> Maryport Blues Festival, Cumbria. For tickets, tel 01900 602122. Web: www.maryportblues.com. Artistes: Buddy Guy + Connie Lush & Blues Shouter + Bluesline + Baby Isaac + John & Wayne + Spike Drivers + Dave Ellis + Danny Bright + Glyn Ashton Band + Jacey & Angelina + Steve Froins + Egypt (with special guest Pete Lee) + Joe Turner + Ruth & the Convulsions + Dr Brown’s Duo + Ainsley Lister + Reverend Doc + Trafficker + Tin Pan Alley (Lancaster) ++

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

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

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

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

> Crofters Arms, 14 Market St, Wigan: Paddywack. 2.30pm (Irish trio) Info (venue) 01942 236916

> 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

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

> Penrith Playhouse: Plug & Play:

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

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

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

> 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: Wench All

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

> Beech Inn, Chorlton, Manchester: Tune session

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Acoustic Songwriters Night

> Chetham Arms, Edgworth: Monthly Folk Music Session

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

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

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

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Singaround

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

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

> 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

> Victoria, Fleetwood: Musicians Session

> Victoria, Woolton Village, Liverpool: Acoustic Jam Night

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

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

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

> BBC GMR: Sounds of Folk 8pm - 9pm with Dave Jones (standing in for Ali O’Brien)

> 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

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

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

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

> Clog & Billycock, Blackburn: Fortnightly Singers Night

> Crown, Stockport: Singaround/Open Mic

> Everyman Bistro, Liverpool: Singers Night

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

> Fox & Hounds, Urmston: Monthly Urmston Acoustics

> 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

> Longridge Royal British Legion: Longridge Folk Club: Singers Night

> Maghull Folk Club: Singers Night

> Oak Tree, Coppull: Musicians Session

> Peveril of the Peak, Manchester: Tune session

> Puss in Boots, Macclesfield: Monthly Singaround

> 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

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

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

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Tim Wood

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

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

> 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

> Late Room, below Life Cafe, 23 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR: Ben Christophers. (singer-songwriter). 8pm. £6. Details 0871 2200 260 or www.gigsandtours.com. Info (venue) 0161 833 3000

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

> New Britannia Inn, Preston: Singers Night

> Pogue Mahone’s, Liverpool: Irish tune session

> 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

> Witchwood, 152 Old St, Ashton-u-Lyne OL6 7SF: Mike West + Steve O’Donoghue. 8pm. £5 adv. Info 0161 344 0321

> BBC Radio 2: Mike Harding & Nick Barraclough 7pm - 9pm Nick Barraclough and Mike Harding co-present coverage of 40th Cambridge Folk Festival. Featuring interviews with star acts and music from the main stage, where the line-up includes Jimmy Cliff, Beth Orton, Asleep at the Wheel, Gillian Welch, Ralph McTell, the Divine Comedy, Sharon Shannon, Loudon Wainwright III, Jim Moray, Bert Jansch and many others

> BBC Radio 2: Eliza Carthy’s Anglicana 10pm - 10.30pm (third of four programmes). Series in which folk singer Eliza Carthy chronicles the evolution of British folk music over the past 40 years. The story continues as Carthy considers how the world music genre became so successful in the 1980s and why English folk went into a temporary slump. Contributors include singer June Tabor, Waterboys frontman Mike Scott and renowned Northumbrian small-pipes player Kathryn Tickell

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

> Bell & Barrel, St Helens: Blues Jam Night

> Biddulph Labour Club, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent: Biddulph Folk Club. Singers Night

> Bolholt Country Park Hotel, Walshaw Rd, Bury BL8 1PU: Club of Jacks: Swing Commanders. 8.30pm. £3.50. Info (venue) 0161 762 4000

> Cafe Rouge, 651-653 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6QZ: Beci & Bruno. 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 438 0444

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

> Coopers Tap, Morecambe: Open Stage

> Farmers Arms, Wilmslow: Sully’s Irish Music Session

> 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

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

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

> Railway, Droylsden: Folk Upstairs: Singaround

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

> St Anne’s Parish Club, Ormskirk: Bluegrass/Acoustic Country Night with the Britannia Bluegrass Band

