WITH the exception of tonight, it looks like the local folk club scene has begun its summer hiatus. This means audiences and performers alike can focus instead on all the great festivals that are taking place in the coming weeks. And to say we’re spoiled for choice in that department is a massive understatement.

Last weekend there were three major festivals, Warwick, Underneath the Stars and Music on the Marr, to which friends of mine were heading, and it will be the same story throughout the summer. Next weekend, I’m off to Sidmouth Folk week in Devon, bypassing similar events happening all over the country, like Cambridge, Cropredy, and lots more. Many of these festivals, like Shrewsbury and Cambridge, and indeed Warwick last week, are now streaming concerts live on-line, so you can enjoy the festival experience in the comfort of your own home. The real thing is definitely more preferable and tickets for all local festivals, at Sedgefield, Hartlepool, Saltburn, Whitby and Bellingham, are on sale right now.

Returning to tonight, however, we can choose between Charlie Dore up at Rothbury Roots in Northumberland, some Americana from Chuck Hawthorne at The Beamish Mary in No Place near Stanley, and at Darlington’s Copper Beech, there’s some Continental flavour from Bruno Van Hoek and Elly Beurskens. On Sunday, at The Customs House in South Shields, Terry Docherty will be the main act, starting at 7.30pm as usual.

Finally, congratulations to all who were involved in the Concert For Roly at Bishop Auckland Town Hall earlier this month, which raised a whopping £1,834 for the Great North Air Ambulance - a great result, you’ll agree.