"Most attenders are players these days, certainly in West Kent. So back to the question- how can a folk club generate a reliable audience?"

"Generating an audience is the philosopher's stone of folk music. If I knew the answer to that I'd be making a fortune as a promoter."

Reporting back on attendances at the 3 (Sheffield Area) Folk Clubs: (Rivelin - Wed - Anthony John Clarke; Rockingham Arms - Fri - Flossie Malavialle; Wortley Arms - Sat - Jez Lowe) All 3 venues were packed - total audience count around 250 generating an estimated £1500 at the doors. All 3 venues had floor singers, and guest performers each had a couple of 45 minute to 1 hour slots.

All 3 nights went down a storm. The only conclusions I can draw from the success of our clubs are:
1. Good quality guests.
2. A reasonable number of good quality floor spots.
3. Regular (and frequent) clubs.
4. Variety of folk music styles all welcomed (Folk? - Flossie sings stuff from Edith Piaf to The Eagles & The Beatles).
5. Good & dedicated organisers.
6. Decent venues (warm, clean, comfortable, acoustically sound, welcoming)
7. Good quality ale at reasonable prices.
8. Good quality supporting clubs (singers nights)where beginners (young & old) can be welcomed.


The audiences then build up, and stay with you. Performers (new and experienced) swell the audiences at other local clubs. There's also growing evidence of cross-boundary club attendees now.