STM

The sessions are quite informal. We sit round and take turns at leading the tunes or songs, each person according to their ability, but unless requested by the performer we assume that everyone can join in if they wish, each person adding to the overall effect.

The age range is sadly weighted to the over 50s but we do have and welcome younger people, we also have a stated policy of encouraging and supporting people starting out. There are no guest artists, no 'stage' raised or flat, you play from where you sit, no PA

There is a wide variety of music, a capella, guitars, dulcimer, mandolin, banjo, steel guitar, bodhran, and anything else you care to bring along - except that we are acoustic and ask for our music to be 'compatible with a folk audience'. Because we have a wide variety of people we get a wide variety of styles. I believe that because of where we are situated we get a happy mixture of the Kentish and London influences

We meet and play in a bar open to the public and have no issues whatsoever with the locals, many of whom have come up to us and told us how much they enjoy the music. The pub is a large one but does not have wide open spaces, it is historic (16th century in places) and the garden (mainly paved) runs down to the River Cray which can be heard from the upper part of the garden.

It is easily accessible by bus from many parts of South-East London / North West Kent and has a large car park attached

Our biggest asset is in the warm, friendly and talented people we have been fortunate enough to attract. Please come along and find out for yourself if this is the session for you, you will get a warm welcome - bring a friend if you want. We are equally pleased to see people who simply want to listen.

For more details you can check out our website www.craysidefolk.co.uk

Hope to see you there

Rafflesbear