I PAID a fleeting visit to Brussels Folk Club last weekend, on what turned out to be Car-Free Sunday. I’ve never seen so many bikes in my life, and the whole city centre was awash with music, parades, dancing and drinking.

It was like Durham Big Meeting with waffles and Trappist beer. I was also gratified to hear how many people at my concert that evening actually read this column, in its online manifestation.

Hopefully, that news will encourage local folk performers and organisers to keep sending me their information, knowing that it’s reaching such an international audience. So, especially for our readers “sur le continent”, this week’s highlights include a choice on Saturday between John Tams and Barry Coope at Reeth Memorial Hall, Billy Mitchell at Washington ’s Davy Lamp, and a charity show at The Hub in Barnard Castle with Kieran Halpin, Terry Coyne and the Fair Maidens Choir from Holland, with details on 01833-637330.

On Sunday, local star Ray Thom is at Guisborough Rugby Club, and, on Monday, Stockton’s Sun Inn has a rare appearance by singer-guitarist Nick Dow, whose mastery of both blues and traditional folk music should ensure a varied and entertaining night. Finally, Tuesday looks like being a busy night across the region, not least due to an invasion of performers from Washington’s Davy Lamp heading north to Cramlington’s Hind for more of its anniversary celebrations. Also on Tuesday, there’s good-time music from Jack Burness and Finn McArdle at The Candlelight Club, in Newton Aycliffe , and a special appearance by two of my favourite singers from the West Country, Tom and Barbara Brown, at The Daleside Arms, in Croxdale. Their blend of harmony singing and prowess should make this a night to remember.