IT’S a big week for the UK folk scene. There’s a hoard of us zooming off to Mallorca, performers and audiences alike, for the Costa Del Folk Festival, which starts tomorrow night and lasts for a sun-drenched week.

Others have their sights set on the impending BBC Folk Awards, which take place next Wednesday, and will no doubt be available to watch and listen to as the excitement unfolds, via the red button and i-player features, as well as on BBC Radio2. There’s a smattering of local interest this year, with once again The Young Uns and The Unthanks being the main focus, plus some interesting new names alongside the familiar faces.

Meanwhile, there’s no shortage of real live action happening closer to home, starting tonight, with a choice between top attraction Show of Hands at Durham’s Gala Theatre, The John McCusker band at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, and exciting new band The Mile Roses at The Queens Hall, in Hexham. How’s that for a night to conjure with?

Tomorrow, American fiddler Laura Cortese and her fine band are at Newcastle’s Live Theatre, with another chance to hear them on Saturday at Saltburn Arts Centre. Also on Saturday, there’s a final chance to see the acclaimed local production “She’s Fired” at Seaham Town Hall. On Sunday, there’s a chance to check out the folk stars of tomorrow at Gateshead’s Sage with another of their very entertaining Future Traditions concerts, and then, on Tuesday, The John Wrightson band are at Cramlington Folk Club, at the Clef and Cask. Finally, the week ends in fine style with amazing Scots duo Anna Massie and Mairearad Green at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, on Wednesday. I’ve packed my bucket and spade and now I’m Mallorca-bound, with a full report on our Spanish adventures next week.