> Poynton Folk Festival. Box Office, "Cranford", London Road North, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1BX. Tel 01625 874039. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.poyntonfolkfestival.com. Artistes: Bernard Wrigley + Tom Topping Band + Johnny Silvo + Joe Topping + Gentleman Soldier + Arthur & Dave + Sad Pig + Tom Hughes + Marilyn Middleton Pollock

> Lancaster Easter Maritime Festival. David Wright/Val Simpkin, Lancaster Tourism Services, 29 Castle Hill, Lancaster LA1 1YN. Tel 01524 32878. Fax 01524 847472. Email: [email protected]. Artistes: Cyril Tawney + Louis Killen + Hughie Jones + Sid Kipper + Stormalong John + Dick Miles + New Scorpion Band + Roy Harris + Geoff Higginbottom + Derek Gifford ++

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

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

> Blues Bar, Crosby, Liverpool: Acoustic Engine Sunday Sociable 2pm

> Bowling Green, 106 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Jon Brindley. Info (venue) 07761 352938

> Brian Boru Club, Ashton-in-Makerfield: Monthly Comhaltas instrumental session 3pm

> Burnley Miners Social Club, 27a Plumbe St, Burnley BB11 3AA: Upsetters. Info (venue) 01282 422791. A Burnley Blues Festival Event

> Captain Nelson Tavern, Maryport, Cumbria: Blues on Sunday 4pm: Bluesline

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Singaround

> 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

> Freeholders Arms, Lancaster: Singers on Sunday: Singaround

> Halfway House, Blackpool: Singaround

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF: Tom McGuire. Main Hall 12noon. Info 0161 205 4007

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

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

> Lamb, Halliwell Rd, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Old Boat House, Higher Green Lane, Astley, Tyldesley, Manchester M29 7JB: Raglan. Info (venue) 01942 883300

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

> Railway Inn, 11 Shaw Hall Bank Rd, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7JZ: Curragh Sons. 4pm. Info (venue) 01457 872307

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

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

> Shelbourne Hotel, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Bryony

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

> Star Inn, Failsworth: 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: Sturdy Beggars

> 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: Singaround

> Bar Risa, Chorlton St, Manchester: Acoustica! Open Mic

> Beech Inn, Chorlton, Manchester: Tune session

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Acoustic Songwriters Night

> Church Inn, Stockport Rd, Mossley, Ashton-under-Lyne OL5 0RF: Mossley Pace Egg Play. Info (venue) 01457 832021

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

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

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

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: The Duo (Dave Emptage & Tony Cooke)

> 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

> Pot of Beer, Manchester: Trad music session

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Singers Night

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

> Red Lion, Newburgh: Room At The Top: Music, Verse & Whatever

> Revolution, Lancaster: LULUMS Open Mic

> Seven Stars Hotel, Wallgate, Wigan: Wigan Folk Club: Wigan’s 6th Annual Day of Folk. Info Joan 01942 321223. The Launch Event for the Words.04 Festival (the first Leigh & Wigan Words Together Literature Festival)

> Shippons, Irby: Folk Session

> Smugglers Den, Morecambe: Folk Session

> Sparrow Hawk Hotel, Church St, Burnley BB11 2DN: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 01282 421551. A Burnley Blues Festival Event

> 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 - no prog tonight

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien - no prog tonight

Big Sing from 2pm till they throw us out

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

> 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

> 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

> Everyman Bistro, Liverpool: Singers Night

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

> George, Sandbach: Sandbach Unplugged: Queensberry Rules

> Gregson Centre, Lancaster: Folk Music Session in Cafe/Bar

> Hilldale Village Hall, Parbold: Newburgh Morris Practice

> Horseshoe, Ringley: Singers Night

> Iguana Bar, Chorlton: Open Stage

> Maghull Folk Club: Singers Night

> Navigation, Heaton Norris, Stockport: Monthly Let It Roll Open Mic

> Oak Tree, Coppull: Musicians Session

> Peveril of the Peak, Manchester: Tune session

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

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

> Royal Oak, Littleborough: Royal Oak Folk Club: Singers Night

> Saddle Club, Birkenhead: Monthly Singaround

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

> Southern Hotel, Chorlton, Manchester: Tuesday Night Blues Club: Acoustic Open Mic hosted by Depot

> White Lion, Halton, Lancaster: Bluegrass & Old Time Session

> BBC Radio 4 11.30am - 12noon: Follow That With Your Sea Lions (Prog 2 of 2). Squeezed between Appalachian dulcimer players and finger-in-the-ear traditionalists, the story-telling comic was a welcome respite in the folk clubs of 1970s Britain. Dave Spikey tells the stories of Max Boyce, Billy Connolly, Mike Harding and friends

> Alison Arms, Coppull: Singaround

> Barley Mow, Warrington: Essential Songwriters Night

> Bay Horse, Horwich: Raglan

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

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

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: closed

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Pete Abbott

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

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

> Friends Meeting House, Lancaster: Taize - Harmony Singing for Peace

> Hare & Hounds Inn, Bolton Rd, Abbey Village, Chorley PR6 8DP: Jon Brindley. Info 01254 830334

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

> Leigh Library (Derby Rooms): Tony Warren (author, screenwriter and creator of Coronation Street): Illustrated Talk: "The Road to Coronation Street". 2pm. Free. Reserve your place at 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Leigh Library (Derby Rooms): Fran O’Boyle: "He Tells a Good Tale". A celebration of storytelling for all the family. 7.30pm. Free. Refreshments provided. Reserve your place at 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> New Britannia Inn, Preston: Singers Night

> Pogue Mahone’s, Liverpool: Irish tune session

> Prince of Wales, Chorley: Chorley Folk Club: club now closed

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

> Scarisbrick Arms, Downholland: Folk Club: Singers Night

> Shenanigan’s, Bootle: Irish Trad Music Session

> Thwaites Empire Theatre, Aqueduct Rd, Ewood, Blackburn BB2 4HT: Johnny Silvo. 7.30pm. Tickets £8. Booking Office 01254 680137

> 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

> Wigan & Leigh College, Parsons Walk, Wigan: Rod Riesco (editor of "Current Accounts"): "Short Story Workshop: Style and Structure". 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 4pm. Free (Adults). Advance Reservations only to 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> BBC Radio 2: Mike Harding 8pm with guest Christy Moore

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

> Bakers Vaults, 27 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES: Pete Goode 8.45pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 480 3182

> Beer Engine, 69 Poolstock Lane, Wigan WN3 5DX: Beer Engine Bash with Steve Morris + Les Bond + Sam Smith + Zoe Stafford & Matt Collins + Mark Silverman + David Hawkins. Poems, songs and monologues with an emphasis on humour. 7.30pm. £3 incl supper. Pay on the door. Reservations to 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Boat Band

> Brewery Arts Centre, 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE: Sharon Shannon. Tickets/Info 01539 725133

> Bruins Bar, Ladybarn House, Moseley Rd, Manchester M14 6ND: The AfterCast 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 256 1992

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 6pm-ish - 8.30pm-ish; featured artiste Lauren James 8.30pm-ish - 9pm-ish

> Coopers Tap, Morecambe: Open Stage

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

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

> Gregson Centre, Lancaster: Folk Music Session in Cafe/Bar

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Blues Night

> Irish World Heritage Centre, Manchester: Irish music session

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Wildwood Band

> King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn BB2 1AA: Old Time Music Hall. 4pm - 7pm. Tickets £5. Info (venue) 01254 582582

> Leigh Library (Derby Rooms): Margaret Murphy: Talk with Readings: "The Police Inspector, the Crook, the Mortuary Technician & the Writer". A light-hearted look at methods of research for crime writers. 11am. Free. Reserve your place at 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Leigh Library (Derby Rooms): John Hammond (secretary of the James Hiulton Society): Illustrated Talk: "The Life and Work of James Hilton". James Hilton, of Leigh, wrote the screenplay for Goodbye Mr Chips, Lost Horizon, and other film classics. 2pm. Free. Reserve your place at 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Leigh Library (Derby Rooms): Cinderella, The Rehearsal and Car Boot, The Performance (two comedies, written and performed by Leigh & Atherton Writers & Friends). 7.30pm. Admission £2 incl light refreshments. Reserve your place at 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

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

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

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: Kevin Tarpey & Steve Woolley

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Railway Folk Club: 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 Luke’s Community Centre, Salford: The Barflies + Open Mic

> Soundgarden, 42 Blackfriars St, Manchester M3 2EQ: David Kay & The Defendants + Nick Ainsworth & The Former Bullies. Info (venue) 0161 832 8900

> Steamer, Fleetwood: Fleetwood Folk Club: Singers Night

> Swan Inn, Dobcross: Session

> Thirsty Scholar, Manchester: Ria Bright 10pm

> Ulverston Sports Club: Tom Pacheco. Tickets/Info 01229 586306

> Volunteer Arms, Bromley Cross, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: Sturdy Beggars

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Folk at the Wheatsheaf: Gary & Vera Aspey