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

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

> 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

> Steamer, Fleetwood: Fleetwood Folk Club: Singers Night (Folk in the Lounge)

> Swan Inn, Dobcross: Session

> Thirsty Scholar, Manchester: Ria Bright 10pm

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

> Ulverston Sports Club: South Lakes Folk Club: Joseph Porter

> Volunteer Arms, Bromley Cross, Bolton: Buskers Ball

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

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

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

> BBC Radio Lancashire: The Drift 8 - 9pm with Phil Brown

19th August Singers Night

16th September KEITH MITCHELL

14th October BEN WOOD

11th November ANDREW GREEN

9th December PETE HARDMAN

23rd December Christmas Special

> Brindley Arms, Whittle St, Walkden, Manchester M28 3WY: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 0161 790 3147

> Castle Hotel, Oldham St, Manchester: Instrumental Session

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

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

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

> Hinds Head, Charnock Richard: Musicians Session

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

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

> Moorbrook Inn, Preston: Preston Folk Club: Singaround

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

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: Open Mic Acoustic Night

> Roaches Lock, 387 Manchester Rd, Mossley, Ashton-u-Lyne OL5 9BB: Treetown. 8pm. Free. Info (venue) 01459 834288

> Royal British Legion, Poynton: Porkies Folk Club: Johnny Coppin

> Sun Inn, Macclesfield: Irish Trad Music Session

> Swan, Middleton, Carnforth: Bluegrass Night

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> West Cheshire Sailing Club, Wallasey: Monthly Folk Club

> White Lion, Halton, Lancaster: Folk Session

> Woodsman, School Lane, Bamber Bridge, Preston PR5 6QE: Celtic Cross. Info (venue) 01772 339635

> Burton Manor College, Burton, Neston, Cheshire CH64 5SJ: Singing For Larks weekend residential workshop with Faith Watson. Further details / booking form from Singing For Larks, 12 Lindow Rd, Manchester M16 0DP / tel 0161 881 0855 / email: [email protected]

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

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

> Eaves Green Community Centre: Band Workshop 2pm - 5pm

> Falstaff Inn, Southport: Monthly afternoon Music & Song Session

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

> Hathersage Folk Train: Lynn & Barrie Hardman. Departs Manchester Piccadilly at 11.43am, 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

> Hyndburn Summer Festival, Oak Hill Park, Accrington, Lancs (incorporating the Music Festival and Hyndburn Mela). Tel 01254 380293

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

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

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

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Robin Laing

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

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

> Ye Olde Man & Scythe, Bolton: Acoustic Session

> BBC Radio Wales: Celtic Heartbeat 10pm with Frank Hennessy

> Morland Folk Dance Week, nr Penrith, Cumbria. David Jones, Newby End Farm, Newby, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 3EX. Tel 01931 714338. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.newbyendfarm.co.uk

> 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)

> 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)

> 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)

> 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)

> 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 01942 215775 (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; 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 (Wednesdays)

> 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)

> 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 Stephen 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) - closed - reopens 24.9.04

> 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)

> 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)

> 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 Club, Prescot Rd, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 4TG: Bluegrass/Acoustic Country Night with the Britannia Bluegrass Band 8.30pm. Aim to be of interest to folk and country fans as well. Pete Mackie 01704 870129; email [email protected]; http://uk.geocities.com/[email protected] (Thursdays)

> 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 Friday, 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 (Wednesdays)

> 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) - closed - reopens 5.9.04

> 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)

> 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)

> 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 24.9.04

> 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 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...

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

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.

