THE Spanish resort of Magaluf is probably more used to a younger and somewhat wilder clientele than the collection of folk music enthusiasts who have invaded their space this week for the Costa Del Folk Festival.
So far, we've enjoyed music from The Oyster Band, Cara Dillon, The Lindisfarne Story, The Monster Ceilidh Band and Eddi Reader, with De Danaan, The Mighty Doonans and Steve Tilston among those waiting in the wings for the rest of the week. It's sunny, the food is good, the music is flowing like wine and everybody's happy. It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. Meanwhile, local highlights coming up this week include Trish MacLean at Darlington's Copper Beech tonight, The Young Uns at Durham Gala Theatre on Saturday, and Anna Shannon at South Shields Customs House on Sunday. On Wednesday, there's a rare chance to hear top Irish band Altan at Gateshead's Sage, still on fine form after all these years.
Finally, the winners and highlights of last night's Folk Awards are available on the BBC website, and I'll be passing my usual measured comments about it next week.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here