Friends of Folk

Friends of Folk – Supporting folk music in Central and West Lancashire

Friends of Folk has regular folk gigs in both Leyland and Southport. The Leyland nights are mostly held at Fox Lane Club, but also this year is a return to the The Old School in Croston. The Southport nights are held at The Atkinson Theatre and Studio in Southport.

For details of all Friends of Folk events go to the ‘Friends of Folk Gigs’ page.

In addition to gigs in Central and West Lancashire Friends of Folk is proud to work with artists who have become special friends over the years, these include Ken Nicol and Rick Kemp – more details at ‘Friends of Friends of Folk’

Established in 2005 Friends of Folk has been promoting folk music in a variety of venues ranging from full sized theatres to village halls and social clubs. It started with what was intended to be a one-off gig at Preston Guild Hall with Steeleye Span legend Maddy Prior, but that night was too good not to repeat and over 200 gigs later it has been one of the most satisfying ventures I have been involved with.

If you think you do not like folk music do not be put off by the term ‘Folk’ – forget about dirges, people singing with a finger in their ear, or tuneless songs! Instead think of listening to great songs and instrumentals from talented musicians and hopefully joining in with the occasional chorus.

To date the artists Friends of Folk has invited reads like a “who’s who” of the folk music world and includes Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, Kirsty McGee, Dave Swarbrick, Kathryn Tickell, Ken Nicol, The Bailey Sisters, Lazarus, The Carnival Band, Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle, Steve Hicks & Lynn Goulbourn, Lady Maisery, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Ralph McTell, Maddy Prior, Julie Felix, Oyster Band, Blair Dunlop, The Rainbow Chasers, Feast of Fiddles, Houghton Weavers, Ashley Hutchings, Ben & Joe Broughton, Nick Hennessey, Phil Cool, Rick Kemp, Chris While & Julie Matthews, Becky Mills, Blackheart, Gren Bartley, Oldham Tinkers and many more.

I look forward to seeing friends old and new at the gigs detailed on this website.

– Jim Minall

Friends of Folk also supports gigs at…