FEBRUARY 2025

The next guest at The Barlow, on Friday 21 st February will be State of the Union, who
are Boo Hewardine and Brooks Williams. They will be supported by Len Pilkington.

In the grand tradition of ‘The Special Relationship’, State Of The Union combines the
talents of America and England, producing an end result that is sure to delight fans
of hook-laden songs, fiery and emotional guitar playing and soulful vocals. Tapping
into a multitude of influences, from Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to Blind Lemon
Jefferson, the wide open Fenlands and the frenetic buzz of London, State Of The
Union is a masterclass in songwriting, showing off the talents of bluesy Americana
stalwart Brooks Williams and cult British singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine to full
effect.
Len Pilkington is a singer songwriter and regular attender at the Over Hulton folk
club. Living in Bolton for 20 years, his acoustic style songs and melodies are about
Life, relationship and family. He launched his debut album "A Few Words in the
Rain" in 2023.
For details of these events, booking details and future events at Folk at the Barlow,
please visit our website at www.folkatthebarlow.com
Over Hulton Folk Club (https://www.overhultonfolkclub.com) host Merry Hell Acoustic
on 19 th February, and Steve Tilston and Hugh Bradley on 5 th March.
For fans of open mic style sessions, The Saggy Bottom Girls hold their events at the
Masons’ Arms in Egerton. The next one is on 19 th February, and again on the third
Wednesday of each month thereafter.
The Met, in Bury present a varied and interesting programme of related music this
autumn. Visit their website at https://themet.org.uk/whats-on/folk-music/ .
Ron Armitage, the voice of folk music on Bolton FM, has asked us to promote a
charity afternoon concert the station is presenting at the Albert Halls in Bolton in aid
of Bolton Hospice. This extravaganza will start at 12.30pm on Monday 19 th May, and
stars local acts including the Houghton Weavers, Gary and Vera Aspey with special
guest Dave Howard of the Oldham Tinkers, Corrie Shelley, and Herding Cats.
Contact Ron on r.armitage07@gmail.com for further details.
7.2.25 Singaround at Folk at the Barlow, 8pm
19.2.25 Folk Evening Masons’ Arms, Egerton
21.2.25 State of the Union, supported by Len Pilkington, Folk at The

Barlow www.folkatthebarlow.com
19.2.25 Merry Hell Acoustic, Over Hulton Folk Club,

https://www.overhultonfolkclub.com
5.3.25 Steve Tilston and Hugh Bradley,
https://www.overhultonfolkclub.com

19.5.25 Bolton FM Charity Folk Extravaganza, Albert Halls, Bolton,

r.armitage07@gmail.com