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

> Wigan & Leigh College, Parsons Walk, Wigan: Steve Corless: Workshop: "You Are A Writer" - confidence building - how to start, how to keep going, how not to give up!. 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 4pm. Free (Adults). Advance Reservations only to 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

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

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

29th April ALISTAIR HULET

27th May BERNARD WRIGLEY

24th June THRELFALL ELLISON EDWARDS

8th July SCOLDS BRIDLE

16th September KEITH MITCHELL

14th October BEN WOOD

11th November ANDREW GREEN

9th December PETE HARDMAN

23rd December Christmas Special

> Brian Boru Club, 55 Bryn St, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 9AX: Beware of the Pig. 8pm. (Celtic folk/rock) Tickets £4 (get your tickets early as the last few local gigs have been sellouts). Info (venue) 01942 727536

> Castle Hotel, Oldham St, Manchester: Instrumental Session

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bollington Folk Club: Pete Abbott

> Golborne Catholic Club, High St, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3BG - near Wigan, M6, J23 (Haydock Island): Phoenix Ceilidh with Albireo. 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

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

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Tom Doughty

> Hinds Head, Charnock Richard: Musicians Session

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

> Kings Arms, 144 Bawdlands, Clitheroe, Lancs BB7 2LA: The Stumble. (blues) Info (venue) 01200 422450

> Leigh Library (Derby Rooms): Introduced by Jan Campbell & Jill Mumford: "Writing on the Road to Recovery", four local writers with experience of mental health problems will present extracts from their writings which illustrate their journeys to recovery. 10am - 12noon. Free. Reserve your place at 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

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

> Melling Tithebarn, Tithebarn Lane, Melling, nr Waghull, Liverpool: Niamh Parsons with Graham Dunne and special guests Garva. 7.45pm. Tickets £6 from Tony Gibbons 01744 607566

> Moorbrook Inn, Preston: Preston Folk Club: Singaround

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

> Parlour at Wigan Pier: Rhapsody for All: Open Mic Poetry - come along and read your work. + Mandy Coe. 7.30pm - 11pm. Admission £2 / £1 for performers. Reservations to 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Platform, Old Station Buildings, Central Promenade, Morecambe LA4 4DB: Tom Landa & The Paperboys. Box Office 01524 582803

> Queens Head Inn, Frodsham: Frodsham Folk Club: Dave Burland

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: Open Mic Acoustic Night

> St Mary’s Chambers, Haslingden Rd, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancs BB4 6QX: Blitz Ball: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 01706 223222 / email: [email protected]

> Sun Inn, Macclesfield: Irish Trad Music Session

> Swan, Middleton, Carnforth: Bluegrass Night

> Telfords Warehouse, Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ: Ian Parker Band. Info (venue) 01244 390090

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

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

> White Lion, Halton, Lancaster: Folk Session

> Wigan & Leigh College, Parsons Walk, Wigan: Dorothy Nelson: Writers’ Workshop: "Building a Character" - building characters in your stories. 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 4pm. Free (Adults). Advance Reservations only to 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Wigan & Leigh College, Parsons Walk, Wigan: Mandy Coe: Poetry Workshop - beginners and the well-versed are all welcome. 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 4pm. Free (Adults). Advance Reservations only to 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Bowling Green, 106 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Matt Turner. Info (venue) 07761 352938

> Brian Boru Club, Ashton-in-Makerfield: Comhaltas music classes 1.30pm

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

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

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

> Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9PJ: Bushburys. Info (venue) 01900 826448

> Leigh Library (Derby Rooms): Writers’ Market Place: A chance to discover local and international organisations that offer a wide range of literary services - a "must attend" for anyone wishing to learn more about what is on offer for the modern writer. 10am - 12.30pm. Free. Reserve your place at 01942 404404. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Liffey Bar, Renshaw St, Liverpool: One Hand Clapping

> Lighthouse Restaurant, Ulverston, Cumbria: Folk and Food: Flossie. £16 incl 2-course dinner

> Malbank School & Sixth Form Centre, Welsh Row, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5HD: Folkus Workshops: Bodhran, Fiddle, Guitar, Penny Whistle. 10.30am - 4pm. £12 adult, £9 concs, £3 juniors. Contact Alan Bell, 55 The Strand, Fleetwood, Lancs FY7 8NP / Tel 01253 872317 / Fax 01253 878382 / email: [email protected] / web: www.folkus.co.uk

> Mill Hill WMC, Moorgate St, Blackburn BB2 4EZ: Swing Commanders. 8.30pm. Info (venue) 01254 53760

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

> Platform, Old Station Buildings, Central Promenade, Morecambe LA4 4DB: The Incredible String Band. Box Office 01524 582803

> Primrose View, 27 Ashton Old Rd, Oldham OL8 1JX: Whiskey in the Jar. Info (venue) 0161 624 7734

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

> Wigan Pier: Peter Street (a creative writing tutor and qualified youth worker): WORDS Workshop with WOOSH. Peter will lead young people aged 10 - 14 from WOOSH schools (Wigan Out Of School Hours) in a creative writing and storytelling wotkshop. 2pm. Free. Open to adults to watch the workshop. Advance Reservations only - contact Lisa Holland on 01942 705178. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Wigan Pier: Final Celebration: "Replay". Wigan Pier Theatre Company: World Premiere of the Playwrights’ Workshop Production + WOOSH Wokshop Performance + Festival Friends + Wigan Folk Club + Ceilidh with the Devil’s Fire Band. 7pm - 11.30pm. Admission £7. A Words.04 Festival Event

> Ye Olde Man & Scythe, Bolton: Acoustic Session

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

> Albion Hotel, 104 Albion St, New Brighton, Merseyside CH45 9JH: Reckless Elbow Unplugged 9pm. Info (venue) 0151 639 1832 / band website: www.reckless-elbow.fsnet.co.uk (1st & 3rd Wednesdays)

> 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)

> The Atmosphere, Atherton: Acoustic Night (Tuesdays) - now closed

> Bacup Conservative Club, Irwell Terrace, Bacup, Lancs OL13 9AW: Bacup Folk Club 8pm. Paul Edwards 01706 872810; web: www.bacupfolkclub.co.uk (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)

> Bar Risa, 40 Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3HW: Acoustica! Open Mic 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 236 5663 (Mondays)

> 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 (Wednesdays)

> Bay Horse, Longsight Rd, Osbaldeston, Blackburn BB2 7HX : Folk Club 8.30pm. Free Food Provided. Info (venue) Chas 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 Bull Inn, 167-169 Bolton Rd, Turton, Horwich, Bolton BL7 0AF: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01204 852811 (Sundays from 18.4.04)

> 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)

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

> Blues Bar, 21 Moor Lane, Crosby, Liverpool L23 2SE: Sunday Sociable 2pm. An Acoustic Engine Songwriters event with guests and limited open mic spots, hosted by Steve Roberts and/or Dan Dean. Free admission. Food available. Tel 0151 286 2662 / email: [email protected] / web: www.acousticengine.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)

> Brian Boru Club, 55 Bryn St, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 9AX: Comhaltas music classes 1.30pm (Saturdays). Comhaltas instrumental session 3pm (2nd Sunday) Contact Julie Nicholas 01744 638805

> 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)

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

> Captain Nelson Tavern, South Quay, Maryport, Cumbria CA15 8AB: Blues on Sunday 4pm. Info (venue) 01900 813109 / web: www.captainnelson.co.uk (Sundays)

> Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE: Acoustica! Open Mic 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0161 236 2945 (4th Thursday)

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

> Cavendish Arms, Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria: Folk Night 8pm (1st Tuesday) - now closed

> Cavern, 8-10 Matthew St, Liverpool L2 6RE: Songwriters Open Mic hosted by Pete Smith 6pm-ish - 8.30pm-ish; Featured Artiste 8.30pm-ish - 9pm-ish (small expenses fee); followed by a house band through until 2am. Free entry for all. Performers wanting featured guest slots please email: [email protected] (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)

> Coopers Tap, Marine Rd Central, Morecambe LA4 5BY: Open Stage 8pm. Info (venue) 01524 419972 (Thursdays)

> 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, Running Hill Gate, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6LW: Cross Keys Singaround hosted by The Hometowners 8.30pm. Info 01457 874521 (Sundays)

> 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)

> 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: Bollington Folk Club 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

> Everyman Bistro, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BQ: 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)

> 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)

> 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 852898. (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)

> Freeholders Arms, 49 Ullswater Rd, Lancaster LA1 3PS: Singers on Sunday: Singaround 8.30pm. Info (venue) 01524 32853 (Sundays)

> Friends Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster LA1 1TX: Taize - Harmony Singing for Peace 8.15pm. Info 01524 791288

> 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)

> Gregson Arts & Community Centre, 33 Moorgate, Lancaster LA1 3PY: Folk Music Session in Cafe/Bar 9pm. Info 01524 849959 (Tuesdays & 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, Chorley: Bogtrotters (Sundays) - Bogtrotters at Black Bull, Horwich from Sunday 18.4.04

