LOTHERSDALE is launching itself as a venue for live folk, roots and blues music.

It is staging a series of concerts featuring top class artists from the world of folk, roots and blues in the village hall.

The aim of the club is to provide a regular series of concerts, showcasing quality and variety from the humorous to the traditional which will suit all tastes.

Eddie Cullen, one of the organisers, said: “There are a number of first-rate folk clubs in the area where you can go for excellent singers’ nights. There are, however, a number of artists that they are unable to afford to book because they are limited by their capacity.

“These artists are often only able to be seen in the larger clubs in the larger towns or at festivals. My idea is to use the Lothersdale Village Hall, with its larger capacity.

The first concert will take place on Saturday and will feature Vin Garbutt, named best live act in the 2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

His career has spanned 40 years and, at the start, his songs were inspired by the folk tradition. However, today, they been transformed into gritty social comment and life observations. Vin is also renowned for his hilarious intros.

“A night with Vin is a night which will leave you chuckling with laughter, inspired by the content of the songs and amazed by his musicianship,” said Eddie. “I am looking forward to this being a great success and to bringing many more headlining artists of his stature to this small, beautiful area of Yorkshire and raise the profile of the village.”

Other concerts planned include songwriter Jez Lowe on October 25, French-born singer Flossie Mallavaille and songwriter Keith Donnelly on February 25, Hull-based duo Hissyfit, with Ryedale-based siger songwriter David Swan on May 16, vocal harmony trio Artisan on June 27, 2015 and folk music innovator Martin Carthy on November 14, 2015.

A real ale bar will be provided by Bridgehouse Brewery and wines and soft drinks will also be served.

Further details can be found at lothersdalelive.org.uk. Ticket details are also given on the website.