THE long-established Island Records company has decided to establish a new subsidiary label dealing exclusively in folk music, with Bellowhead and Linda Thompson as their first signings.

Admittedly, they were kind enough to introduce us to the likes of Fairport Convention and Nick Drake all those years ago, but this still came as quite a surprise to many. The reason is that although record sales have petered out in mainstream music, folk music fans are still shelling out hard-earned dosh for real CDs rather than downloading a track or two on a whim.

There’s a whole slew of new albums from local folk acts just waiting to fulfil some Christmas wishes, but I’ll have the decency to wait until next week and the beginning of December before I delve into the gift box.

Meanwhile, live music highlights this week include a welcome return from local lass Flossie Malavialle at Darlington’s Copper Beech tonight, and Nancy Kerr and her band at Gateshead’s Sage tomorrow. On Saturday, George Welch and Stewart Hardy are at Washington’s Davy Lamp, and Blue Rose Code are at The Old Cinema Launderette in Durham.

On Sunday, The Wilsons are out in force at South Shields Customs House, and on Monday there’s a choice between popular duo Winter Wilson at The Iron Horse in Newton Aycliffe, and a solo gig for me at Stockton’s legendary Sun Inn.

Finally on Tuesday we can choose between the first Christmas show of the season from Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band at St Andrews Church in Grinton, another chance to see Winter Wilson at Redcar’s Cutty Wren at the Borough Park Bowling Club, and some blues and roots music from Diesel Therapy at Cramlington’s Clef and Cask.