Back to TROUBLE at’ MILL Guide to Folk in Lancashire          

 

FOLKAL POINT

formerly WIGAN FOLK CLUB ACOUSTIC SESSIONS PARISH NOTICES

 

ISSUE DATE: 26 JANUARY 2004

 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

SUBSCRIBE TO ‘FOLKAL POINT’ - IT’S FREE!

 

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

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

What’s On (One-Off  and Local Events)

                Sunday 25 January 2004

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

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

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

> Bar Cuba, Pickford St, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6HB: Mark Radcliffe & The Family Mahone. £7 advance / £10 door. Box Office 01625 669944

> Black Horse, St Helens: Irish Night

> Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan: Wigan Folk Club: Singaround

> Bruins Bar, Ladybarn House, Moseley Rd, Manchester M14 6ND: Butler’s Chain Gang 8.30pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 256 1992

> Captain Nelson Tavern, Maryport, Cumbria: Blues on Sunday 4pm: Pete Leigh & The Union

> Comedy Store, Manchester: Fortnightly Helterskelter Acoustic/Open Mic NEW ENTRY

> Cross Keys, Uppermill: Singaround

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

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

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

> Freeholders Arms, Lancaster: Singers on Sunday: Singaround NEW ENTRY

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

> Gorton Community Centre, Abbey Hey Lane, Gorton, Manchester M18 8PE: Swing Commanders. Info (venue) 0161 223 1516

> Halfway House, Blackpool: Singaround

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Bogtrotters

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

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

> 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: Singers night

> Lamb, Halliwell Rd, Bolton: Buskers Ball

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

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

> Revise Cafe Bar, 559 Wilbraham Rd, Manchester M21 0AE: A Spirit Animal + Steve Finn. Info (venue) 0161 861 7626

> Ring o’ Bells, Warrington: Singaround

> Royal Oak, 111 Standishgate, Wigan WN1 1XL: Jon Brindley. afternoon. Info (venue) 01942 323137

> CHANGED VENUE Shelbourne Hotel, Southport (ex Blundell Arms): Bothy Folk Club: Steve Tilston

> 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: The Gallery

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

> BBC Radio 3: Andy Kershaw 10.30pm with a session from The Waifs, a guitar-led trio from Australia who were a highlight of last year’s Cambridge Folk Festival

> 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

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

BOWLING GREEN

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

 

Every Sunday: Wigan Folk Club: Unplugged Song Session hosted by Joan Blackburn

Every Wednesday: Open Mic hosted by Pauline Blackburn

 

Live Music Every Weekend

 

Info Paul / Pauline 01942 516004

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

                Monday 26 January 2004

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

> Bacup Conservative Club: Bacup Folk Club: Hanky Park

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

> Beech Inn, Chorlton, Manchester: Tune session

> Black Bull, Edgworth: Singers & Musicians

> Blue Cat Cafe, Stockport: Acoustic Songwriters Night

> Bulls Head, Manchester: Trad music session

> Cumberland Arms, Hindley: Verse & Worse

> 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

> Night & Day Cafe, 26 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JN:  Astrid + Revere + Shaun T Hunter. Info (venue) 0161 236 1822 / 4597

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

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

> CHANGED VENUE Red Lion, Newburgh (ex Railway Hotel, Parbold): Room At The Top: Music, Verse & Whatever

> Revolution, Lancaster: LULUMS Open Mic NEW ENTRY

> Shippons, Irby: Folk Session

> Smugglers Den, Morecambe: Folk Session NEW ENTRY

> Trader Jacks, Chorley: Chorley Folk Club: club website states “new venue starting in March” and all diary dates have been deleted

> Victoria, Fleetwood: Musicians Session

> Victoria, Woolton Village, Liverpool: Acoustic Jam Night

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

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

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

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

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

VERSE & WORSE

 

Cumberland Arms, Chapel Green Rd, Hindley, Wigan WN2 3LL

 

Still meeting on the fourth Monday of the Month at 8.30pm prompt for poetry, music and stories, and still providing free chip butties!

