Folk music and dance essentially belong to, and are the creation of, common people. Folk, or Roots, has a very long tradition and what makes it really special is its power to reflect the joys, concerns, struggles and lives of ordinary folk. Traditionally it was an oral and visual tradition, rather than a written or recorded one, passed from generation to generation. At its heart is a sense of shared experience and community, not commercial profit or gain. One of the joys of folk is that creativity and performance rests with ordinary people.

For some years Folk did have a bad image – interminable ballads sung in strange keys with “fingers in ears”. Although we have respect for the traditional singers clubs, this has never been Nailsea’s style. The music and dance that we promote is varied, often highly contemporary, and always performed to a very high standard.

Nailsea has had a strong association with folk music over the years, going back as far as the legendary Adge Cutler (founder of the Wurzels) in the early sixties. There have been a number of clubs over the years, the current one being founded in 1987. Its constitution declares its aim as “to provide quality music in a convivial atmosphere and to promote and develop local talent”. Since its inception, it has always been a very strong club and is regarded as one of the best in the country (ask any of the top performers who’ve been!) It is strictly non-profit making. Money raised is given to local charities, often ~£1000 in a year. The club is affiliated to the English Folk Dance and Song Society.

So,… What do we do? Well, we have regular Concert Nights at the Ring o’ Bells, normally on the third Friday of the month but with many others fitted in around. We have featured famous Irish bands, African mbira, Russian gypsy, Delta Blues, Folk Rock, Aussies, Canadians as well as the best of British – great solo artists to seven piece bands. When booking, we look for variety, interest, excellent musicianship and an ability to entertain and communicate. Live music at its most intimate.

And its non-smoking!

We have Singers and Musicians nights – second Tuesdays at Grove Sports Centre, third Tuesdays at the Blue Flame. It’s a chance to play or just sit back and listen. And it’s free! There are occasional days of dance, barn dances, workshops, and we arrange club trips to Ireland. We have our own choir, Barley Rye, which practices at the Ring o’ Bells on Sunday evenings and perform at local festivals, and there are the famous Acorns young musicians group – again playing at festivals and local events.