Peter Andrews (received by email 29.2.04)

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]

A E A E A
They say the skies of Lebanon are burning, those mighty cedars bleeding in the heat
E A E A

They're showing pictures on the television, women and children dying in the street
D A E A

And we're still at it in our own place, still trying to reach the future through the past
D A

Still trying to carve tomorrow from a tombstone, but hey! don't listen to me!
D A

This wasn't meant to be no sad song, we've had too much of that before
E A

Right now I only want to be here with you till the morning dew comes falling
D

I want to take you to the island
A

And trace your footprints in the sand
E

And in the evening when there’s no one around
A

We'll make love to the sound of the ocean

They're raising banners over by the markets, whitewashing slogans on the shipyard wall
Witchdoctors praying for a mighty showdown, no way our holy flag is gonna fall
Up here we sacrifice our children to feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday
And teach them dying will lead us into glory but hey! don't listen to me!
This wasn't meant to be no sad song, I’ve sung too much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you till the morning dew comes falling

Now I know us plain folks don't see all the story, I know this peace and love's just copping out
I guess those young boys dying in the ditches is just what being free is all about
This twisted wreckage down on Main Street will bring us all together in the end
And we'll go marching down the road to freedom but hey! don't listen to me!
This wasn't meant to be no sad song, we've lived too much of that before
Right now I only want to be here with you till the morning dew comes falling

This week’s song was requested by Peter Southworth. 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 Red Is The Rose, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, various songs of His Worship And The Pig, My Voice Keeps Changing On Me, and Sing Like No One’s Listening. Keep the requests coming!

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

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

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

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

> Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks, 1a-3 Whitworth St West, Manchester M1 5LH: Heltersklter Acoustic / Open Mic hosted by Andy Callen. 8pm. Free. Info (venue) 0870 593 2932 (Andy) 0161 476 1172

> 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

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

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

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

> St Mark’s Band Club, Railway St, Dukinfield, Cheshire: Jed Graham. 2.45pm - 6pm. Adm £2 (includes buffet)

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

> Trades Club, Holme St, Hebden Bridge: The Jews Brothers Band. (Klezmer from New Zealand on mandolin, banjo, guitar, saxophones, bass, melodica and accordion). 9pm. £12. Info (venue) 01422 845265

> 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

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

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

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

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Singaround

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

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

> 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

> Victoria, Fleetwood: Musicians Session

> Victoria, Woolton Village, Liverpool: Acoustic Jam Night

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

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

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

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

> 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

> Black Horse, Limbrick: Monthly Singaround

> 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

> 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 2: 50th Anniversary Sidmouth Folk Festival 8pm - 9pm. Presented by Ralph McTell, featuring Martin Carthy + Norma Waterson + Jim Moray

> 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

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Cross Keys Folk Club: Kieran Halpin

> 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

> New Britannia Inn, Preston: Singers Night

> Pogue Mahone’s, Liverpool: Irish tune session

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

> 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

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

> BBC Radio 2: Mike Harding 8pm. Sidmouth Folk Festival, with Ralph McTell + Kate Rusby + Steeleye Span

> BBC Radio 2: Eliza Carthy’s Anglicana 10pm - 10.30pm (last of four programmes)

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

> Bell & Barrel, St Helens: Blues Jam Night

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

> Coopers Tap, Morecambe: Open Stage

> 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

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

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

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

> Raven Inn, Winsford: Monthly Acoustic/Singers Night

> St Anne’s Parish Club, Ormskirk: Bluegrass/Acoustic Country Night with the Britannia Bluegrass Band

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

> 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

> Steamer, Fleetwood: Fleetwood Folk Club: Singers Night

> Swan Inn, Dobcross: Session

> Thirsty Scholar, Manchester: Ria Bright 10pm

> 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

> Woodlands, Silverdale: Monthly Bits & Pieces

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

> BBC Radio Lancashire: The Drift 8 - 9pm with Phil Brown

> Castle Hotel, Oldham St, Manchester: Instrumental Session

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bollington Folk Club: Tom McConville

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

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

> Hinds Head, Charnock Richard: Musicians Session

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

> Moorbrook Inn, Preston: Preston Folk Club: Singaround

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

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

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: Open Mic Acoustic Night

> Sun Inn, Macclesfield: Irish Trad Music Session

> Swan, Middleton, Carnforth: Bluegrass Night

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

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

> White Lion, Halton, Lancaster: Folk Session

> Boars Head, Middlewich: Irish Trad Music Session

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

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

> Culcheth Sports Club, Charnock Rd, Culcheth, Warrington WA3 5SH: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01925 763096

