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Follow the links above for other venues. Invite us to play, and we'll add our review.
 

Barrasford Arms

Normally in a separate room, but occasionally in the bar if quiet. Advertised as a mixed session, but is mostly tunes (guitar, fiddles, flute, recorder, whistle, concertina etc) with some singing... everyone is encouraged to join in.

Battlesteads

Lovely venue, cosy room with low ceiling - adjacent separate bar. Shutters to bar and dining room can be opened for more space if needed, the hotel owners like to listen if they can!

There is smoking in the bar, but normally no one smokes 'in the session'.

Bluestone Folk Club

Each performer has 1 song at a time (groups/duos etc generally get 2 separate turns to play, eg 1 each) until time runs out.

Friendly, informal atmosphere with a wide variety of music covering traditional, unaccompanied, Northumbrian pipes, country, folk, jazz and everything in between. The audience listen well, and can add multiple harmony voices to almost anything.

Bothy Folk Club

Cumberland Arms

All genres (including poetry) are welcome - the organisers particularly encourage self-penned material, and give good attention to performers. Generally 2 songs each, and more later until time runs out.

This review was in 2004... check the website for full details of what is currently on.

Dolphin

Friendly, informal, held in a separate room.

Landlord provides sandwiches - nice touch.

Dunblane Folk Club

Friendly and chatty singaround style - one at a time until the break, then one at a time again until time runs out. (As new visitors we were asked to do an extra song before the closing performer.)

This review was when the club was at the Westlands Hotel.

Forest Folk Club

Large room with stage at one end, but good acoustics mean a PA is not used on singers nights. Two or three songs each, then a break and raffle, then around again as time allows, then parish notices, then more music (possibly a slightly longer set from a 'featured' artist... we were featured and got one song in the first half and five songs to finish the night).

Social and chatty atmosphere - mixture of vocal, instrumental, traditional and contemporary material.

G-String Acoustic

Acoustic singaround in private bar at the back of the premises. Well attended, varied crop of residents ranging through many genres and ability levels. One or two songs/tunes each around the room (possibly more for duos, bands, etc), then a break, then around again till the end of the night.

Very friendly, welcoming atmosphere - fully supported by landlord, they provide food for the half time break too!

General Havelock

Buskers Night in the pub bar - PA etc. Not a club setup - the emphasis is not on quiet attention to performers, it's more a get up and have a go while everyone chats and drinks.

Guisborough Folk Club

Fairly large room with small stage - or just use the floor if you wish. There is a bar which also serves coffee!

No PA but room has good acoustics. A warm friendly club with a wide variety of performers - acoustic-based self-penned material, covers, traditional, accordion...

Start off with 2 or 3 songs each, then more after the break if time allows.

Folk At The Manor

Well supported club, audience and resident performers alike. Friendly banter and chatback with a varied mix of music genres and poetry on offer on singers nights.

Guests booked once per month.

Miners Arms

Small room - adjacent separate bar. There is smoking in the bar, but normally no one smokes 'in the session'.

Monkey Folk Club

Each performer has 2 songs at a time (groups/duos etc may get 3 if there's time) until time runs out.

Friendly, informal atmosphere with a wide variety of music covering traditional, unaccompanied, Northumbrian pipes, country, folk, jazz and everything in between. The audience listen well, and can add multiple harmony voices to almost anything.

Open Door Folk Club - NO LONGER RUNNING

Mostly singarounds - start with one song each (two for duos/groups), then around again as often as time allows. Monthly guest nights, and annual 'Extravaganza'.

Raven Folk Club

PA uses a couple of large diaphragm mics to to pick up and lift the ambient sound - works very well.

Good standard of musicianship - mostly traditional, but all styles encouraged.

Guests nights once per month - other nights are singers/residents.

South Shields Folk Club

Resident singers and musicians material is mostly traditional but all genres of music are encouraged. The club has a lot of guest nights but floor spots may also be available.

One or two songs to start with on singers nights, then more later if time permits.