THE autumn folk season kicks off soon as both Hitchin and Baldock folk clubs throw open their doors after a summer break.

Sunday September 6 marks 30 years of Hitchin Folk Club at the Sun Hotel when they welcome back Richard Digance – the club’s first guest at the venue.

Keiron Jones, one half of the husband and wife team behind the club, said: “He’s been one of the club’s greatest supporters over the years, featuring in 22 guest nights to date.

“He is known as one of the great folk entertainers of the 70s and 80s. His evergreen career has been acknowledged through numerous awards within both the music and entertainment industries, from a BAFTA nomination as a TV entertainer to a Gold Award from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters and he has supported Steve Martin in the USA, Robin Williams at The London Palladium.

“He has been described as someone who for half a century has travelled the world with just a guitar and an immense collection of stories - that kind of says it all.”

Supporting Digance will be, as 30 years ago, Keith Pearson, accompanied by guitarist Tony Bulch.

Tickets for the event at �15 are available (although selling fast) by emailing goodmusic@hitchinfolkclub

The following Wednesday an American singer-songwriter whose songs have been recorded by Johhny Cash and Bill Monroe will be at the Letchworth and Baldock Folk Club.

Grammy-nominated Phil Rosenthal, who has played his mandolin and banjo everywhere from the Grand Old Opry to the White House, will add Baldock’s Old White Horse to his list when he comes to play and sing his bluegrass at the pub on as part of a UK tour.

Entry on the night is �10. For more details about the club go to www.madnanny.co.uk