I’M just back from a weekend in Stratford-upon- Avon, where I was both tutor and judge at the BBC Young Folk Awards semi-final competition.

There were a dozen acts between the ages of 15 and 20, all of whom had already achieved a standard of skill that was both staggering and gratifying. Six of them went through to December’s final at Broadcasting House in London, and you can sample some of the entrants on the BBC Radio2 Folk website right now.

The music seems safe in the hands of a new generation. Meanwhile, it’s another busy week here in the North- East, starting tonight with a solo gig from me at Ashington Leisure Centre, and Eleanor Shanley at Newcastle Irish Centre.

Tomorrow, pick between Bob Fox and Billy Mitchell at Whitley Bay Playhouse, The legendary Strawbs at Stanley’s Lamplight and popular local lass Judith Haswell at Guisborough Cricket Club. Bob and Billy are still around for Washington’s Davy Lamp on Saturday, the same night that you can catch classy balladeer Sean Keane at Newcastle Irish Centre, girl-power from Bryony at Mickleby’s White Hart, and an all-star line-up at Sedgefield Cricket Club which includes Hartlepool’s Young ‘Uns, Tyneside’s Jack Burness, Teeside charmer Judith Haswell and the increasingly popular John Wrightson Band.

More difficult choices on Monday, with the fine singer and instrumentalist Dick Miles at Stockton’s Sun Inn, seasongs galore from Kimber’s Men at Newcastle’s Bridge and witty Scots songster Michael Marra at Bowes Village Hall.

Tuesday offers us rising star Rosie Doonan at Newcastle Irish Centre and a ceilidh with Steam Radio at Newton Aycliffe’s candlelight Club.

Finally, local lads Dave Normanton and Brian Pandrich are the centre of attention at Birtley’s Catholic Club on Wednesday. All in all a classic week of folk’s many faces and styles for local music fans.