 

Next meetings: January 26, February 23, March 22

 

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

www.verseandworse.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

                Tuesday 27 January 2004

> 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 Paul Heald & Second Spirit

> Briton’s Protection, 50 Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE: Doug Hoekstra + Anna Kashfi. 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 (ex Flying Picket): Singers Night

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

> George, Sandbach: Sandbach Unplugged: Pete Moreton

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

> Hilldale Village Hall, Parbold: Newburgh Morris Practice

> Horseshoe, Ringley: Singers Night

> Howcroft Inn, 36 Pool St, Bolton: Clive Leyland

> Iguana Bar, Chorlton: Open Stage

> Maghull Folk Club: Singers Night

> Nursery Inn, Stockport: Why Worry Monthly Songwriters Club

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

> Peveril of the Peak, Manchester: Tune session

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

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

> Ring o’ Bells, Widnes: Singers 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 NEW ENTRY

> White Lion, Heptonstall: Irish Trad Music Session

                Wednesday 28 January 2004

> Alison Arms, Coppull: Singaround

> Barley Mow, Warrington: Essential Songwriters Night

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

> Bowling Green, Wigan Lane, Wigan: Open Mic hosted by Pauline Blackburn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

> Friends Meeting House, Lancaster: Taize - Harmony Singing for Peace NEW ENTRY (started 14.1.04)

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

> Limelight Club, Hightown, Crewe CW1 3BP: Boat Band. Free. Info (venue) 01270 251929

> Limelight Club, Hightown, Crewe CW1 3BP (Music Cafe): Dulaman. Tickets £4. Info (venue) 01270 251929

> New Britannia Inn, Preston: Singers Night

> North Cafe Bar, 16 Town Hall St, Blackburn BB2 1AG: Herman Dune + Kimya Dawson. Info (venue) 01254 682670

> Pogue Mahone’s, Liverpool: Irish tune session

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

> CHANGED VENUE Scarisbrick Arms, Downholland (ex Swan, Aughton): 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 with guest Johnny Dickinson

                Thursday 29 January 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

> Briton’s Protection, 50 Gt Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE: Acoustica prsents STAR CHOICE UNSIGNED, showcase featuring acts who have won City Life’s demo of the week award: Nick Ainsworth + David Kay & The Defendants + Joshua Ben Joseph + Mrs Cakehead + Just John + The Spinning Fields. 7.30pm - 11pm. Free. Info (venue) 0161 236 5895

> Cavern, Liverpool: Open Mic 7.30pm - 9.30pm; featured artiste  9.30pm - 10pm

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

> Coopers Tap, Morecambe: Open Stage NEW ENTRY

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

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

> Hop Pocket, Chorley: Blues Night: Koko Blue

> Irish World Heritage Centre, Manchester: Irish music session NEW ENTRY

> John O’Gaunt, Lancaster: Lava

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

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

> Railway, Heatley, Lymm: Railway Folk Club: Flossie Malavialle

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

> 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

> 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

                Friday 30 January 2004

> Aspinall Arms Hotel, Mitton Rd, Mitton, Clitheroe BB7 9PQ: Upsetters Blues Band. Info (venue) 01254 826223

> Beech Tree, Beech Hill lane, Wigan WN6 8PL: Bogtrotters. Info (venue) 01942 245115

> Castle Hotel, Oldham St, Manchester: Instrumental Session

> Dog & Partridge, Bollington: Bollington Folk Club: Queensberry Rules

> Hare & Hounds, Manchester: Full Circle Folk Club: Jon Brindley

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

> Hinds Head, Charnock Richard: Musicians Session

> Lancastrian Suite, Chorley Town Hall, Market St, Chorley, Lancs PR7 1DP: Mayor’s Charity Folk & Fun Night with Trouble at’ Mill + Brian Preston & Bill Hunt + Caroline Lovett + Celtic Fringe + Rob Hart + Smithereen. Tickets (incl hotpot) 01257 515113