> 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: Open Stage 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0161 881 9338 / web: www.iguanabar.co.uk (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)

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF: Irish music session 9pm. Info Steven Allen 0794 735 8603 (Thursdays)

> 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)

> Lamb, 274 Halliwell Rd, Bolton BL1 3QB: 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)

> Lighthouse Restaurant, within Lakes Glass Centre, Oubas Hill, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7LB: Folk and Food. Jenny Thistlethwaite 01229 581121 / 583935 (Irregular Saturdays)

> 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)

> 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 Music Night hosted by Ann English. Info 07980 503889 / web:www.themet.biz (2nd & last Thursdays)

> 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: Let It Roll Open Mic Night. Details from Martin Ainscow 0161 286 2484 (2nd Tuesday)

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

> 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 / web: www.manorhouseclub.co.uk (Sundays)

> Penrith Playhouse, 1 Auction Mart Lane, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7JG: Plug & Play. Jackie Knox 01768 867845 / web: www.plug-play.co.uk (1st Sunday)

> 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)

> Pot of Beer, 36 New Mount St, Manchester M4 4DE: Trad music session 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0161 834 8579 (Mondays)

> Prince of Wales, Chorley: Chorley Folk Club (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) - club now closed

> 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)

> 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 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: Open Mic Acoustic Night 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 01457 872307 (Fridays)

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

> Raven Inn, Swanlow Lane, Darnhall, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 4DX: Acoustic / Singers Night 8.30pm hosted by Phil Badder & Rob Coker. Free. Contact Alan 07817 441420 (2nd Thursday)

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

> Red Lion, Ash Brow, Newburgh, Parbold, Wigan WN8 7NG: Room At The Top 8.45pm. Admission £1. Trevor Banfield 0151 430 0166 (Mondays)

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

> Revolution Nightclub, Penny St, Lancaster LA1 1XN: Open Mic 8.30pm (termtime only). Organised by LULUMS (Lancaster University Live & Unsigned Music Society). Info: email [email protected] / web: lulumsoc.co.uk (Mondays)

> 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)

> Royal Oak Hotel, 41 Church St, Littleborough, nr Rochdale OL15 9AA: Royal Oak Folk Club 9pm. Info 01706 342655 (Tuesdays)

> St Anne’s Parish Hall, Church Lane, Shevington, Wigan WN6 8BD: Standish Folk Club 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 Singaround 9pm. Ron Thomas 07740 64246 (2nd Tuesday)

> Scarisbrick Arms, 2 Black-A-Moor Lane, Downholland, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 7HX: Folk Club 8.30pm. Info (venue) 0151 526 1120

> 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)

> Shelbourne Hotel, 1 Lord Street West, Southport, Merseyside PR8 2BH: Bothy Folk Club. 8pm. Clive Pownceby 0151 924 5078; www.bothyfolkclub.co.uk (Sundays)

> 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)

> Smugglers Den, 56 Poulton Rd, Morecambe, Lancs LA4 5HB: Folk Session. Info (venue) 01524 421684 (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 Inn, 69 Church St, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9JN: Open Door Folk Club 8.30pm. Pauline 0161 681 3618; email: [email protected] ; www.opendoorfolkclub.co.uk (Sundays)

> 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] / web: www.starandgarter.co.uk (Saturdays)

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

> Swan Inn, Middleton, Carnforth, Lancs LA6 2NB: Bluegrass Night hosted by the Wildwood Band 9pm. Info (venue) 015242 76223 (Fridays)

> Thirsty Scholar, 50 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP: Ria Bright. 10pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 236 6071 (Thursdays)

> Touchstones Rochdale, Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQ: Community Drumming Circle 11am - 1.30pm, organised by the Pandemonium Samba Band. All instruments provided. Free. Disabled friendly. Family friendly. Info (venue) 01706 864986 (last Saturday)

> 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)

> 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)

> View Two Gallery, 23 Mathew St (red door next to Lennons Bar), Liverpool L2 6RE: Alchemy Acoustic Night hosted by Bobhowla. Doors 8.30pm. Admission £2. Acts wishing to perform email [email protected] (last Friday)

> 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 23.4.04

> 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 Hotel, Church Brow, Halton, Lancaster LA2 6LR: Bluegrass & Old Time Session 8.30pm. All levels welcome. Mark Currie 01524 812264 or Bill Gilson 015397 35653 (Tuesdays)

> White Lion Hotel, Church Brow, Halton, Lancaster LA2 6LR: Folk Session. Contact 01524 761629 (Fridays)

> Woodlands Hotel, Woodlands Dr, Silverdale, Carnforth LA5 0RU: Bits & Pieces 8pm. Songs, poetry, prose & music. Contact 01524 701535 (2nd Thursday)

> 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...

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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.

I must have your name and postal address before I’ll consider publishing your message / letter here. You can, of course, request that these details be withheld, but I won’t publish without knowing who you are and where I can contact you.

Joan

All the members of Calico Folk Group would like to thank everyone who supported our annual ‘Joe’s Night’, especially our guest artists, Marie Little, Bram Taylor & Pennygate at St Joseph’s Hall in Leigh, in aid of Christies Against Cancer. The night was an overwhelming success, we were hoping to raise £1600 to buy a special piece of equipment that measures the dose of chemotherapy to cancer patients. I am delighted to say that we in fact exceeded that amount and actually raised £1806 on the night. We would like to add a special thankyou to you Joan for your constant support in our fund raising events. Best wishes,

My apologies to anyone who went to the Bothy Folk Club, Southport, on Sunday, March 7th, especially to see me. I couldn’t get there because of train cancellations, to my great annoyance and disappointment. Clive Pownceby was very understanding about the situation, and many thanks to him for that. We have re-arranged the gig, it now takes place on 9 January 2005, a long way ahead I know but I look forward to it. The Bothy has been part of my singing life for many years and I do want to go there once more.

However, since the date is so far ahead it gives me the chance to try to get some other gigs in the NW to go with it. Apart from Festivals it will be my last trip up there so I would like to ask if any club would like to book me between the dates 7 - 12th Jan ? I can still sing, tell a few yarns, and still love to have plenty of audiemce participation. Anyone interested please contact me on 02920 657311 or [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,

Roy Harris (message updated 21.3.04)

Hello Joan

I’ve just had a look at your website which is full of very useful information, but I wonder if you or any of your members can help.

I play in an 8 piece Irish band called "Beware of the Pig". We play traditional and contemporary Irish music. We all live in the Wigan & St Helens area and we are looking to make our own recording. Can you recommend a recording studio? Here’s the line-up: Lead singer & bodhran; bass guitar; guitar & mandolin; fiddle; flute; whistle; accordion; drum kit.

We’ve all been playing for a number of years and some of us have taken part in competitions here in the UK and the All Ireland Finals.

We’re playing at the Brian Boru in Ashton on the 16th April if you’re interested (come down for a Guinness).

Occasionally we need to bring in other musicians - are any of your members into playing Irish music? (This is not for beginners, though.)

Any info much appreciated.

Thanks.

Barnoldwick’s first-ever folk and acoustic music day is planned for 25 September 2004. Workshops, craft stalls, dance displays and buskers taking place throughout the day, culminating in a main concert in the evening, plus pub singarounds. Some brilliant guests pencilled in so far - watch this space for more details, or email [email protected]. Contact: Heather.

If you are a performer wishing to take part in a Hiring Fair at either festival, contact

Telephone 01246 566522 (home - evenings) or

0789 997 3630 (mobile - anytime)

Tracks: The Handloom Weavers’ Lament, I Means To Get Jolly Well Drunk, The Weaver Of Wellbrook, Merry Little Doffer, Bury New Loom, The Miners’ Lockout, Handloom v Powerloom, Tunes: T’owd Wife Of Coverdill / Lass Of Dallogill / My Love My Love, Welcome Bonny Brid, A Weaver.s Song, Manchester Canal, Hard Times, Frolicsome Kate, Bowton’s Yard, Billy Suet’s Song, Gettin’ Wed, Shurat Weaver’s Song, With Henry Hunt We’ll Go

Price £11 including p&p (if ordering more than one, just add another £10 for each extra copy). Cheques should be made payable to "Cock Robin Music". Available now (as of 9.1.04) 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 576215 / email [email protected]

Website: www.markdowding.co.uk

Tracks: Las Vegas (In The Hills Of Donegal), Spancil Hill / Toss The Feathers, A Bang On The Ear, Galway Girl, B.G. Polkas, Joyce Country Ceili Band, Body Of An American, Fisherman’s Blues, Never Mind The Strangers, Cooking With The Doc

Price £10. Special Offer: If you haven’t got their previous CD, "The Hunt Reilly", buy both CDs together for just £15. Contact One Hand Clapping at [email protected]

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

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; Pisces Trust, Warrington Market; 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]

Dm Am Dm Am C F
When two lovers meet down beside the green tree

Dm G Dm C
And Mary, my fond Mary, declared unto her lover

Dm Am Dm Am C Dm
You have sto - len my poor heart from the banks of the Lee

  I loved her very dearly, so true and sincerely
There was no one in this wide world I loved more than she
Every bush and every bower, every rose and pretty flower
Reminds me of my Mary on the banks of the Lee