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

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

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

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

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

> Uppermill Civic Hall, Lee St, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6AE: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 01457 876665

> Ye Olde Man & Scythe, Bolton: Acoustic Session

> BBC Radio Wales: Celtic Heartbeat 10pm with Frank Hennessy

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

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

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

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

> 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

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

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

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

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

> 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: Ramblin’ John Dean

> Guest House, Southport: Monthly Music & Song Session

> Clog & Billycock, Blackburn: Fortnightly Singers Night

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

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

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

> St John’s Church, Chapel St, Lancaster: Tom McConville & Pauline Cato. 12.45pm. Free. Donations welcome

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

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria: Folk at the Wheatsheaf: Mundy-Turner

> Alexander’s Jazz Theatre Bar, 2 Rufus Court, Chester CH1 2JW: Lester Sugar (aka The Stumble). (blues) Info (venue) 01244 340005

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

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

> Comberbach Memorial Hall, Marbury Rd, Comberbach, Northwich CW9 6AU: Bram Taylor + Elly Beurskens & Bruno Van Hoek. In aid of Age Concern. Details 01606 881663

> Witton Chimes, 122 Witton St, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5NW: The Stumble. (blues) Info (venue) 01606 47904

> Saddleworth Rushcart, Uppermill, nr Oldham. Saddleworth Morris Men, Rushcart Secretary, John Brooks, 58 Stoneswood Road, Delph, Saddleworth OL3 5DY. Tel 01457 876198. Email: [email protected]. Web: saddleworthrushcart.mysite.freeserve.com

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

> Amore Restaurant, 4 High St, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 7HE: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01928 734884

> Cumberland Arms, Hindley: Monthly Verse & Worse

Next meetings: Aug 23, Sep 27, Oct 25

For further info contact Joe on 01942 215775

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

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

> Hop Pocket, Carr Lane, Chorley PR7 3JQ: Raglan. Info (venue) 01257 275597

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

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

> View TwoGallery, Liverpool: Monthly Alchemy Acoustic Night hosted by Bobhowla

> Great British R&B Festival, Colne, Lancs. Box Office, 61 Albert Road, Colne, Lancs BB8 0BP. Tel 01282 661234. Web: www.bluesfestival.co.uk

> Nantwich Folk & Roots Festival, Nantwich, Cheshire. Dave Hogg, Nantwich Folk & Roots, The Old Post Office, School Lane, Warmingham, Cheshire CW11 3QL. Tel 01270 610751. Fax 01270 610871. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.folk-roots.co.uk. Artistes: Oysterband + Chumbawamba + Nick Harper + Waking the Witch + The Boat Band + Dulaman ++

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

> Nelson Golf Club, Kings Causeway, Brierfield, Nelson, Lancs BB9 0EU: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01282 614583

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

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

> Clog & Billycock, Blackburn: Fortnightly Singers Night

> Nursery Inn, Stockport: Why Worry Monthly Songwriters Club

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

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

> Embleton Village Hall, Embleton, nr Cockermouth, Cumbria: Embleton Live: Vin Garbutt 8.15pm. Terry Haworth 01900 604765 / [email protected]

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

> Ulverston Sports Club: South Lakes Folk Club: postponed till next week

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

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bollington Folk Club: Mike Silver