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

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

> Littleborough RUFC, Rakewood, Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough OL15 0AP: Houghton Weavers. Details 01706 523041

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Po’ Girl. Mr Kite Benefits - in aid of Iran Earthquake Appeal by British Red Cross. Tickets £10 from the Met 0161 761 2216

> Moorbrook Inn, Preston: Preston Folk Club: Singaround

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

> Railway Inn, Greenfield: Open Mic Acoustic Night

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

> St Michael’s Irish Centre, Liverpool: Comhaltas Irish Trad Music Session

> Sun Inn, Macclesfield: Irish Trad Music Session

> Swan, Middleton, Carnforth: Bluegrass Night NEW ENTRY

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

> Waggon Inn, Uppermill: Singers Night

> Walton Folk Club: Singers Night

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

> Westhoughton Folk Club: Roy Bailey

> White Lion, Halton, Lancaster: Folk Session NEW ENTRY

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

LEIGH FOLK CLUB

 

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

 

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

This will be Leigh Folk Club’s first Singers Night - please support

 

27 February: Tom & Barbara Brown

30 April: Colum Sands

28 May: Harvey Andrews

25 June: Marie Little

 

Concerts start at 8.15pm and are supported by Calico

 

JOE’S NIGHT on 20th March 2004 at

St Joseph’s Church Hall, Chapel St, Leigh WN7 2PR

Calico + guests: Marie Little + Bram Taylor + Pennygate (tbc)

 

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

email: paulinedowsett@northernboats.co.uk

 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 

TROUBLE AT’ MILL

 

are playing at

 

Lancastrian Suite, Chorley Town Hall on Friday 30th January (Mayor’s Charity Folk Night with Brian Preston & Bill Hunt, Caroline Lovett, Celtic Fringe, Rob Hart and Smithereen)

Kenlis Arms, Barnacre on Saturday 31st January

New Longton Village Hall on Saturday 7th February

The Plough, Grimsargh on Sunday 22nd February

Priory Club, Leyland on Saturday 13th March

 

www.troubleatmill.com

 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

                Saturday 31 January 2004

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

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

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

> Jolly Angler, Manchester: Irish Trad Music Session

> Kenlis Arms Hotel, Ray Lane, Barnacre, Garstang, Preston PR3 1GB: Trouble at’ Mill. Info (venue) 01995 603307

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

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

> Palace Hotel, Palace Rd, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6AG: Po’ Girl + Uiscedwr. 8.30pm. Tickets £5 in advance (up to Thurs 29.1.04) or £6 on the door. Telephone 01629 827014 or post in cheques payable to AFO, PO Box 296, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3XU. The concert is part of the Association of Festival Organisers Conference (30 Jan - 1 Feb)

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

> Poynton Sports Club, London Rd Nth, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1AG: Bernard Wrigley - Sold Out

> Queens Hall, Victoria Rd, Widnes WA8 7RF: Blues Meets Bluegrass: John Dowlings Band (USA) + The Planktones + Nuffin + Pete Price . Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm performance. Tickets £6 / Concs £5. Booking Office 0151 424 2339 / fax 0151 420 5762 / email queenshall@halton-borough.gov.uk

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

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

> Stag Inn, 226 Orrell Rd, Orrell Post, Wigan WN5 8QU: One Hand Clapping. Info (venue) 01942 211067

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

> Ye Olde Man & Scythe, Bolton: Acoustic Session

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Venues of Regular Events

 

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

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

> 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

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

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

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

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

> Biddulph Labour Club, Hollies, Wharf Rd, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent ST8 6AJ: Biddulph Folk Club. Eric Cox 01782 514896 / email: eric@biddulphfolk.org.uk. Floor singers contact Liz Holland 01782 266821. Web: www.biddulphfolk.org.uk (1st & 3rd Thursdays) (but 3rd & 5th Thursdays in Jan 04 because of Bank Holiday)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

