Taffy Thomas trained as a Literature/Drama teacher at Dudley College after which he taught for several years. He founded and directed the legendary "Magic Lantern" company and is now one of the leading story tellers in England.

Tall Stories have performed at folk clubs and Festivals throughout the country. The group are: Malcolm Gibbons (also Strawhead member), Pat Ryan (also appears with Ken Howard and solo) and Ken Howard (also appears with Pat Ryan)

Norma Allott, Rusty Wright, Lynne Hewitt and Stu Wright are Tallyman. A strong vocal group with superb harmonies, their music ranges from Classical French to African via Music Hall and Tradition Folk. Tallyman organise the Young Performers Competition and also sponser the Tallyman Trophy for the winner. Friends of the Falcon.

Canadians, from coast to coast have long recognised Tamarack as one of the prime chroniclers of their nations heritage. Singing self-penned songs that sound more traditional than most traditional songs and with their multi-instrumental backing skills - Tamarack are superb.

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Although they have been playing together since the late 80's Th'Antiques Roadshow still maintain their enthusiasm, it's this enthusiasm plus their enjoyment of the music that makes them so popular with all audiences.

With a line up of twin fiddles, hammered dulcimers and concertina backed by a power unit of guitar and an array of percussion ranging from bodhran to tongue drums, The Band of the Rising Sun play traditional English music like no one else.

This local band is unique in that it boasts three generations of the same family. Dot Whelan - her sons, Kevin and Rick and Grandson Simon Allen, are all members of a very musical family, Dave Lambert completes the line up. The repertoire of the group is very wide ranging from, soft rock to Country music via Irish dance music.

Take two Ians, one Dave, and a plethora of Lancashire songs, mix with good music, and the Lancashire sense of Humour and you have The Elderly Brothers. The Elderlys go back many generations and are said to be related to The Everley Brothers which might account for the rare Lancashire "Rock & Roll" songs that they also perform - who could ever forget "Wobbly Bob"?
The Eldely Brothers can often be seen supplemented by other members of their large family roaming around the country playing and singing so keep a look out and you'll be sure to have a great evening. Their latest CD "Proceed with Caution" will be available from July 2000 - a Millennium Event if ever there was one.

From the warmer climes of 'Eetalee' (well that's how he prnounces it!) we present for your delectation and delight, the master magician himself. Despite his 'broken English', Franko involves the audience to the full.

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Formed in 1980 as Penny Hop, The Hop has been steadily gaining a reputation as one of the finest dance and ceilidh bands in the country. The members of The Hop come from rich and varied backgrounds in rock, jazz and traditional English music, bringing with them a wide range of instruments.

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Since their debut at the 1990 Festival Interceltique in Brittany, The Iron Horse have continually received critical acclaim at home and abroad. Imaginative interpretations of taditional music from all over Scotland combined with their own compositions is winning them ever-increasing popularity.

The JS Band are a six piece group, playing lead, rhythm and bass guitars, drums, keyboards and a lead vocalist, all with a shared enthusiasm for live music. The group interpret songs from a wide range of influences and include music and songs from the 50's to present day.

The keelers specialise in sea songs and shanties (work songs) of he sailors, stevedores and fishermen, sung over the past two centuries, particularly the "Great Days of Sail" in the mid 19th Century. They also sing local dialect songs, folk songs from the North East and River Tyne songs and many more.

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Take four fiddlers, one guitar and one cello, six women musicians with established roots and a mixed bag of American dance music. The Kitchen Girls' repertoire is based on traditional and original American music, using an eclectix mix of Appalachian, Old Timey, Texas Swing and Cajun tunes and songs.

The Lakeman Brothers burst upon the folk and acoustic scene in the summer of 1993, when they stunned audiences at eight major festivals. Since childhood they have been quietly polishing their skills in Devon, now they are in geat demand nationally.

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Although the Daredevils may appear to be a new band to people outside of the Midlands, their high energy and humour are filling venues throughout the land. They have done backing vocals on a Slade album, production and song writing with dance artists, topical song writing for radio, gigs in their own right for at least four days a week, many TV and radio performances, and when they've nothing better to do, they go out busking!

The Newcastle Cloggies were formed in 1979 and have earned an unparalled reputation throughout Britain and Europe for their dynamic performances of clog and traditional British step dances. They have appeared and taught at many festivals from Italy to the Isle of Man, from Olympia to the sea-front at Whitley Bay.

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The Old Rope String Band is funny, It does tricks and runs around, It makes people laugh out loud. It plays traditional music from around the world and makes up some songs itself. Some of the music is Celtic, some Old Time/Bluegrass and some Spanish, accompanied with juggling, acrobatic stunts and clog dancing!

Somewhere in that zone between "school" age and "old" age reside the Old School Band. The band's origins are lost in the mists of time. Any of their gigs includes two basic styles: one acoustic, the other electric, changing constantly to the mood.

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Will Atkinson, Joe Hutton and Will Taylor are three retired shepherds from the Cheviot Hills. who have played at local dances and village socials around Northumberland and the Borders for years. Since the early eighties they have been guests at festivals the length and breadth of the country, delighting audiences everywhere they appeared.