> Royal British Legion, Poynton: Porkies Folk Club: Gentleman Soldier

> West Cheshire Sailing Club, Wallasey: Monthly Folk Club

> Fylde Folk Festival. Tickets & Info: The Lavenders, 33 Dowbridge, Kirkham, Preston, Lancs PR4 2YL. Tel 01722 683027. Festival Office: 55 The Strand, Fleetwood, Lancs FY7 8NP. Tel 01253 872317. Fax 01253 878382. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.fylde-folk-festival.com. Artistes: Show of Hands + Kate Rusby Trio + Colcannon (Aus) + John Spiers & Jon Boden + Nancy Kerr & James Fagan + Bruce Mathiske (Aus) + Hoover the Dog + Back of the Moon + Ferebandaperta (Ita) + Imbizo (Zimb) + Strawhead + Threlfall Ellison Edwards + His Worship & the Pig + Stanley Accrington + Cross o’ th’ Hands + Cloudstreet (Aus) + John Conolly + Ramblin’ Riversiders + Elbow Jane + Bayou Gumbo + Quartz + Harriet Bartlett + Alan Bell Band + Thistle + Ed Rennie + Scolds Bridle + Brian Preston + Captain Coopers Motley Crew + Derek Gifford + Pat Ryan & Ken Howard + Th’Antique Roadshow + Matt Armour + Penny Black + John Bond + Ian Gartside Band + Fleetwood Mashers + Hugh O’Donnell + Festival Ceilidh Band + Tallyman + Camellia + Paul Wrigley + Red Duster + Neil Brook + Tom Walsh + Rough Mix + Andrew Green + Joe Crane + Ross Campbell & Richard Hone + Martin Whittell + Spitting on a Roast + Youthwave ++

> Solfest, Silloth, W Cumbria. Carnegie Theatre Box Office, Finkle Street, Workington, Cumbria CA14 2BD. Tel 01900 602122. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.solwayfestival.co.uk. Artistes: Oysterband + Cristina Pato Band + Shooglenifty + Flook + Croft No Five + Skilda + Sabari + King Voodoo + Smallchange + Closed Circle + McDermotts Two Hours + Blue Horses + Rachel Williams + Cloud 9 + Beccy Owen Band + Susan Raven ++

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

> Falstaff Inn, Southport: Monthly afternoon Music & Song Session

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

> Playhouse 2, Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX: Steve Knightley, Seth Lakeman & Jenna Witts. Info Barrie Cottam 01706 847494

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

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

> Shooters Arms, Southfield Lane, Southfield, Nelson BB10 3RJ: The Stumble. (blues) Info (venue) 01282 614153

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

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

> Chetham Arms, Edgworth: Monthly Folk Music Session

> Green Dragon, St Helens: Green Dragon Folk Club: Geoff Higginbottom

> Fox & Hounds, Urmston: Monthly Urmston Acoustics

> Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE: Lord of the Dance. Enquiries 0151 708 3232. Box Office 0870 606 3536

> Puss in Boots, Macclesfield: Monthly Singaround

> Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE: Lord of the Dance. Enquiries 0151 708 3232. Box Office 0870 606 3536

> Southport Theatre & Floral Hall, Promedade, Southport PR9 0DZ: Summer Music Hall: Mike Donohoe. Tickets/Info 01704 540454

> Boathouse, Neston: Parkgate Folk Club: Allan Taylor & John Wright - Extra Night - Ticket Only

> Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE: Lord of the Dance. Enquiries 0151 708 3232. Box Office 0870 606 3536

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Railway Folk Club: Jez Lowe

> Ulverston Sports Club: South Lakes Folk Club: Mike Silver

> Woodlands, Silverdale: Monthly Bits & Pieces

> Hare & Hounds, Manchester: Full Circle Folk Club: Ron Trueman Border

> Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE: Lord of the Dance. Enquiries 0151 708 3232. Box Office 0870 606 3536

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

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

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

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

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

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

> Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE: Lord of the Dance. Enquiries 0151 708 3232. Box Office 0870 606 3536

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Kieran Halpin

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

> Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime St, Liverpool L1 1JE: Lord of the Dance. Enquiries 0151 708 3232. Box Office 0870 606 3536

> Rattan and Rush, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria: Kieran Halpin

> Star Inn, Failsworth: Open Door Folk Club: Jed Grimes

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

> Black Horse, Limbrick: Monthly Singaround

> Clog & Billycock, Blackburn: Fortnightly Singers Night

> George, Sandbach: Sandbach Unplugged: Ron Trueman Border

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

> Saddle Club, Birkenhead: Monthly Singaround

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

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

> Clarence Hotel, Blackpool: Folk Club: Steve Tilston

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

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

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

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

Saturday 25 September 2004

> Barlick Unplugged, Barnoldswick, Lancashire. Heather Sheldrick. Tel 01282 852898. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.barlickunplugged.co.uk. Artistes: John Tams & Barry Coope + Oldham Tinkers + His Worship & The Pig + Anne Lister + Grace Notes + Sad Pig + Keepers Fold + NowThen + Ben Needham & Robin Petty + Karen & Colin Thompson ++