Don’t stay out late tonight, love, on the moorlands, my mary
Don’t stay out late tonight, love, too long away from me
For little was our notion when we parted o’er the ocean
That we’d be for ever parted from the banks of the Lee

I will pluck my love some roses, some blooming Irish roses
I will pluck my love some roses, the finest ever grew
And I’ll place them on the grave of my own dear darling Mary
In that cold and silent graveyard where she sleeps ‘neath the dew

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 Cindy oh Cindy, Ee By Gum, Banks of the Lee, Loch Lomond, Sweet Thames Flow Softly, 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 Bull Inn, 167-169 Bolton Rd, Turton, Horwich, Bolton BL7 0AF: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01204 852811

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

> Blues Bar, Crosby, Liverpool: Acoustic Engine Sunday Sociable 2pm

> Captain Nelson Tavern, Maryport, Cumbria: Blues on Sunday 4pm: Guy Totora

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Singaround

> 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

> Freeholders Arms, Lancaster: Singers on Sunday: Singaround

> Halfway House, Blackpool: Singaround

> Irish Centre, Bolton: Comhaltas Irish Trad Music Session

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF: Celtic Vibes. Main Hall 8pm. Info 0161 205 4007

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

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

> Lamb, Halliwell Rd, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Life Cafe, 23 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR: Incredible String Band. Info 0161 833 3000 - POSTPONED

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Risky Business

> O’Neill’s Irish Bar, 78-80 King William St, Blackburn BB1 7DT: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01254 291921

> Playhouse 2, Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX: Tom Landa & The Paperboys + Hometowners. Info Barrie Cottam 01706 847494

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

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

> Shelbourne Hotel, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Singers Night

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: closed 1 week only (John McCormick (USA) cancelled)

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Waterside, Kay Bridge, Summerseat, Bury BL9 5PE: Swing Commanders. 8.30pm. Info (venue) 01706 822065

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

> 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

> Alexander’s Jazz Theatre Bar, 2 Rufus Court, Chester CH1 2JW: Jump + Miv Cameron Band. Info (venue) 01244 340005

> Bacup Conservative Club: Bacup Folk Club: Dylan Owen

> Bar Risa, Chorlton St, Manchester: Acoustica! Open Mic

> Beech Inn, Chorlton, Manchester: Tune session

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Acoustic Songwriters Night

> 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

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: Nick Harper 7.30pm. £12 adv. 0161 275 2930

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

> Pot of Beer, Manchester: Trad music session

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Singers Night

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

> Red Lion, Newburgh: Room At The Top: Music, Verse & Whatever

> Revolution, Lancaster: LULUMS Open Mic

> Shippons, Irby: Folk Session

> Smugglers Den, Morecambe: Folk Session

> Star & Garter, 18-20 Fairfield St, Manchester M1 2QF: Tom Pacheco. Info 0161 273 6726

> Victoria, Fleetwood: Musicians Session

> Victoria, Woolton Village, Liverpool: Acoustic Jam Night

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> White Lion, Swinton: Swinton Folk Club: Phil Hare

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

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guest Nigel Schofield & Neil Wayne (re-recorded and remastered Transports Folk Opera)

> 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 Night hosted by Moorland Folk

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Women’s Night - an evening of poetry, music & story telling

> Briton’s Protection, 50 Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE: Stephen Fearing + Little Neemo. Info (venue) 0161 236 5895

> 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

> Everyman Bistro, Liverpool: Singers Night

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

> George, Sandbach: Sandbach Unplugged: Open Floor Night

> Gregson Centre, Lancaster: Folk Music Session in Cafe/Bar

> Hilldale Village Hall, Parbold: Newburgh Morris Practice

> Horseshoe, Ringley: Singers Night

> Iguana Bar, Chorlton: Open Stage

> King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn BB2 1AA: Saw Doctors. Tickets £16.50. Info (venue) 01254 582582

> Longridge Royal British Legion: Longridge Folk Club: Threlfall Ellison Edwards

> Maghull Folk Club: Singers Night

> Oak Tree, Coppull: Musicians Session

> Peveril of the Peak, Manchester: Tune session

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

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

> Royal Oak, Littleborough: Royal Oak Folk Club: Singers Night

> Southern Hotel, Chorlton, Manchester: Tuesday Night Blues Club: Acoustic Open Mic hosted by Depot

> White Lion, Halton, Lancaster: Bluegrass & Old Time Session

> Albion Hotel, Wallasey: Reckless Elbow Unplugged

> Alison Arms, Coppull: Singaround

> Barley Mow, Warrington: Essential Songwriters Night

> Bay Horse, Horwich: Raglan

> 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

> Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo St, St Helens WA10 1PX: Originality Open Mic. Info 01744 735436

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Brian McNeil tbc

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Phil Hare

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

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

> Friends Meeting House, Lancaster: Taize - Harmony Singing for Peace

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

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

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

> New Britannia Inn, Preston: Singers Night

> Platform, Old Station Buildings, Central Promenade, Morecambe LA4 4DB: Lunchtime Concert: Janine Wells. 12.30pm. Free, donations welcome. Box Office 01524 582803

> Pogue Mahone’s, Liverpool: Irish tune session

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

> Scarisbrick Arms, Downholland: Folk Club: Singers Night

> Shenanigan’s, Bootle: Irish Trad Music Session

> 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 - for St George’s Day

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

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Tommy Sands - Extra Night

> Black Bull Inn, 167-169 Bolton Rd, Turton, Horwich, Bolton BL7 0AF: Upsetters. (blues) Info (venue) 01204 852811

> Briton’s Protection, 50 Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE: Gene Parsons + Spinning Fields. Doors 8pm. Tickets £7 from Polar Bear Records, Deansgate, Manchester 0161 834 1230 / Ticketline 0161 832 1111. Info (venue) 0161 236 5895

> Bruins Bar, Ladybarn House, Moseley Rd, Manchester M14 6ND: Twenty Twenty Vision + The Deeds + Garron Frith 9pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 256 1992

> Castle Hotel, Oldham St, Manchester: Monthly Acoustica! Open Mic

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 6pm-ish - 8.30pm-ish; featured artiste Katie Blundell 8.30pm-ish - 9pm-ish

> Coopers Tap, Morecambe: Open Stage

> Glossop Folk Train: Geoff Higginbottom. Departs Manchester Piccadilly at 6.52pm, calling at Ashburys, Gorton, Guide Bridge, Flowery Field, Newton for Hyde, Godley, Hattersley, Broadbottom and Dinting. Return on the 9.40pm train from Glossop, calling at all the same stops and arriving Piccadilly at 10.17pm. At Glossop, visit Glossop Labour Club for liquiid refreshment and further session from the band. Cost: normal return or Wayfarer ticket

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

> Gregson Centre, Lancaster: Folk Music Session in Cafe/Bar

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Blues Night

> Irish World Heritage Centre, Manchester: Irish music session

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Hard Times

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

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

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

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

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Railway Folk Club: Phil Hare

> 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 Inn, Dobcross: Session

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

> Thirsty Scholar, Manchester: Ria Bright 10pm

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

> Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Queens Promenade, Blackpool FY2 9RW: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 01253 357696

> Volunteer Arms, Bromley Cross, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Waxy O’Connor’s, Manchester: Sturdy Beggars

> 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

> Chorley Town Hall, St Thomas’s Rd, Chorley, Lancs PR7 1DP: St George’s Day Celebration of English Traditional Music, Dance & Song 8pm - 11.30pm featuring Strawhead + Threlfall Ellison Edwards + Stone the Crows + Newburgh Morris + Back in Business + Sid Calderbank + Alison Younger. Tickets £7 in advance, £8 on the door, available from Ken & Angie Bladen, 36 The Oaks, Eaves Green, Chorley PR7 3QU (enclose s.a.e and make cheques payable to "Broken Token Folk Club"). Tel 01257 263678 / email: [email protected]

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bollington Folk Club: Singers Night

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

> Hare & Hounds Inn, Bolton Rd, Abbey Village, Chorley PR6 8DP: St George’s Day Celebration with Singaround plus Morris Dancing. 8.30pm. Food provided. Fancy dress required: "Wooden swords, tabard tops and long pointy hats for the ladies..." (wonder what the men are supposed to wear... Joan) Info 01254 830334

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Martin Carthy

> Hinds Head, Charnock Richard: Musicians Session

> Hoylake Conservative Club, The Grange, 24 Meols Drive, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4AN: Gary & Vera Aspey. Info (venue) 0151 632 2757

> Irish Club, 83 Orford Lane, Warrington WA2 7AL: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01925 630682

> Moorbrook Inn, Preston: Preston Folk Club: Singaround

> Nags Head, 60 Waters Green, Macclesfield SK11 6JT: Marauders. (blues) Info (venue) 01625 423786

> Oaklea Club, 232 Whalley Rd, Clayton-le-Moors, Accrington BB5 5AA: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01254 234048

> Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Warrington WA1 1BL: Saw Doctors. Info 01925 442345

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

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: Open Mic Acoustic Night

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

> Sun Inn, Macclesfield: Irish Trad Music Session

> Swan, Middleton, Carnforth: Bluegrass Night

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Warrington Town AFC, Cantilever Park, Loushers Lane, Warrington WA4 2RS: Sugarland Slim + Tom Doughty. Doors 8pm. £10 on the door or £15 weekend ticket. Info (venue) 01925 631932. A Warrington Blues Weekend Event

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

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Vin Garbutt - Ticket Only

> White Lion, Halton, Lancaster: Folk Session

> Brian Boru Club, Ashton-in-Makerfield: Comhaltas music classes 1.30pm

> Briton’s Protection, 50 Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE: TV Smith + Because They Came From The Wrong Side Of Town + Spinning Fields. Doors 7.30pm. Adm £4 on the door. Info (venue) 0161 236 5895

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

> Catholic Childrens Rescue Society Conference Centre, grounds of Francis House Children’s Hospice, 390 Parrswood Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5NA: ‘Singing Foe Larks’ Jazz & Swing Harmonies one-day workshop with Faith Watson 10am - 4pm. Further details / booking form from Singing For Larks, 12 Lindow Rd, Manchester M16 0DP / tel 0161 881 0855 / email: [email protected]

> Cross Keys Inn, Chester: Raven Folk Club: Bill Caddick. In conjunction with Chester Folk Festival

> Fox Lane Sports Club, Fox Lane, Leyland, Lancs PR25 1HB: Americana Night: Ramblin’ Riversiders + Careless Undertakers. 8.15pm. Tickets £5 from 07952 479514 and from [email protected]

> Gregson Arts & Community Centre, 33 Moorgate, Lancaster LA1 3PY: Allan Taylor. Info 01524 849959. An Animal Care Benefit Gig

> Griffin Hotel, Earle St, Earlstown, Newton-le-Willows WA12 9LR: Upsetters. (blues) Info (venue) 01925 225417

> Halfway House, 123 Whiteacre Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9PS: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 0161 330 5988

> Haydock Park Racecourse, Warrington Rd, Newton-le-Willows WA12 0HQ: One Hand Clapping. 4pm approx. Info (venue) 01942 725963

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF: Seamus Moore. Main Hall 8pm. Info 0161 205 4007

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

> Joseph O’Neill’s, 67 Duke St, St Helens WA10 2JF: One Hand Clapping. 9pm. Info (venue) 01744 752433

> Kings Head, 40 Winwick St, Warrington WA2 7TU: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01925 639060

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

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

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

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Paul Tiernan

> St Anne’s Parish Hall, Shevington: Standish Folk Club: Risky Business

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

> Talbot Hotel, Church St, Burnley BB11 2RU: Giles. Info 01282 412074

> Touchstones Rochdale: Monthly Community Drumming Circle 11am - 1.30pm

> Walton-le-Dale Conservative Club, Walton-le-Dale, nr Preston: Trouble at’ Mill

> Warrington Town AFC, Cantilever Park, Loushers Lane, Warrington WA4 2RS: Joanne Shaw Taylor. Doors 8pm. £10 on the door or £15 weekend ticket. Info (venue) 01925 631932. A Warrington Blues Weekend Event

> Ye Olde Man & Scythe, Bolton: Acoustic Session

A local skiffle group who beat the Americans in their own backyard by winning 1st prize in last summer’s National Old-Time Country Music Festival in Iowa are to make a special appearance at a Leyland club in April.

The Ramblin’ Riversiders, formed almost 50 years ago and still featuring original members Harold Dearden and Neil Farnworth, have made an appearance on BBC TV’s Look North West.

They are hopeful of securing a slot on Jools Holland’s ‘Later’ show and are playing the prestigious Fylde Folk Festival in September before heading west again next February to take up an invitation to appear at a major festival in Texas.

Support on the night comes from The Careless Undertakers, whose repertoire includes songs by such artists as Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Tickets for ‘An Evening of Americana’, to be held at Fox Lane Sports & Social Club on 24 April 2004, are priced at £5. They are available by telephoning Bill on 07952 479514 or emailing [email protected]

The group have a website at http://uk.geocities.com/ramblinriversiders/Home.htm

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

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

> Black Bull, Horwich: Bogtrotters

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

> Blues Bar, Crosby, Liverpool: Acoustic Engine Sunday Sociable 2pm

> Captain Nelson Tavern, Maryport, Cumbria: Blues on Sunday 4pm: Dr Brown’s Blues Band

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Singaround

> Cross Keys Inn, Chester: Raven Folk Club: Dansaul + Full House. In conjunction with Chester Folk Festival

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

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

> Freeholders Arms, Lancaster: Singers on Sunday: Singaround

> Halfway House, Blackpool: Singaround

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

> Junction, Rainford: Wooden Horse Folk Club: Witches of Elswick

> Lamb, Halliwell Rd, Bolton: Buskers Ball

> Limelight Club, Hightown, Crewe CW1 3BP: All About Eve. Tickets £12 advance. Info (venue) 01270 251929

> The Mosses Social Community Centre, Cecil St, Bury BL9 0SB: Monthly Singing for Fun workshop with Faith Watson 10am - 1pm. £8 / £6 conc (half price if it’s your first time)

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

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

> St Bede’s Social Centre, Brownley St, Clayton-le-Woods, Lancs PR6 7JF: Terry Allen. Tickets £11 - in aid of tbc - see Mr Kite Benefits under ‘Venues’

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

> Shelbourne Hotel, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Tom Browne & Ian Goodier

> Sportsmans Arms, Whitby Rd, Whitby, Ellesmere Port, Merseyside CH65 6RS: Celtic Vibes. Info (venue) 0151 356 5231

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Singaround

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

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> Waterside, Kay Bridge, Summerseat, Bury BL9 5PE: Swing Commanders. 8.30pm. Info (venue) 01706 822065

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

> 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

> Cumberland Arms, Hindley: Verse & Worse

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

Next meetings: April 26, May 24, June 28

For further info contact Sheila Mellor-Barnes 01942 215775

www.verseandworse.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

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

> George, Sandbach: Sandbach Unplugged: Jack Hudson

> Nursery Inn, Stockport: Why Worry Monthly Songwriters Club

> Telfords Warehouse, Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ: Glenn Tilbrook. Info (venue) 01244 390090

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Brian Peters & Gordon Tyrall

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Paul Tiernan

> Embleton Village Hall, Embleton, nr Cockermouth, Cumbria: Embleton Live: Back of the Moon 8.15pm. Tickets £6. Terry Haworth 01900 604765 / [email protected]

> Hare & Hounds Inn, Bolton Rd, Abbey Village, Chorley PR6 8DP: Celtic Vibes. Info 01254 830334

> Limelight Club, Hightown, Crewe CW1 3BP (Music Cafe): Jackie Leven & Michael Weston King. Info (venue) 01270 251929

> Lux Club, Millgate, Wigan WN1 1YB: Jai James 8.30pm

> BBC Radio 2: Mike Harding 8pm - Requests

> Bakers Vaults, 27 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1ES: Vaultage Acoustic Night hosted by Rendezvous 8.45pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 480 3182

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Sad Pig with Fiona Simpson - Extra Night

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Poetry Night

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

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: Mike Silver

> Bruins Bar, Ladybarn House, Moseley Rd, Manchester M14 6ND: Hannah & Rebecca Rothwell + The Randoms 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 256 1992

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 6pm-ish - 8.30pm-ish; featured artiste Monsieur Landslide 8.30pm-ish - 9pm-ish

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Ugly Jug Band

> Life Cafe, 23 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR: Glenn Tilbrook & Band. Info 0161 833 3000

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

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

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

> Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo St, St Helens WA10 1PX: Christine Collister. Info 01744 735436

> Leigh Folk Club: Colum Sands

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

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Mark Radcliffe & The Family Mahone. Tickets/Info 0161 761 2216

> Platform, Old Station Buildings, Central Promenade, Morecambe LA4 4DB: John Spiers & Jon Boden. Box Office 01524 582803

> Railway Hotel, Butler St, Preston PR1 8BN: Celtic Vibes. Info (venue) 01772 253951

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

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

> WA1 Bar, Leigh St, Warrington WA1 1UG: Tom Hingley & the Lovers. Info (venue) 01925 638776

> Westhoughton Folk Club: closed this week only

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

30 April: Colum Sands

28 May: Harvey Andrews

25 June: Marie Little

24 September: Captain Cooper’s Motley Crew

29 October: Pete Coe

26 November: Anthony John Clarke

Concerts start at 8.15pm and are supported by Calico

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

email: [email protected]

> Bollington Music Weekend. Web: www.igasonline.co.uk ; see also www.retailfranchise.co.uk/music/bollington.html. Format: Singarounds, no paid guests

> Bowling Green, 106 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Darren Poyzer with guest Kirk McElhinney. Info (venue) 07761 352938

> Clayton Arms, 2 Market St, Adlington, Chorley PR7 4HE: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01257 483676

