WITH most concert clubs in the area closed for the summer, the focus for July is fixed on some great folk concerts which are part of the Biddulph Festival, with Eric Bogle appearing on Thursday at Biddulph Town Hall.

Bogle, over the last 40 years, has written some of the best folk songs which are frequently sung in folk clubs throughout the land.

The two anti-war songs, No Man's Land, The Green Fields of France and The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, gave him legendary status throughout the world. However, he's written so many other good songs – Leaving Nancy, Now I'm Easy, Shelter and If Wishes Were Fishes to name but a few – that have established his reputation as one of the best singer/songwriters of his generation. Accompanied by John Munro, his stage presence is second to none as he mesmerises his audience with some fascinating and humorous inter-song banter.

Living in Australia, he only visits this country every three/four years and Biddulph Folk Club have managed to secure his services since 1994. This is his Farewell Tour, which is lasting four months and has taken in numerous festivals and clubs throughout the land. So the advice is book your seats early as a full house is expected (01782 514896).

Events then switch to Biddulph Grange Country Park for Folk In The Park (July 11) with the headline act being folk rock giants Oysterband.

However, a lot of local attention has been focused on a group of award-winning youngsters, all under 16 years of age, Tri, who play Irish traditional music.

The band features Cairan Algar, from Tunstall, who has been playing in the local folk clubs since the age of eight, and it's pleasing to see his band have numerous bookings at festivals this summer. Well worth a listen.

Other events at Biddulph Town Hall see Christine Collister (July 14) and double headliners Vin Garbutt and Megson (July 22).

Talking about open-air concerts, John Tams and Barry Coope are playing at Gawsworth Hall on August 4 (01260 223 456). Meanwhile, there is a Singers Night at Sandbach Folk Club, which meets at The Market Tavern. Singers are requested to arrive early to book a spot as these nights tend to be well-attended (07815721933).

Also on Thursday, Eccleshall Folk Club, which meets in The King's Arms, have Jinski as their guests. Jinski feature the work of songwriter Steve Jinski and guitar player Dave Kennedy, who play a mixture of contemporary songs and country blues. They have a flexible line-up and sometimes are seen with a double bass player and a female vocalist (01785 851964). Judging by their gig-list they are a very busy band, and can be seen the following night at The Dog and Partridge in Bollington, Cheshire (01625 573596) and also at Sandbach Folk Club (September 15).