

For further info contact Joan Blackburn 01942 321223

email: [email protected] / web: www.wiganfolkclub.co.uk