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

> Feniscowles & Pleasington Sports & Social Club, Livesey Branch Rd, Feniscowles, Blackburn BB2 5EG: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01254 208210

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

> Golden Cross Inn, 251 Union Rd, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 3HU: The Stumble. (blues) Info (venue) 01254 230250

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

> Railway Hotel, Butler St, Preston PR1 8BN: Whiskey in the Jar. Info (venue) 01772 253951

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

> Prince of Wales. 9-11 Cowling Brow, Chorley PR6 0QE: Marauders. (blues) Info (venue) 01257 413239

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

> Weekend of Music, Manchester. Anne Tucker, Manchester International Arts, 3 Birch Polygon, Manchester M14 5HX. Tel 0161 224 0020. Fax 0161 248 9331. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.streetsahead.org.uk

> Albert Halls, Victoria Sq, Bolton BL1 1RU: The Fureys & Davey Arthur. Tickets/Info 01204 334400

> Bank St Social Club, 110 Bank St, Golborne WA3 3SN: Celtic Vibes. Info (venue) 01942 712092

> Bruins Bar, Ladybarn House, Moseley Rd, Manchester M14 6ND: Twenty Twenty Vision + Butler’s Chain Gang + John McKay + Urban Folk Collective + Blue Rufus 9pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 256 1992

> Captain Nelson Tavern, Maryport, Cumbria: Blues on Sunday 4pm: Scott McKeown Band

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

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: Hot Club of Cowtown + Thad Cockrell 7.30pm. 0161 275 2930

> Scholars Bar, John Moores University Students Union, Haigh Building, Maryland St, Liverpool L1 9DE: One Hand Clapping. Info (Students Union) 0151 231 4900

> Shelbourne Hotel, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: John McCormack

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Celebration of the Life of Brian Rathmill

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

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: The Duo (Dave Emptage & Tony Cooke)

> Middleton Maypole Celebrations, Middleton, Manchester. 12 noon at St Leonards Square, Middleton, Manchester M24 6DJ. Free. Tel 0161 643 4787

> White Lion, Swinton: Swinton Folk Club: Phil Atkinson

> Albert Halls, Victoria Sq, Bolton BL1 1RU: A Tribute to Riverdance. Tickets/Info 01204 334400

> Barfly Liverpool (formerly The Masque), 90 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BH: Paddy Casey. Info (venue) 0151 707 6171

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Singers Night hosted by Sham & Dave + Mick Knowles

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

> Maghull Folk Club: Johnny Silvo

> Puss in Boots, Macclesfield: Monthly Singaround

> Waterfront Bar(at The Dome), Marine Rd West, Morecambe LA4 4BY: Freestage Countdown No 8: 7pm - 11pm. Open Stage Showcase for all styles of music - unplugged. Write down your name at the door and wait for your turn to come up. Info 01524 582803 / email: [email protected]. A taster for the Annual Freestage Festival in the summer

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Threlfall Ellison Edwards

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Queensberry Rules

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

> Mawdsley’s, Mawsdesley: Broken Token Folk Club: Tom Lewis

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Jackie Leven & Michael Weston King

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 6pm-ish - 8.30pm-ish; featured artiste Kayto Sound tbc 8.30pm-ish - 9pm-ish

> Green Room, Duke St, St Helens: Darren Poyzer + Kirk McElhinney

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

> Neptune Theatre, Hanover St, Liverpool L1 3DY: Otis Grand & The Big Blues Band + Bobby Parker Junior + Deitra Farr. Info 0151 709 7844. An American Festival of the Blues Event

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Vin Garbutt

> Ulverston Sports Club: South Lakes Folk Club: Mundy-Turner

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bollington Folk Club: Kate Howden & Paul Jones

> Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Abbey Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 5QR: Upsetters. (blues) 9.30pm. Info (venue) 01229 821039

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Singers Night featuring Dave Gilliver & Sarah Lewis-Morgan

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

> Merseyside Police Sports & Social Club, Fairfield, Prescot Rd, Liverpool L7 0JD: Garva + Bernard Cromarty. 8pm. Tickets £5, free Irish Stew. In aid of the "Make A Wish" Foundation (granting special wishes for children aged 3 - 18 with life threatening illnesses). Contact Annette or Terry 07739 045006 / 07801 494904 or email: [email protected]

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

> Queens Head Inn, Frodsham: Frodsham Folk Club: Joe Topping

> Royal British Legion, Poynton: Porkies Folk Club: Mundy-Turner

> Seamus O’Donnell’s, 40 Exmouth St, Birkenhead CH41 4NG: Celtic Vibes. Info (venue) 0151 650 1860

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

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

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Fairport Convention Acoustic - Ticket Only - ring Pat on 01257 230508 or check the website for postal details: www.folkclub.org.uk - venue change: Douglas Valley Golf Club, Blackrod - closing night - reopens 24.9.04

> Abbey Lakes, Orrell Rd, Orrell, Wigan WN5 8QZ: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01695 622664

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: Lindisfarne Acoustic - Extra Night - Ticket Only

> Brewery Arts Centre, 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE: Asere. Tickets/Info 01539 725133

> Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo St, St Helens WA10 1PX: Clive Gregson. Info 01744 735436

> Dewsbury Little Theatre, Upper Rd, Batley Carr, Dewsbury, W Yorks WF15 7LT: Vin Garbutt + Harvey-Davidson + Bruce Michael Baillie. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm. Tickets £12. Theatre 01924 324840. Info Geoff Pickles 01924 404346. A Cleckheaton Folk Festival Fundraising Event

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

> Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M5 2AZ: John Martyn. Box Office 0161 876 2000

> Manchester-Hathersage Folk Train: Chorlton Green Morris. Departs Manchester Piccadilly at 11.43am on 2nd Saturday of the month, calling at Reddish North, Brinnington, Bredbury, Romiley, Marple, Strines, New Mills Central, Chinley, Edale, Hope and Bamford en route. Return on the 2.38pm train from Hathersage, calling at all the same stations EXCEPT STRINES, arriving Piccadilly at 3.37pm. At Hathersage, visit the Little John Hotel on Station Road for liquid refreshment and further session from the band. Cost: normal return ticket. Info 0161 242 6296 (24 hrs) or 01663 746377

> Middleton Civic Hall, Fountain St, Middleton M24 1AF: Foster & Allen. Tickets £14 in advance, £16 on the door. Info (venue) 0161 643 2389

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Kellie While

> Talbot Hotel, Church St, Burnley BB11 2RU: Upsetters. (blues) Info 01282 412074

Upper Road, Batley Carr, Dewsbury

presents

> Captain Nelson Tavern, Maryport, Cumbria: Blues on Sunday 4pm: The Oriental Guitars (from Holland)

> Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks, 1a-3 Whitworth St West, Manchester M1 5LH: Acoustic All-Dayer 2pm - 12pm: Colin Wakeford ++. Free. Info (venue) 0870 593 2932

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

> Railway Inn, 11 Shaw Hall Bank Rd, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7JZ: Curragh Sons. 4pm. Info (venue) 01457 872307

> Waterside, Kay Bridge, Summerseat, Bury BL9 5PE: Swing Commanders. 8.30pm. Info (venue) 01706 822065

> Bacup Conservative Club: Bacup Folk Club: Victor Brox Trio with Kyla

> Red Bull, Stockport: Red Bull Folk Club: Barrie & Ingrid Temple

> White Lion, Swinton: Swinton Folk Club: Johnny Silvo

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien and guest Roy Clinging + Chester Folk Festival

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

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

> Briton’s Protection, 50 Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE: Shannon Lyon + Ox. Info (venue) 0161 236 5895

> Coal Clough, 41 Coal Clough Lane, Burnley BB11 4PG: Moorland Folk. Info (venue) 01282 75558

> Navigation, Heaton Norris, Stockport: Monthly Let It Roll Open Mic

> Saddle Club, Birkenhead: Monthly Singaround

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

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Chris Wood & Andy Cutting

> Coliseum Theatre, Fairbottom St, Oldham OL1 3SW: Hiss and Boo Music Hall starring Norman Collier and full supporting cast. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Prize at each performance for the best dressed. Tickets £10. Box Office 0161 624 2829. Further info at www.hissboo.co.uk

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Kimber’s Men

> Limelight Club, Hightown, Crewe CW1 3BP: Waking the Witch. Info (venue) 01270 251929

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

> Bruins Bar, Ladybarn House, Moseley Rd, Manchester M14 6ND: The Randoms 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 256 1992

> Heywood Reform Club, 34 Tower St, Heywood, Lancs OL10 3AA: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 01706 369888

> Iguana Bar, Chorlton: Jai James

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Julie Ellison

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

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Singers Night Big Spot with Mark, Jan & Cathy

> Raven Inn, Winsford: Monthly Acoustic/Singers Night

> Telfords Warehouse, Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ: 3 Daft Monkeys. Info (venue) 01244 390090

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

> Woodlands, Silverdale: Bits & Pieces

> Aspinall Arms Hotel, Mitton Rd, Mitton, Clitheroe BB7 9PQ: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 01254 826223