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

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

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

> Manchester Evening News Arena, Victoria Station, Manchester M3 1WY: The Corrs. Box Office 0870 190 8000

Thursday 11 November - Friday 26 November 2004

> International Guitar Festival of Great Britain, Birkenhead, Merseyside. Pacific Road Arts & Entertainment Centre, Pacific Rd, Woodside, Birkenhead CH41 1LJ. Tel 0151 666 5023. Artistes: Midge Ure + Ralph McTell + Woody Mann + The Hamsters + Catfish Keith + Glenn Tilbrook + Judy Tzuke + Show of Hands ++

> St Williams College, York: Artisan’s Great Northern Voice Weekend. Workshops for basic voice techniques, harmony singing, singing masterclass, songwriting, music business, harmony arrangement. Cost: Weekend £65 / One day £40 (Saturday evening meal optional extra). Further details and booking forms from: Artisan, 10 Park Head, Birdsedge, Huddersfield HD8 8XW or phone Jacey Bedford on 01484 606230 / web: www.artisan-harmony.com

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

web: www.wiganfolkclub.co.uk

Coin Street Festival, South Bank venues, London. Louise King, G2 Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH. Tel 020 7401 3610. Fax 020 7928 0111. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.coinstreetfestival.org

Can Ar Dan Summer School & Festival, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwyneth, N Wales. Tel 01650 511778. Web: www.cyber-space.co.uk/yrhwydwaith/. Artistes: Cass Meurig + Ceri Rhys Matthews + Dom Doff + Twm Morys ++

Worldport Cardiff. PO Box 299, Teddington TW11 9EB. Tel 029 2087 8444. Web: www.worldport-festivals.com. Artistes: Roger McGuinn + Erin McKeown + Eric Bibb + Gilad Atzmon’s Orient House Ensemble + United Harmony Singers + Huw Warren Quartet + Justin Adams & The Wayward Sheiks + Martin Taylor + Omar Sosa + Lightnin’ Willie & The Poor boys + Imbizo ++

Latin Splash, Clapham Common. Edward Wyvill. Tel 07713 126127. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.latinsplash.com. Artistes: Omara Portuondo + Oscar D’Leon + Louie Vega’s Elements of Life ++

Mansfield Folk Festival, Notts. Pete Thom, 44 Hall Street, Mansfield, Notts NG18 3AN. Tel 01623 652437. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.mansfieldfolkfestival.org.uk. Artistes: Little Johnny England + Old Rope String Band + Calm Down + Chechelele + Colleen’s Celtic Legs + The Elderly Brothers + Kick ‘n’ Rush + Ruth Notman & Allan Grainger + Sensible Shoes + Wainwrights ++

Christchurch Festival, Dorset. Howard Nicol, email: [email protected]. Web: www.christchurchfestival.co.uk. Artistes: Gordon Haskell + The Hedgemonkeys + Diesel + Kira + MaryJane + Skint + Crosscut Saw + Lady Winwood's Maggot + Indian Summer + PennyComeQuick + Lighthouse Youth Club + Johnny Lovell's Band + Olas & Jinder + Breeze ++

Cleckheaton Folk Festival. Geoff Pickles, 7 Listerdale, Liversedge, W Yorks WF15 6EN. Tel/Fax 01924 404346. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.cleckheatonfolkfestival.org. Artistes: Vin Garbutt + Roy Bailey + Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies + Mrs Ackroyd's Band + Seize The Day + Keith Kendrick + Whitney Gin + Ken Howard & Pat Ryan + Paul Wrigley + Cloud Street (Aus) + Kerfuffle + Copper Kettle + Wild Clover + London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra + Hayfever + Dogsbody Ceilidh Band + Bruce Baillie + Harvey-Davison + Duncan Mcfarlane Band + Emily Weygang & Ben Harker + Sylvia Needham ++