> Bowling Green, 106-108 Wigan Lane, Swinley, Wigan WN1 2LF: Wigan Folk Club 9pm. Free. Free Food Provided.  Joan Blackburn 01942 321223; email joanblackburn@btinternet.com; website: www.wiganfolkclub.co.uk (Sundays)

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

> Bridge Inn, Bolton Rd, Port Sunlight, Wirral CH62 4UQ: Bromborough Folk Club 8.30pm. John Coleman, tel 0151 334 0759, email john@bromfolk.com & Maurice Pursell, 0151 327 7652, email: maurice@bromfolk.com; 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 jimfolk@btopenworld.com; web: www.jimfolk.org.uk (Saturdays)

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

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

> 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, 3 Market Place, Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA15 8AZ: Folk Night 8pm. Bands & duos contact Robbie if you would like to perform: Solo7bagpiper@hotmail.com. Info (venue) 01229 463325 (1st Tuesday)

> Cavern, 8-10 Matthew St, Liverpool L2 6RE: Songwriters Open Mic hosted by Pete Smith 7.30pm - 9.30pm; Featured Artiste 9.30pm - 10pm (small expenses fee); followed by a house band through until 2am. Free entry for all. Performers wanting featured guest slots please email: catchdreamcatcher@hotmail.com (Thursdays)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

> 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 jimfolk@btopenworld.com; web: www.jimfolk.org.uk  (Wednesdays)

> Cross Keys, Running Hill Gate, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6LW: Cross Keys Singaround. Info (venue) 01457 874626  (Sundays)

> Cross Keys Inn, Lower Bridge St, Chester: Raven Folk Club 8.30pm. Nick 01244 677212 / Chris 01244 343788 / email: raven@seelie.freeserve.co.uk / 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: mandk.hartley@cwctv.net (Tuesdays)

> Crypt, Royal Kings Arms Hotel, Lancaster: Open Mic Night (Wednesdays) - now closed

> 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; arthur@whitenancy.freeserve.co.uk (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 four.fools@virgin.net (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)

> Fishergate Inn, 52 Orrell Rd, Orrell, Wigan: Acoustic Night (Wednesdays) - now closed

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

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

> Fox & Goose, 37-39 Wigan Lane, Wigan WN1 1XR.: Wigan Folk Club 9pm. Free. Free Food Provided.  Joan Blackburn 01942 321223; email joanblackburn@btinternet.com; 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 unplugged@sandbachfolk.com; 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 jane.lawrence@lineone.net. 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: fun@thehoppocketchorley.co.uk. Web: www.thehoppocketchorley.co.uk (Thursday)

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

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

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

> Iguana Bar, 115-117 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PG: 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 joe@mullarkey3.freeserve.co.uk; or John MacManus 01204 308500 / email j.macmanus@virgin.net (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

> Junction, News Lane, Rainford, Merseyside WA11 7JU: Bluegrass Workshop 7.30pm; Session 9pm. 01744 882876 (Wednesdays); Wooden Horse Folk Club. 8.30pm. Pauline/Jim Coan 01772 452782  (Sundays) - Bluegrass Workshop closed - reopens 7.1.04

> 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: busker@freeuk.com; www.busker.freeuk.com (Sundays)

> Leigh Conservative Club, Railway Rd, Leigh WN7 4AX: Leigh Folk Club. Pauline Dowsett 01942 604603; email: paulinedowsett@northernboats.co.uk (last Friday)

> 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 lesjohn@ntlworld.com (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 four.fools@virgin.net (1st & 3rdWednesdays)

> Met Theatre, Market St, Bury BL9 0BW: Met Singers Night hosted by Andy Steele. Info 0161 761 2216 / web:www.themet.biz (alt Thursdays) - suspended until further notice