> Farmers Arms, 18 Church St, Garstang, Preston PR3 1PA: Captain Cooper’s Motley Crew. 8pm. Info (venue) 01995 602195. A Pathways Walking Festival Event (festival details 01995 620125)

> Golborne Catholic Club, High St, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3BG - near Wigan, M6, J23 (HaydockIsland): Phoenix Ceilidh: The Third Annual DIY Ceilidh. Tickets £5, children (5-16) £3, callers and musicians free. 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: Dulaman

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: Hanky Park 7.30pm. £7 adv. 0161 275 2930

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

> Warrington Town AFC, Cantilever Park, Loushers Lane, Warrington WA4 2RS: Twotimers. (blues) Doors 8pm. £10 on the door. Info (venue) 01925 631932

> Bushy’s Big Wheel Blues Festival, Laxey, I.o.M. C. Lefevre, Karrin Bach, Sulby, Isle of Man. Tel 01624 897255. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.bigwheelblues.com. Artistes: Marcus Malone + Watermelon Slim + Tim Hain & The Worx + Smokestack + Wheatbread Johnson + Guy Davis + Smokestack + Emily Druce & Steve Jones + Felix Slim & Big Darryl + Smiling Jack Smith + Molly Brown + Cahonies ++

> Aughton Village Hall, Winifred Lane, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 5DJ: Bernard Wrigley. 8pm. Tickets £6. Tickets/details from Pete Rimmer 01695 585400

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

> Bowling Green, Manchester Rd, Leigh, Lancs WN7 2LD: Celtic Vibes. Info (venue) 01942 673964

> Church Inn, Church Lane, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6LW: Curragh Sons + Support. 9.30pm. Info (venue) 01457 820902

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

> Leigh Cricket Club, Beech Walk, Leigh WN7 3LH: Whiskey in the Jar. Info (venue) 01942 671818

> Playhouse 2, Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX: Nancy Kerr & James Fagan. Info Barrie Cottam 01706 847494

> Priory Hotel, The Square, Scorton, Preston PR3 1AU: Ian Gartside Band 3pm - 5pm; Captain Cooper’s Motley Crew 8pm. Info (venue) 01524 791255. A Pathways Walking Festival Event (festival details 01995 620125)

> St Anne’s Parish Hall, Shevington: Standish Folk Club: John Wright Band

> St Bede’s Social Centre, Brownley St, Clayton-le-Woods, Lancs PR6 7JF: Eliza Gilkyson. Tickets £10 - in aid of tbs - see Mr Kite Benefits under ‘Venues’

> St Richards Jubilee Hall, Mayfield St, Atherton, Manchester M46 0AQ: Gary & Vera Aspey. 8pm. Info 01942 883190

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

> Wheatsheaf, Park Hill Rd, Garstang, Preston PR3 1EL: Ian Gartside Band. 8pm. Info (venue) 01995 603398. A Pathways Walking Festival Event (festival details 01995 620125)

> Black Bull, Horwich: Bogtrotters - cancelled tonight

> Captain Nelson Tavern, Maryport, Cumbria: Blues on Sunday 4pm: Sectioned

> Citadel Arts Centre, Waterloo St, St Helens WA10 1PX: Michael Marra. Info 01744 735436

> Crown Hotel, 16 High St, Garstang, Preston PR3 1FA: Brian Preston. 3pm - 5pm. Info (venue) 01995 602152. A Pathways Walking Festival Event (festival details 01995 620125)

> Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Rd, Manchester M8 8UF: Whiskey in the Jar. 2.30pm - 5.45pm. Info 0161 205 4007

> Joseph O’Neill’s, 67 Duke St, St Helens WA10 2JF: One Hand Clapping. 6pm. Info (venue) 01744 752433

> Junction, Rainford: Wooden Horse Folk Club: Residents Night

> Leigh Miners Welfare Institute, Kirby Rd, Twist Lane, Leigh WN7 4EF: Bogtrotters. 9pm. Info (venue) 01942 672984

> The Mosses Social Community Centre, Cecil St, Bury BL9 0SB: Monthly Singing for Fun workshop with Faith Watson 10am - 1pm. £8 / £6 conc (half price if it’s your first time)

> Old Manor Club, Wallasey: Folk at the Manor: Anthony John Clarke

> Pier Hotel, 284-285 Marine Rd Central, Morecambe, Lancs LA4 5BY: Julie Ellison. Info (venue) 01524 417928

> Preston Guildhall & Charter Theatre, Lancaster Rd, Preston PR1 1HT: Peter Green’s Splinter Group. Tickets/Info 01772 258858

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

> Shelbourne Hotel, Southport: Bothy Folk Club: Jezz Hall

> Silver Dollar, 14a Nel Pan Lane, Leigh WN7 5JS: Celtic Cross. 4pm. Info (venue) 01942 605788

> Talbot Hotel, Church St, Burnley BB11 2RU: Bogtrotters. 12 noon. Info 01282 412074

> Guest House, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session

> King George’s Hall, Northgate, Blackburn BB2 1AA: Steeleye Span. 7.30pm. Tickets £12.50/£13.50/£14.50. Tel 01282 696041 / email [email protected] / web: davidlewispromotions.com

> Philharmonic Hall, 36 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX: Don Williams + Judy Collins. 0151 709 3789

> Prospect Inn, Runcorn: Folk at the Prospect: Huw Chidgey & Catherine Handley

> Telfords Warehouse, Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ: Kathryn Williams. Info (venue) 01244 390090

> Bay Horse, Horwich: Raglan - cancelled (Bogtrotters German Tour)

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

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Women’s Night - an evening of poetry, music & story telling

> Longridge Royal British Legion: Longridge Folk Club: Derek Gifford

> Telfords Warehouse, Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ: Martin Stephenson. Info (venue) 01244 390090

> Waterfront Bar(at The Dome), Marine Rd West, Morecambe LA4 4BY: Freestage Countdown No 7: 7pm - 11pm. Open Stage Showcase for all styles of music - unplugged. Write down your name at the door and wait for your turn to come up. Info 01524 582803 / email: [email protected]. A taster for the Annual Freestage Festival in the summer

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Jeff Warner

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

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

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Kellie While

> Bruins Bar, Ladybarn House, Moseley Rd, Manchester M14 6ND: Twenty Twenty Vision 9pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 256 1992

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 6pm-ish - 8.30pm-ish; featured artiste Bobhowla 8.30pm-ish - 9pm-ish

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Clive Gregson

> Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Queens Promenade, Blackpool FY2 9RW: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 01253 357696

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Folk at the Wheatsheaf: Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

> Brewery Arts Centre, 122a Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE: Danu. Tickets/Info 01539 725133

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bollington Folk Club: Jack Hudson

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Singers Night featuring Angie Gomm

> Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9PJ: Dr Faustus. Info (venue) 01900 826448; web: www.thekirkgate.com

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

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

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

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

> 12 Bar, 40-42 Church St, Preston PR1 3DH: Marauders. (blues) Info (venue) 01772 827636

> Darwen Library Theatre, Knott St, Darwen, Lancs BB3 3BU: Oldham Tinkers. Tickets/Info 01254 70606

> Fiddle & Steel, Waterhead Hall, Waterworks Rd, Oldham OL4 2JH: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 0161 624 1620

> Griffin Hotel, Earle St, Earlstown, Newton-le-Willows WA12 9LR: Route 666. (blues rock) Info (venue) 01925 225417

> High Cross Inn, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA20 6ES: Johnny & the Poorboys. (celtic rock) Info (venue) 01229 716272

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

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Maurice Dickson

> Royal Oak, 39 Bridge St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AD: Bluesline. Info (venue) 01706 822786

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

> Maryport Songs of the Sea Festival, Maryport, Cumbria. Maryport Tourist Information Centre, Maryport Maritime Museum, 1 Senhouse Street, Maryport, Cumbria CA15 6AB. Tel 01900 813738. Artistes: Tanglefoot (Canada) ++

> Black Bull, Horwich: Bogtrotters - cancelled tonight

> Captain Nelson Tavern, Maryport, Cumbria: Blues on Sunday 4pm: Trafficker

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

> Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M5 2AZ: Al Stewart. Box Office 0161 876 2000

> Mill at the Pier, St Thomas St, Wigan WN3 4BX: Centenary of George Formby’s Birth. Grand gathering and reunion of Formby fans 1pm - 11pm, admission £2. Tickets/info from Stan Evans 01925 727102

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Maurice Dickson

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Mundy-Turner

> Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Castle St, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 8TP: Folkus Workshops: Bodhran, Fiddle, Guitar, Penny Whistle. 10.30am - 4pm. £12 adult, £9 concs, £3 juniors. Book through Tullie House Box Office 01228 534664. Folkus enquiries contact Alan Bell, 55 The Strand, Fleetwood, Lancs FY7 8NP / Tel 01253 872317 / Fax 01253 878382 / email: [email protected] / web: www.folkus.co.uk

