To book tickets email folkatthebarlow@gmail.com ring/text 07427 613783 or use the onsite booking form
Concerts 2025
Folk at the Barlow is a not-for-profit organisation. Our aim is to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and participate in folk music and song. Both the folk club and the Festival are run by unpaid volunteers. Children's tickets (under 16) are free and students up to 21 are half price.
Concerts are held on the third Friday of each month, starting at 8:00pm, doors open at 7:30pm.
See our HOME PAGE for details of this month's concert and how to book
The usual format is a 40 minute support act of excellent quality followed by 2 x 45 minute spots by the main act which will often be of National acclaim. Between the two main act spots is an interval featuring the drawing of the raffle and a chance to visit the bar.
While the audience are checking in there is music from the House Band - you are welcome to bring an instrument and join in.
Tickets are £12.50 each, apart fron Oct and Nov.. Under 16s are free and students under 21 are £6.25
For the Phil Beer and Andy Irvine concerts, tickets will be £15 each, young person concession £7.50
Email folkatthebarlow@gmail.com to book direct, or use the booking form on the Home Page to purchase tickets
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19 Sept 25 Douglas and Moss
Support act : Dandelion Train
17 Oct 25 Phil Beer
Support act : Steve Canavan Trio
21 Nov 25 Andy Irvine
Support act : Tony Gibbons & Kate Bradbury
19 Dec 25 John Kirkpatrick
Support act : Mike Cosgrave
2025 So Far...
Fri 17 January 8pm Bryony Griffith & Alice Jones with Celia Briar and friends
January saw a great return trip to Folk at the Barlow by West Yorkshire duo Bryony and Alice. Great researchers, collectors and purveyors of the folk songs and traditions of their native county, they portray the rich heritage of Yorkshire in all its raw glory. Their material is beautifully and soulfully sung and played on voice, fiddle, harmonium, and tenor banjo. They have a delightful and hilarious on-stage rapour which appears completely natural and unrehearsed. This fairly recent combination of two well-known performers on the folk scene has become sought after at festivals and clubs alike. Thanks for another great concert and the shimmering headdresses to make us smile.
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Supporting was celtic harpist Celia Briar, together with friends Ross Campbell on concertina and vocals, and Simon Booth on melodeon and harmonica. As well as Celia's mesmorising playing and inspiring choice of tunes, we were treated to a couple of songs from the dulcet tones of Ross, and Simon's flawless rendition of "Lads of Alnwick" on harmonica. Celia has collaborated with many players and instruments over the years and has the knack of getting the right balance between the harp and accompanying instruments. Our sound team did her proud. The harps she plays are very special and with a vibrant resonant tone. Her tune repertoire is staggering and she is the focus and star of every music session she attends.
21 Feb 25 State of the Union Support act : Len Pilkington
Boo Hewerdine and Brooks Williams as State of the Union, create a magical, enthralling musical atmosphere and achieve a full sound with just two guitars and two voices. Their performances are consistently brilliant, emotive and entertaining. They have appeared at Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Costa del Folk, Wickham Festival and FolkEast.
They formed in 2011, creating two albums State of the Union and Snake Oil. They have toured the UK, Ireland and Portugal, and appeared on The Andrew Marr Show.
Their Saltwell Sessions album showcases covers, some obscure and some well-known, including Don’t Blame Me (The Everly Brothers), Halfway (Greg Trooper) and Unforgettable (Nat King Cole).
The songs State of the Union create are equal parts wit, whimsy and pathos, with an impeccable sense of rhythm and melodic beauty. They interweave melodies and harmonies, nimble picking and full-tilt chording. It’s rich and expertly executed. And both love the craft of writing.​
Boo Hewerdine spent years fronting English rock band The Bible and has enjoyed a solo career spanning over two decades and written thousands of published songs.
​Brooks Williams is an Americana singer-songwriter-guitarist, in 2020 celebrating 30 years touring and recording with tours in both the USA and the UK.,
Fri 21 March 8pm Wet the Tea support act Es and Chris Chorlton
WE were delighted that WET THE TEA were back again, this time with a new line-up :
Vocals, Flute, Whistles, Guitar, Piano, Bouzouki – Andy Connally.
Fiddle, Cello, Vocals – Clare Smith.
Guitar, Mandolin – Adam Beresford-Browne.
