After a few months away, Hitchin Folk Club returned with a summer special on Sunday – and the regular programme’s set to start up again next weekend.

The Comet: Blues and Americana singer and guitarist Brooks Williams.Blues and Americana singer and guitarist Brooks Williams. (Image: Archant)

Comic singer-songwriter Richard Digance, who has been coming to Hitchin since 1972, kicks off the autumn line-up next Sunday, with up-and-coming Essex youngster Tom Ryder joining him on the bill.

“Richard’s been coming here for a long while,” said organiser Keiron Jones.

“Over the years, because we’ve known him so well, he’s often featured as the first-of-the-year act, Christmas act, anniversary act or what have you – he’s always been a very close friend of the club.

“Tom’s been on our regular support team for a couple of years now. He’s a good young songwriter, and he’s bringing a sax player down with him as well.

The Comet: Cambridge indie-folk-rock five-piece Fred's House.Cambridge indie-folk-rock five-piece Fred's House. (Image: Archant)

“Folk music is still a well-kept secret. The quality of the musicians is really just outstanding.”

The show starts at 7.30pm on Sunday, September 4, at the Sun Hotel in Hitchin. For more see hitchinfolkclub.co.uk.

Up at the Orange Tree in Baldock, the autumn season of Baldock & Letchworth Blues, Folk & Roots starts three days later on Wednesday, September 7.

Their opening act is Fred’s House – a five-piece band from Cambridge billed as fusing indie music with folk and rock.

With three-part harmonies blending male and female voices, they have had national airplay and their music has featured on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.

Two weeks later, fans are urged to book in advance for the visit of blues and Americana powerhouse Brooks Williams on September 21.

The club starts at 8.30pm each Wednesday night. For prices and more details have a look at madnanny.co.uk.