A GATHERING of musical minds is celebrating almost four decades of nurturing talent and keeping traditions alive.

Northwich Folk Club meets every Friday in the bar of the Harlequin Theatre, in Queen Street, for a mix of singers' nights and guest nights, with a range of local, national and international artists on the programme.

The club was born in March 1977 when Jeanie Hammersleigh, then an officer for Development of the Arts in Northwich (DAN), brought performers together at a pub called the White Lion, in Witton Street, which no longer exists.

After a run of successful nights a committee was formed which has seen the club run continuously for 38 years.

The club met at the White Lion for around seven years, had a short spell at The Coachman, in Hartford, and then moved to the Harlequin Theatre.

Members put the club's success down to the variety of events in its programme and the warm welcome to all-comes.

Brenda Yates, club secretary, said: "There aren't that many clubs in the country now who do such a mixture of singers' nights through to local guests, national and international guests.

"A lot of clubs have gone to just being concert clubs and there are a number of sing-arounds.

"At Northwich Folk Club we have a very friendly welcoming atmosphere and on singers' nights we have a receptive and non-critical audience so everyone can feel comfortable performing.

"We think there's a lot of closet musicians who would get a good reception if they came down."

The group meets at 8.30pm but holds regular workshop sessions starting at 7.30pm for people to learn or hone new skills.

Pete Thompson, who organises bookings for the club, said: "We make it possible for someone starting out on an instrument to participate.

"There are people that play at home and it's only a short step to come and play with us."

He added: "There's a lot of talent in Northwich and not all of it has been seen yet, there's talent out there we need to discover."

To celebrate its 38th birthday the club is welcoming The Hut People on Friday, March 13, with their engaging and often hilarious show.

They perform a unique high-octane blend of folk music from around the world – perfectly formed and embellished with a foot stomping accordion and mind-boggling array of exotic percussion.

Support will be from Nelson Peach from Lymm Folk Club and the hosts are Nick and Lin Tysoe.

Doors are at 8pm and the show starts at 8.30pm.

Admission is £8 or £6 for members.

Membership costs £5.

For more information visit northwichfolk.co.uk