Baldock & Letchworth Folk Club Folk Club

Baldock & Letchworth Folk Club started life as the Mad Nanny! Folk Club in St Francis College, Letchworth. It was established at the beginning of 1999, with the intention of bringing more traditional music into the area, and our aim was to complement Hitchin Folk Club, one of the longest-running UK clubs. Towards the end of 1999, the club moved to 'The Place' in Letchworth. The Place was formed with the aim of bringing more of the arts to Letchworth, and was a very attractive venue in which to perform. However, it experienced increasing problems during 2001, & owing to its uncertain future, we reluctantly decided we had to find another venue. At short notice we moved to the Goldcrest Inn in Baldock. Unfortunately this also meant a change of night, to a Thursday, & this proved less than ideal because of clashes with other local events After a year we decided to move, & found a new venue at the Old White Horse, opposite the station in Baldock. At the same time it became a weekly event, held on a Wednesday.

At the beginning of 2004, we took the decision to move the club back to a FRIDAY. We moved back to Letchworth, & we are now based in Caffeine, in Station Approach. Caffeine is a licensed coffee bar on the corner of the Arcade and Station Road Letchworth. The environment lends itself perfectly to the cosy club atmosphere, and offers a wide range of premium quality beverages and foodstuffs. In October 2004 we became a membership club. Joining is easy, & is free until January 2005.

We feature guest artists of considerable renown and those newcomers on the way up! The guest is supported by a resident band or singers, and we proudly encourage amateur singers and musicians to perform as ‘floor spots’ on guest nights. Everyone is offered a turn at the less formal session/singaround nights - the ideal way to try out that new song before standing up at the front!

We are friendly and welcoming, don’t be shy, come and join us. Children are very welcome to all of these evenings; the tradition is in their hands after all. I hope you can join us for some splendid entertainment. Prices vary according to the artiste, up to two accompanied children under 16 may enter free per adult. There are concessions for people who aren't working, are students or who are of retirement age.

A collection is taken at session/singarounds to help fund the booking of artists.

We are pleased & grateful to find an ever-growing core of regulars and supporters for the club, & hope that our membership continues to grow. Confused by the changes? Please call us or email us!

Since its inception, the club has hosted many well-known names on the English & international folk scene, including Martin Wyndham-Read, well-known for his Australian ballads, and Jez Lowe.

contact us on 0845 123 2658

From the North: A1m J9 last exit form roundabout follow signs to Letchworth Town Centre. After approx 1 mile you will turn left onto the A505 (Baldock Rd) then shortly turn RIGHT into Norton Way South. Station Road is the last turning on the left BEFORE you go under the railway bridge.

From the North West (Stotfold A507): Leave A507 at Stotfold onto Hitchin Rd. After 3 Chimneys pub turn LEFT over double mini roundabout into Bedford Rd. At roundabout turn LEFT. Next Roundabout turn RIGHT. Over railway bridge. BR station on left, at roundabout Station Rd is straight ahead.

From the East: Approach Letchworth on the A505. IGNORE town centre signs at Broadway & continue down & turn LEFT into Norton Way South. Station Road is the last turning on the left BEFORE you go under the railway bridge.

From the West: You will enter Letchworth on the A505 from Baldock (Baldock Rd) turn RIGHT into Norton Way South. Station Road is the last turning on the left BEFORE you go under the railway bridge.