A group which takes its name from an ancient pub which once served travellers at a Bedfordshire crossroads will be stepping up for the first Royston Folk Club showcase night of 2015 on Friday.

Ragged Staff specialises in an Anglo-Celtic mix of traditional and contemporary folk music with a focus on intricate arrangements and the use of a broad range of instruments such as guitar, fiddle, bouzouki, whistle, bodhran and uilleann pipes.

They’re a familiar name on festival and folk club bills across four counties, and you can enjoy what they have to offer at the Old Bull in the High Street – doors open at 7pm for an 8pm start.

Admission is only £4 and half that if you’re under 25.

The club’s showcases are held on the second Friday of every month in the venue’s Oak Room.

It aims to be an informal night at which musicians can introduce themselves to Royston, try new songs, new instruments, or new collaborations in a friendly and appreciative atmosphere.

The first concert night of 2015 is scheduled at the same venue on Friday, January 30, with Jimmy Lee and the Edge of Chaos Orchestra, supported by Beau Jangles, on the bill.

Find out more about what’s coming up at the club online at www.roystonfolk.org.