Countess Richard ... I can respect your opinion that, for you, the festivals offer the best opportunities and excitement, but why on earth did you need to be so disparaging to Dick in the process? He is one of the most respected performers around and appears many clubs AND festivals throughout the year, to much acclaim. I also enjoy the buzz of festivals and the variety of outlets in the workshops, sessions and singarounds, but without my local clubs I would have little folk music in the winter (or weekdays, come to that) and I would have missed out on the continuing and growing friendships that I have formed by seeing familiar faces each week.

I think Dick's very pertinent point is that most of today's headliners started out in their clubs, where it was the familiarity of the people and surroundings that fist gave them the courage to begin to perform. (festival workshops give you pointers/tasters but without a local outlet where would be the motivation or opportunity to continue once you returned home?). Todays best clubs still nurture new talent by offering a balanced mix of respected performers from whom they may begin to learn their craft, and supportive settings to 'try their wings' ... and on top of that you get to feel like a valued member of 'the family' - hopefully from your first visit!

I know many of the clubs already mentioned and echo the praises from their various sponsers. Because of hardwork of the network of organisers who run folk clubs for the sheer love of the music, I can visit any part of this country, known to me or not, and find a venue where I will be welcome. We should be proud of that.