THERE’S a lively week of folk activity in store for us in the region, as ever, with highlights that include current hot favourite Seth Lakeman at Gateshead’s Sage on Saturday evening.

The same night, popprotesters Chumbawumba christen the newly-opened Lubetkin Theatre at East Durham College in Peterlee, and political balladeer Roy Bailey comes to Washington’s Davy Lamp.

All of these shows will be busy so check for ticket availability before turning up on the night.

Local duo Brother Crow are part of an all-star bash in aid of cystic fibrosis charities at the Tut and Shive in Bishop Auckland tonight, and for those of us who want to strip a few willows and swing a few partners, there’s the prestigious Inter-varsity Folk Dance Festival going on in Durham all this weekend, with guest musicians including Wapweasal and Eliza Carthy.

Darlington’s own Hambones are at the Swaledale Outdoor Club in Richmond on Saturday, and on Sunday, top Tyneside duo Barrie and Ingrid Temple are at Westoe Club in South Shields. Lancashire band Other Roads are at The Smiths Arms near Chester-le- Street on Monday, and also at Newton Aycliffe’s Candlelight Club on Tuesday, the same night sees Scots folky-turned-pop star Barbara Dickson at Gateshead’s Sage.

There’s still time to catch the latest in the BBC Radio Ballads’ series, The Ballad of The Miners’ Strike, that includes musical contributions from Julie Matthews, Ray Hearne, John Tams, Bob Fox and myself. It went out on Radio 2 earlier this week, but is still available via the BBC website, and has been very well received by audiences around the country and beyond. Far from easy listening, I nevertheless urge you to check it out at your convenience.