> Bacup Conservative Club: Bacup Folk Club: Ron Trueman Border

> Cumberland Arms, Hindley: Verse & Worse

> Night & Day Cafe, 26 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN: Quiet Version of Loud Songs: Twenty Twenty Vision. Info (venue) 0161 236 1822 / 4597

> Telfords Warehouse, Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ: Adrian Byron Burns. Info (venue) 01244 390090

> White Lion, Swinton: Swinton Folk Club: Jon Harvison

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Ali O’Brien - 1st Anniversary

> Bay Horse, Osbaldeston: Singers Night hosted by Night Owl

> George, Sandbach: Sandbach Unplugged: Jill Fielding Band

> Nursery Inn, Stockport: Why Worry Monthly Songwriters Club

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Sara Grey

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Dana Robinson

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Poetry Night followed by Anthony John Clarke at 9.30pm. Details Daniel 0161 432 2117

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

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: Houghton Weavers - Ticket Only

> Castle Hotel, Oldham St, Manchester: Monthly Acoustica! Open Mic

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 6pm-ish - 8.30pm-ish; featured artiste Chione 8.30pm-ish - 9pm-ish

> DB’s, 19 Market Place, Winsford CW7 3DA: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01606 558596

> Glossop Folk Train: Lynn & Barrie Hardman. Departs Manchester Piccadilly at 6.52pm, calling at Ashburys, Gorton, Guide Bridge, Flowery Field, Newton for Hyde, Godley, Hattersley, Broadbottom and Dinting. Return on the 9.40pm train from Glossop, calling at all the same stops and arriving Piccadilly at 10.17pm. At Glossop, visit Glossop Labour Club for liquiid refreshment and further session from the band. Cost: normal return or Wayfarer ticket

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: Night of 60s Music hosted by Dave South. Fundraiser for Droylsden Folk Festival

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

> South West Manchester Cricket Club: Chorlton Folk Club: Darren Poyzer

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

> Bridgewater Hall, Lower Moseley St, Manchester M2 3WS: Richard Thompson + Jim Moray. Tickets/Info 0161 907 9000

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bollington Folk Club: Robin Laing

> High Cross Inn, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA20 6ES: Kieran Halpin. Info (venue) 01229 716272

> Leigh Folk Club: Harvey Andrews

> Mechanics, Manchester Rd, Burnley BB1 1JA: Bruce Cockburn. Box Office 01282 664400

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Tom Russell. Mr Kite. £11. Tickets/Info 0161 761 2216

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

> Telfords Warehouse, Tower Wharf, Chester CH1 4EZ: Amy Wadge. Info (venue) 01244 390090

> Chester Folk Festival. 21 Dee Fords Avenue, Chester CH3 5UP. Tel 01352 762931. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.chesterfolk.freeserve.co.uk. Artistes: Tanglefoot + Last Night’s Fun + Loose Chippings + Jez Lowe + John Spiers & Jon Boden + Tom Lewis + Kellie While + Shake a Leg + Aardvarks + Three Sheets to the Wind ++

> Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays M5 2AZ: Ralph McTell. Box Office 0161 876 2000

> Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE: Van Morrison. Enquiries 0151 708 3232. Box Office 0870 606 3536

> Royal British Legion, Poynton: Porkies Folk Club: Tanglefoot (Canada)

> Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9PJ: Tanglefoot (Canada). Info (venue) 01900 826448; web: www.thekirkgate.com

> Harlequin Theatre, Northwich: Northwich Folk Club: Tanglefoot (Canada)

> Manchester Academy (Manchester University Students Union), 269 Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PQ: Country Joe McDonald 7.30pm. £12 adv. 0161 275 2930

> Mawdsley’s, Mawsdesley: Broken Token Folk Club: Tanglefoot (Canada)

> Metro Radio Arena (formerly Telewest Arena), Arena Way, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE4 7NA: Bob Dylan. Box Office 0870 707 8000

> Palace Theatre, Oxford St, Manchester M1 6FT: Kris Kristofferson. Box Office 0161 242 2524

> Kings Dock Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool L1 8JS: Bonnie Raitt + support. Doors 7pm for 8pm (end 10.30pm). Ticket price range £22.50 - £155.00. Tickets/Info 0151 709 3789

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

> Philharmonic Hall, 36 Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BX: Christy Moore. 0151 709 3789. A Liverpool Irish Festival Event

Saturday 27 March > 14th Annual Nantwich Fiddle Day

Saturday 27 March > Two Rivers Dance Festival, Northwich, Cheshire

Saturday 27 March - Sunday 28 March 2004 > Open Door Folk Club Extravaganza 6

Sunday 28 March 2004 > Harmonica Shindig, Manchester

Friday 9 April - Saturday 10 April 2004 > Poynton Folk Festival

Friday 9 April - Sunday 11 April 2004 > Burnley National Blues Festival

Friday 9 April - Monday 12 April 2004 > Lancaster Easter Maritime Festival

Saturday 10 April 2004 > Bacup, Lancashire: Britannia Coconut Dancers

Monday 12 April 2004 > Seven Stars, Wigan: Wigan Day of Folk

Monday 12 April - Saturday 17 April 2004 > Words.04: Leigh & Wigan Literature Festival

Saturday 23 April - Sunday 24 April 2004 > Warrington Blues Weekend

Saturday 30 April - Sunday 2 May 2004 > Bollington Music Weekend

Friday 1 May - Monday 4 May 2004 > Weekend of Music, Manchester (Streets Ahead)

Friday 14 May - Sunday 16 May 2004 > Bushy’s Big Wheel Blues Festival, IoM

Friday 28 May - Sunday 31 May 2004 > Chester Folk Festival

Saturday 29 May - Monday 31 May 2004 > Festival Europa, Manchester (Streets Ahead)

Wednesday 2 June - Friday 4 June 2004 > Hot on the Streets in Wigan

Friday 4 June - Sunday 6 June 2004 > Clitheroe Great Days Festival

Friday 4 June - Sunday 6 June 2004 > Garden of Delights, Rusholme, Manchester (Streets Ahead)

Friday 4 June - Sunday 6 June 2004 > Kendal International Guitar Festival, Cumbria

Friday 11 June - Saturday 12 June 2004 > Ashbourne Festival, Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Friday 11 June - Sunday 13 June 2004 > Festival of the Peak, Carsington Water, nr Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Friday 11 June - Sunday 13 June 2004 > Mersey Shanty Festival

Friday 11 June - Sunday 13 June 2004 > Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival

Saturday 12 June 2004 > Warrington Blues Festival

Sunday 13 June 2004 > Haigh Hall, Wigan: Arts in the Park

Friday 18 June - Saturday 19 June 2004 > Glossop Folk & Blues Festival, Derbyshire

Friday 18 June - Sunday 20 June 2004 > Coppull Folk Festival

Friday 18 June - Sunday 20 June 2004 > Ramsbottom Blues Festival

Saturday 19 June - Sunday 27 June 2004 > Africa Oye, Liverpool, Bolton & Manchester

Friday 25 June - Saturday 26 June 2004 > Nailers Folk Moot, Belper, Derbyshire

Friday 25 June - Sunday 27 June 2004 > Chorley Folk Festival

Friday 25 June - Sunday 27 June 2004 > Dent Folk Festival, Cumbria

Friday 25 June - Sunday 27 June 2004 > Droylsden Folk Festival

Friday 2 July - Sunday 4 July 2004 > Cleckheaton Folk Festival

Friday 2 July - Sunday 4 July 2004 > Glasson Dock Folk Festival, Lancaster

Friday 9 July - Saturday 10 July 2004 > Ormskirk Comes Alive

Friday 9 July - Sunday 11 July 2004 > Furness Tradition Festival, Cumbria

Friday 16 July - Sunday 18 July 2004 > Brampton Live, Carlisle, Cumbria

Friday 16 July - Sunday 18 July 2004 > Saddleworth Folk Festival

Friday 16 July - Sunday 18 July 2004 > Stainsby Festival, nr Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Friday 23 July - Sunday 25 July 2004 > Wigan Folk Club 40th Birthday Celebrations

Saturday 24 July - Sunday 1 August 2004 > Manchester Live! (Streets Ahead)

Tuesday 27 July - Thursday 29 July 2004 > Royal Lancashire Show, Ribchester

Saturday 7 August - Saturday 14 August 2004 > Morland Folk Dance Week, nr Penrith, Cumbria

Saturday 21 August - Sunday 22 August 2004 > Saddleworth Rushcart, Uppermill, nr Oldham

Friday 27 August - Monday 30 August > Nantwich Folk & Roots Festival

Friday 3 Sep - Sunday 5 September 2004 > Fylde Folk Festival

Friday 3 Sep - Sunday 5 September 2004 > Solfest, Silloth, W Cumbria

Saturday 25 September 2004 > Barnoldswick Unplugged, Lancashire

Saturday 23 Oct - Sunday 24 October 2004 > Open Door Folk Club Extravaganza 7

Saturday 30 October 2004 > Swinton Folk Festival

Saturday 27 November 2004 > Lancashire Day

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 all venues.

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

For further info contact Joan Blackburn 01942 321223

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