I’M just back from a weekend of festival adventures in the South of England, and I’m somewhat in awe of the talent that’s out there.

Relative newcomers like award-winning duo Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar, songwriter Luke Jackson, West Country pair Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston and Yorkshire songwriter Roger Davies were on great form, as were Fairport Convention, who are on the verge of celebrating 50 years of touring and recording, yet showing no signs of slowing down. Watch out for some of these acts when they appear in our region in the months ahead.

Locally this week, highlights include traditional singer Sam Lee at Gateshead’s Sage tonight, and a choice on Saturday between Roy Bailey at Farenheit Books, in Stockton, with Marc Block and Sara Dennis in support, some zany folk antics from Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds at Stockton’s Arc, and classy duo Hicks and Goulburn at Washington’s Davy Lamp.

On Sunday, Ribbon Road are at Guisborough Rugby Club, and on Monday, Hicks and Goulburn are at The Iron Horse in Newton Aycliffe, and the fine Hull-based duo Hissyfit are at Stockton’s Sun Inn. Irish songster Anthony John Clarke is at Cramlington’s Clef and Cask on Tuesday, and at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Wednesday, ex-Lindisfarne frontman Billy Mitchell and his son Tom make a rare duo appearance, with North Road in support. I have a solo gig myself tonight at The Copper Beech in Darlington.

Elsewhere there’s the usual choice of sessions and singarounds, plus some regular open-mike evenings, where anyone take a turn in the spotlight. I have to say that my American friends The Short Sisters were very impressed with all the local performers they heard on their recent visit, which is quite a commendation I’d say.