THE coal mining history of the North East of England gets a double celebration this week, with two quite different shows happening at prestigious local venues.

At Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Saturday, two ex-miners who have evolved into popular performers will be delivering their verdict on things, when John Wrightson and Bert Draycott present “Life in a Pit Village”, in their own inimitable styles. Meanwhile, tomorrow night at Whitley Bay Playhouse, I’m with The Pitmen Poets as we continue our long tour, playing a selection of mining songs both old and new.

Thanks to everyone who came along to Durham Gala Theatre last Sunday by the way, where we got a great reception from a sold-out crowd. Elsewhere this week, there’s plenty to write home about for folk music fans.

Tonight at The Copper Beech in Darlington, Tyneside trio Jib, featuring Jim Mageean, and Ingrid and Barrie Temple, will be centre stage along with all the usual resident players, and on Sunday at The Customs House in South Shields, local lass Di Henderson makes a welcome return, starting at 7.30pm as usual.

Next Tuesday, we have a choice between Lancashire lad Bram Taylor at The Clef and Cask in Cramlington, and at The Cutty Wren at Redcar Bowling Club, local band Back Shift will be venturing beyond their usual haunt as resident band at Washington’s Davy Lamp, to entertain the masses south of the Tees.

Elsewhere there are singarounds and sessions happening in all the old familiar places, new albums being churned out by the ton, and lots of specialist radio programmes dotted around the world wide web, as the UK folk scene continues to go from strength to strength. I’m at jez@jezlowe.com as usual, just waiting for your queries, comments and information. Keep in touch.