IT’S a big week for folk music in the North- East, starting tonight for me with a return to Darlington Arts Centre, where the weekly folk club in the Garden Bar has been a highlight of my touring year for over two decades.

Up at the Tynefolk Club in Blaydon tonight, local supergroup, The Northern Girls, will be the featured act, and then, as I head south the next day, I’ll be missing a fabulous weekend of folk across the region, not least at this year’s Morpeth Gathering, which kicks off on Friday night. There’ll be music sessions, singarounds, ceilidh dances and competitions at various venues across the town, making it the perfect choice for newcomers to folk, as well as us old hands, to enjoy the best in local talent in a friendly folky atmosphere.

Also on Friday, Canadian songster Dan McKinnon is at Guisborough Cricket Club, and then, on Saturday, one of England’s biggest folk acts, Show of Hands, returns to Gateshead’s Sage for one of their rare local appearances.

Saturday also boasts Chris Milner at Kirkby Fleetham Folk Club and Kieran Halpin at the Teesdale restaurant in Barnard Castle. Fans of the late John Martyn should check out Dan Arborise at Durham’s Gala on Sunday, while those with more traditional tastes are treated by Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher at Westoe Sports Club in South Shields.

Newcastle’s Bridge has a grand night in store on Monday with a rare appearance by first ladies of Tyneside folk, Ray Fisher and Di Henderson, and then, on Tuesday, Rodney Gardner headlines at Croxdale’s Daleside Arms.

Don’t forget, I’m at Jezfolk@aol.com for all your news, views, thrills and spills in the fabulous world of folk music.