Burton Folk Club Strikes Up a Tune for Its 60th Anniversary

Burton’s folk music scene is tuning up for a special night as Burton Folk Club celebrates its 60th anniversary with a free concert this week.

The milestone event will take place on Friday 6th March at Shobnall Sports & Social Club, with music starting at 7:30pm. The evening promises a trip through the club’s long musical history, featuring performers who have helped keep the club going across the decades.

A Club With a Long Burton History

The club first began life in January 1966 as the Barley Mow Folk Club, founded by Dave Bull, who was just 17 years old at the time. Over the years it has moved venues several times - something of a folk club tradition - but it has always managed to keep the music playing.

Now settled into its new home at Shobnall Sports & Social Club on Shobnall Road, the club continues to welcome performers and audiences who enjoy traditional and acoustic folk music.

Familiar Faces Returning

The anniversary concert will bring together a line-up of musicians closely connected to the club’s story.

Founder Dave Bull will return to headline the evening, joined by a range of performers from across the club’s history. Among them is Andy Wall, who was the club’s resident performer during the late 1970s and early 1980s before moving away from the area.

Today the club is run by Geoff Noble, Dave’s younger brother, who will be hosting the evening and performing a couple of songs himself. Geoff regularly comperes the club’s guest nights and has helped guide the club into its latest chapter.

Alongside the music, the evening is expected to bring plenty of stories and memories from people who have organised, performed at, or simply enjoyed the club over the past six decades.

Music and Community Spirit

Admission to the anniversary concert is free, but organisers are encouraging visitors to bring donations for the Burton YMCA Food Bank. A raffle and collection will also take place on the night, with proceeds going towards the charity.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to let the club know in advance by emailing info@burtonfolkclub.org.uk.

For a club that began with a teenager and a love of folk music back in 1966, reaching 60 years is quite an achievement. And if the anniversary celebration is anything to go by, Burton Folk Club is still happily keeping the tradition alive - one song at a time.