From old time Delta and Texas traditions through to more contemporay styles, the Smokehouse Boys perform a melange of ballads, boogie and low-down dirty blues from the likes of, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Robert Johnson, Frank Stokes and Pink Anderson.

Named after the Sommerville Arms in Leamington, a noted place for good strong ale, and song, The Somerville Gentleman's Band sing a wide range songs from Madrigals to Music Hall.

Founded by John Smith in 1968, the teams primary dance is the NORTH SKELTON long sword dance. A very impressive sight in their dark blue trousers, white shirts with red epaulettes, red cummerband and red and white polka dot neckerchief.

This group came together in the early days of the folk music revival and from the 60s until their demise in 1981, they entertained audiences everywhere they went. From Folk Clubs to Concerts, through radio and television and records, their music and stage performances were immensely popular. Alan Bell sang and played concertina whilst Stuart Robinson provided excellent backing on a variety of Instruments, Brian Osborne played guitar and provided the solo vocals and "Big" Pete Roger (sadly no longer with us) was the lead and the man with a huge voice and stage presence.

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Otherwise know as "One Foot in the Gutter", from an overheard remark during a Scandinavian Ceilidh. These musicians have visited, performed and brought back tunes from the different countries. Their joint experiences and expertise, give their music a distinctive Scandinavian quality. The whole aim of their music is to get you to dance - Scandinavian.

When their first L.P. was released in the 60's they were a sensation. Their unique blend of voices in unaccompanied singing was received with raptures of delight by the folk fans and music critics alike. Until then the folk scene had been very instrumentally conscious - The Watersons for a time anyway - changed all that.

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Early in 1979, Malcolm Shellard and a bunch of friends gathered at the Lanes Ends Hotel, Marton, to see if they could get an Irish music session and singaround going. Their music proved a hit, and from those informal sessions, a core group of musicians established itself; this group went on to be the much respected Irish Folk Band, Thistle.

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The trio was first formed by Neil Clarke and Dave Swift with the talents of Matt Givanovich being added later to give a fuller sound to the music. A very talented trio whith a reputation that is growing all the time.

'Small guy, BIG voice, sharp wit' - six words that sum up a man with a load of talent and the experience to back it up. Well known for that voice, the driving guitar and great sense of fun.

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Ticklish Allsorts present shows for all occasions, and for all ages. From their traditional Punch & Judy show to shows of their own devising using stunning large puppets, from knockabout comedy shows for youngsters to family panto style romps, the emphasis is on fun and joining in.

Tiger Moth are just about the wildest English elecric dance band around, originally formed just as a recording outfit for a single and very successful album, they were persuaded to become a regular gigging band for bigger ceilidhs and the festivals.

Token Women began as an experiment in 1990, Jackie Rawlinson had the idea of combining a group of established women musicians together in one band to see what would happen. It was not intended to be a long project, but the band enjoyed working together and the audiences throughout Britain and the Continent enjoyed their music so much, they just carried on.

Tom McConville was born in Newcastle upon Tyne to an Irish father and Scottish mother, and it is perhaps this rich musical heritage which gives him such an intuitive understanding of the music which he sings and plays.

Tom is known and respected by many of the country's leading folk entertainers and musicians for his musicianship and versatility. Born and brought up in Skerton, Lancaster, his Irish/Belgian parentage has always ensured a European dimension to his music, usually to the accompaniment of the three row button accordian.

Tony and Marguerite Hill have been involved in traditional dance in many formats for over 30 years. They have a great deal of experience both as dancers and musicians. Pupils of Sam Sherry for many years and performers of most clog dancing styles.

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Travelling Charles Fyson was spotted singing in Surrey in 1962 by Ken Stubbs the song collector, and was invited to sing at the Cherry Tree, Copthorne soon after. As well as traditional songs, Charles includes poems, monologues and self-penned songs in his act.

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TROUBLE at’ MILL are a three piece band from Hoghton, deep in the heart of Lancashire. Husband and wife Graham & Bernadette Dixon are the organisers of "Gregson Lane & Osbaldeston Folk Clubs" and have previously played with "Lammergeier & Recycled". (Bernadette goes back even further and has played with "New Century & Pennyroyal"). The third member, of the band, bass player - Denis Wane, has spent many years as a professional musician. As well as touring the rock & jazz venues of Germany and the Middle East with "Innuendo" & Tony Thorpe’s "Gas Company" - Denis has spent many hours in the orchestra pits of Northern Theatres.
TROUBLE at’ MILL are of the opinion that a Folk Concert/Evening should be both fun & entertaining. If the audience go away with a smile on their face (they always do) then TROUBLE at’ MILL feel that they have "Done the job". Early in 1999 TROUBLE at MILL were proud to have Moorhouses TROUBLE at’ MILL CHORUS SINGING ALE named after them - with the bands picture appearing on the pump clip

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Fleetwood-based R&B band Two Rooms spread a blend of covered and self-penned boogie and blues. Whether working together as Two Rooms or on their own solo careers, they present a professional and well honed performance.