I’M just back from a great weekend at Bromyard Folk Festival down in Herefordshire, and although it’s quite a journey from our neck of the woods, I’d still recommend it for the more adventurous local folk fans among us. It was a great mix of top names and new faces from around the country, with a small, friendly feel but big on content and enjoyment.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty going on nearer at hand in the week ahead, starting tonight with a choice between Kieran Halpin at Darlington’s Copper Beech and Gordie MacKeenan at Gateshead’s Sage.

At The Arc in Stockton on Saturday, their Low-Fi Festival has new folk supergroup The Mile Roses and exiled local heroes Megson on the bill, along with other acts during the day, and then on Sunday we can choose between Lancashire’s Geoff Higginbottom at South Shields Customs House, the legendary Robin Williamson at St Mary’s Parish Hall in Barnard Castle, and at the People’s Bookshop in Durham there’s a concert with songwriters Gem Andrews and Rhona Dalling.

Tyneside's very own Jed Grimes is at Stockton’s Sun Inn on Monday, and on Tuesday, the legendary Pete Coe ventures up from Yorkshire to The Clef and Cask in Cramlington, while at The Cutty Wren at Redcar Bowling Club, Lancashire lad Bernard Wrigley makes a welcome return, both men being long-established performers, still at the top of their game.

I’ll be in Australia for the next few weeks, but I’ll still be keeping you in touch with local happenings, as well as my own adventures Down Under. Contact me at jez@jezlowe.com if you want me to mention your folk events, and don’t forget that Hartlepool Folk Festival will be happening while I’m away, with a fantastic line-up, and tickets currently selling like hotcakes.