East Barnet Festival, East Barnet, Herts. Mike Young, c/o The Homecare Centre, 14 Church Hill Road, East Barnet, Herts EN4 8DG. Tel 07071 781745. Fax 020 8449 8263. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.eastbarnetfestival.org

Folk On The Water, Saul Junction Boat Gathering, Saul, nr Frampton-on-Severn, Glos. Keith Harris, Fairfield, Hurdcott, Salisbury, Wilts SP4 6HJ. Tel 07831 718789. Fax 01980 612002. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.junctionevents.org.uk. Artistes: Rollin’ Clones + Gravelly Hillbillies + High Lonesome + Bluehorses + Decameron + Bob Fox & Benny Graham + Boat Band + Blackfoot Brothers + Bagel Fish Orchestra + Caldon Canal Stompers + Vivendi Youth + Dapper Dan + Geed Up + Mooncoin + Sleeping Dogz + Kevin Dempsey & Joe Broughton + Old Rope String Band + Malarkey + Frampton Silver Band + Bridge the Gap + Smile ++

Glasson Festival, Glasson Dock, nr Lancaster. Roger Ross, 22 Pennine View, Glasson Dock, Lancaster LA2 0AS. Tel 01524 752503. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.glassonfestival.org.uk. Artistes: Broughton Hutchings & Nicol + Rory McLeod + howdenjones + Invocal + Last Night’s Fun + Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer + Taggart & Wright + Trefor & Vicki Williams + Karen & Colin Thompson ++

Halifax Irish Festival, Halifax, W Yorks. Peter Timmons. Email: [email protected]. Web: mysite.freeserve.com/irish_fest_hx1. Artistes: Whiskey in the Jar + Johnny & the Poorboys ++

North Wales Bluegrass Music Festival, Conwy, N. Wales. Gill Williams, Woodstock, Llanrwst Rd, Glan Conwy LL28 5SR. Tel 01492 580454. Fax 01492 580451. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.northwalesbluegrass.co.uk. Artistes: Debby McClatchy + Brian Golbey + Monroe’s Revenge + Dulaman + Splinter + Rainy City Boys + Ken Harris & Grass Style + Longway + Down County Boys + Deep River Band + Britannia Band + Cat’s Cradle + Acme Band + Keep Off the Grass with John Dowling + Grassroots + Slow Train Band ++

Out There!, Bracknell, Berks. Box Office, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Birch Hill, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7PA. Tel 01344 484858. Box Office 01344 484123. Fax 01344 411427. Web: www.outtherefestival.co.uk. Artistes: Ozomatli + Nitin Sawhney + Kad Achouri + Soweto Kinch ++

Sea Salts & Sail (Mousehole Maritime Festival), Mousehole, Cornwall. Sea Salts & Sail, Poldhu House, Fore Street, Mousehole, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6QW. Tel 01736 731655. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.seasalts.co.uk. Artistes: Trim Rig & A Doxy ++

Travelling Folk Song & Ale, Magham Down, Hailsham, E Sussex. Mary & Ian Barr. Tel 01323 896682. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.travellingfolk.co.uk. Format: Singarounds, no paid guests

Cheltenham Fringe Festival, Cheltenham, Glos. Sue Bird / Tim Hulse, Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 1QA. Tel 01242 521621. Fax 01242 573902. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.cheltenhamfestivals.co.uk

St Albans Folk At The Festival, St Albans, Herts. Alison MacFarlane, 40 Warwick Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 4DL. Tel 01727 852111. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.stalbansfolkmusic.org.uk. Artistes: Isla St Clair + Witches of Elswick + Committee Band ++

Saturday 3 July 2004

Folk in a Field, Ferris Hill Farm, Hook Norton, Oxfordshire. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.folkinafield.com

Bedford River Festival Didge Gathering. Michelle. Email: [email protected]. Festival enquiries tel 01234 343992

Hartlepool Maritime Festival, Cleveland. (Biennial Festival) Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, Hartlepool, Cleveland TS24 7EQ. Tel 01429 869706