> 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: busker@freeuk.com; 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 jwilson@deal-maker.com (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)

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

> 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)

> Priory Club, Broadfield Walk, Broadfield Dr, Leyland, Lancs PR25 1NB: Leyland Accordion Club 8pm - 11pm. David Batty 01772 454328 / email david@accordionclub.co.uk / 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: roger@folkattheprospect.co.uk; 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: alton@alexander94.freeserve.co.uk (Fridays)

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

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

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

> Railway Hotel, Parbold: Room at the Back (Mondays) - now at the Red Lion, Newburgh

> 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 Concerts. Penny 017683 72123; fax 017683 72132; email acoustictearoom@aol.com; www.rattanandrush.co.uk (Saturdays, monthly)

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

> CHANGED VENUE Red Lion, Ash Brow, Newburgh, Parbold, Wigan WN8 7NG (ex Railway, Parbold): 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 lulumsoc@hotmail.com / web: lulumsoc.co.uk (Mondays)

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

> Ring o’ Bells, Pit Lane, Widnes WA8 9HU: Folk Club 8.30pm. Jean Finney 0151 424 3672  (Tuesdays)

> 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: info@roscoesbar.co.uk. 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: Folk at Shevington 8.15pm. David Jones 01254 54877 / Barbara Benbow 01257 255575 (Irregular)

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

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

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

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

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

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

> CHANGED VENUE Scarisbrick Arms, 2 Black-A-Moor Lane, Downholland, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 7HX (ex Swan, Aughton): 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 AJClarke3@aol.com (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)

> Seven Stars Hotel, 262 Wallgate, Wigan WN3 5AR: Wigan Folk Club 9pm. Free. Free Food Provided. Joan Blackburn 01942 321223; email joanblackburn@btinternet.com; website: www.wiganfolkclub.co.uk (Thursdays)

> 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: pauline@opendoorfolkclub.co.uk ; 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 antifolk@marksilverman.com / 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, Aughton:  Folk Club (Wednesdays) - now at the Scarisbrick Arms, Downholland

> Swan, Springfield Rd, Aughton, Ormskirk L39 6ST: Bluegrass/Acoustic Country Night with the Britannia Bluegrass Band  8.30pm. Aim to be of interest to folk and country fans as well. Pete Mackie 01704 870129; email petemackie@btopenworld.com; http://pdmackie.users.btopenworld.com/bbbweb/ (Thursdays) - The Swan  pub is now closed and a new venue is being sought

> 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)

> Trader Jacks, 38 Hollinshead St, Chorley PR7 1EP: Chorley Folk Club. Residents John Joyce & Wolfman Jack. John Joyce 01257 241536; Alan 01257 249109; email: chorleyfolkclub@yahoo.co.uk; web: www.geocities.com/chorleyfolkclub  (2nd & 4th Mondays) - club website states “new venue starting in March” and all diary dates have been deleted

> Ulverston Sports Club, Priory Rd, Ulverston, Lancs LA12 9HT: South Lakes Music Promotions Folk Club. Tel 07743 555227. Email: simp@btopenworld.com. 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 peterben_@hotmail.com (2nd Friday)

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

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

> Volunteer Arms, 158 Darwen Rd, Bromley Cross, Bolton BL7 9JJ: Buskers Ball (Open Mic) 8pm. Alec Martin 01204 527414; email: busker@freeuk.com; 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) - closed - reopens 7.1.04

> Walshaw Sports Club, Sycamore Rd, Tottington, Bury: Walshaw Folk Club 8.30pm. Frank / Doreen 01204 413909; email: frankbrough@fsmail.net (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: manchester@waxyoconnors.co.uk (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)

> Wheatsheaf Inn, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9XP: Folk at the Wheatsheaf. Terry Haworth 01900 604765 / email: terryh@collsarms.freeserve.co.uk / 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)

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

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

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

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

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

   

Back to TROUBLE at’ MILL Guide to Folk in Lancashire