The friday idea is not a bad one, as quite a few turn up for the thursday night session, and quite a few more turn up before mid-day friday, so that could work too. It doesn't give you much time to set up though, so maybe a 2pm start would be better?

Chris Wood is one that comes to mind for me - very English for Richard Bridge, and as a group Mawkin:Causley. Finally my other wish would be Ian Bruce, one of the best voices around bar none.
John Barden