Wet the Tea is a folk band that mixes traditional Irish, Scottish, and English tunes with original songs. Wet the Tea's music includes foot-tapping, sing-along, and storytelling songs about love, joy, sadness, honesty, and hope. A multi instrument act with influences including traditional Irish and English folk, Contemporary folk, Bluegrass and Roots. Self penned songs and tunes. Andy Connally was raised in a musical family in Ireland and performed and toured with many bands. His music and performance are meticulous, authentic and thought-provoking. Each iteration of his band Wet the Tea has produced it;s own brand of well-arranged, energetic and exciting music. Not to be missed if you like to see a great band on stage at the Barlow.
Supporting Wet the Tea were Folk at the Barlow stalwarts Es and Chris Chorlton. Es and Chris are a wonderful double act of exquisite deep harmonies and well chosen songs, ranging from the moving and poignant to more humorous. Two lovely voices accompanied by Es on guiitar. They have appeared at our August showcase and as a support act previously and are regular and popular contributors to our singarounds.
Fri 18 April Peter & Barbara Snape with Poppy Weatherall with Herding Cats
Well known local duo and supporters of Folk at the Barlow, Peter and Barbara Snape are now joined by violiniist and vocalist Poppy Weatherall. Acknowledged for their research on folk song in the North West and in particular for championing the work of folk song collectors Anne Gilchrist and Fred Hamer, the trio bring to life a past that was Lancashire. Entertaining, poignant, humorous and informative, and in the spirit that made Lancshire great!
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The Snapes will be supported by Herding Cats, featuring folk club regular Brian Mcguire, string instrumentalist and North East singer extraordinaire. The group comprises Desi Friel (guitar and vocals), song-writer Brian McGuire (mandola, guitar and vocals), Jim Cooper, (fiddle), and Jimmy O’Meara, ( button-accordion and guitar).
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16 May 25 Rosie Hood Band
Rosie is a young Wiltshire singer with a beautiful clear voice. She is interested in traditional songs and music, has done much of her own research and also writes material of her own. Accompanying and collaborating with Rosie are three top class musicians; fiddle player Nicola Beazley; melodeon player and percussionist Robyn Wallace and fiddle player Rosie Butler Hall. The instrumentalists bring dynamic drive and lift, expanding Rosie's vision to rework traditional songs and bring unheard stories to life.
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Watch the Wall are comprised of Nick Mallion on vocals and guitar, showcasing his brilliant compositions, Brian Maguire on vocals, guitar and mandola and Kathy McIver on fiddle.
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Fri 20th June 8pm: Sykes / Martin supported by The Matilda Trio. Doors open 7:30pm
Two of British folk's finest voices, Miranda Sykes (Show of Hands) and Hannah Martin (Edgelarks, Gigspanner Big Band) join forces to present a set of songs that take them back to their shared roots.
Support will be provided by The Matilda Trio who are well known locally for their fine acapella harmony singing. Their recent CD is thoroughly recommended.
Fri 18th July The Hunch d support act Nat Clare
Welcoming the Hunch who are :MICK DOONAN, BOB THOMAS, TONY BACON, CHRIS HANKS, MARCUS FROST
Five musicians at the top of their game, honed from years of performance. With talent in great measure, they showcase their creativity & technical brilliance in every song. Intriguingly crafted classics and soul searching ballads shine with five-part harmonies and instrumental virtuosity, all introduced with dry wit and audacious humour. A unique band ….. to see them is a must.
Mick Doonan was a founder member of the legendary 70s folk-rock band Hedgehog Pie and comes from the famous Tyneside dynasty. John Doonan Snr, was an All-Ireland flute champion. Michael also fronts The Mighty Doonan’s folk-rock band. In The Hunch he provides vocals as well as flutes and pipes.
Bob Thomas fronted another highly respected folk-rock outfit, Kitsyke Will, and has since lent his wonderful soul-inflected vocal style to The Solicitors, as well as singing, playing percussion and harmonica with The Hunch.
Alongside these two are the stunning acoustic guitarist/vocalist Chris Hanks and keyboards/accordionist/vocalist Tony Bacon, both alumni of West Yorkshire’s thriving roots scene. Marcus Frost is the latest addition to the line up; with extensive experience in the local blues/rock scene, Marcus brings his unique style of percussion and vocals.
A collective ready wit & easy rapport with audiences of all sizes ensures that any gig involving The Hunch goes with a swing - tasteful, exciting, assured, soulful, enjoyable and lasting in the memory.
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Singer-songwriter Nat Clare is a favourite at Edgworth who has now moved North of the Ribble so sadly isn't seen quite so much. With a powerful and expressive voice and his own great compositions it was great to welcome him back to the Barlow stage.