If you want to hear traditional singing at its very best, try going to one of the "merrie neets" "Shepherd meets" or "Sing-songs" that are organised by the fell hunting packs.

The singing tradition in the fell hunting packs is very strong indeed and they have released many CDs.

All six fell packs have singing nights. But the Coniston foxhounds organise regular singing nights (about once a fortnight) at which ancient and venerable singers sing the most beautiful lake district hunting songs well into the wee small hours. New comers are welcome. New songs are being written all the time and it is a vibrant living tradition. The standard of singing is very high indeed. The sheer reality of these songs is something that I never found in a folk club.

They are held mainly during the hunting season (September-ish - April)

If you want to go to one - go hunting first then ask around for details. Look in the local papers for details.

If you don't approve of hunting - don't bother. If you love folk music you will be well rewarded for the effort.