Stumble across a great afternoon of music, heritage and folk tradition this year, as Eileen tells us all about The Sunderland Folk and Acoustic afternoon, now entering its 10th year in action.
For the last nine years The Stumble Inn on Chester Road has provided the venue for our Sunderland Folk and Acoustic afternoon. The get together is held monthly, on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from 1-4 pm. It takes the form of a singaround, and all who attend are invited to perform, although there is no pressure as listeners are also very welcome. There is an MC ensuring everyone gets their turn. The afternoon is usually very varied, with contributions ranging from unaccompanied traditional songs, contemporary folk, acoustic songs and tunes. Alongside serious songs, the afternoon usually includes a number of humorous contributions, so we all leave feeling entertained and uplifted!
The afternoon attracts people from the whole of the North-East – from Tyneside to Teesside. We have even had visitors this past year from Canada, France and the south of England. Regulars and visitors include well-known artists from the folk club and festival circuit around the country, including Barrie and Ingrid Temple, Tony Wilson, Jim Mageean, Ann Lamb, Corinne Male and Ken Wilson (of the Wilson brothers from Teesside). Many who attend are involved with other local folk clubs such as Brian Hunt, Ann Howden, Ken Arkley and Ken Tonge. For that reason it’s a great way to find out what else is happening on the local folk scene.
Ed Pickford, Ingrid and Barrie Temple and Tony Wilson performing one of Ed’ songs
A regular attendee is local singer/songwriter Ed Pickford. Ed has been writing songs since the late 1950s and he frequently performs something newly-written during the afternoon. Ed’s songs are sung all over the world and are covered by an amazing range of performers, including The Longest Johns, who you’ll find performing at the Fire Station in 2025, Dick Gaughan, and even by the Dropkick Murphys – an American punk rock band who are touring the UK early in 2025. Ed’s best known song, The Oldest Swinger in Town, demonstrates the quirky sense of humour found in many of his songs, but his more powerful songs deal with serious concerns, such as his Seaham Harbour song about the lifeboat disaster in 1963.
Another stalwart of the afternoon is Keith Gregson, known to many in the Sunderland music scene, who has produced a wide range of songs and tunes. Keith is a font of knowledge when it comes to folk song and music in general, and the afternoon generally affords him some opportunity to exchange information about the origins of the songs and tunes performed.
A spot of impromptu morris dancing by Brian Hunt and Keith Gregson to celebrate the coming of spring!
Newcomers of all ages are always made welcome to the afternoon and we are very supportive of anyone who wishes to contribute. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends, or just spend a pleasant afternoon in the company of others. There are no paid guests so we don’t make an entry charge but simply buy drinks at the bar to support the pub. We meet in the downstairs bar of The Stumble Inn, just a few minutes walk from University Metro stop, and there are frequent buses which stop close by. We have a Facebook page, “Stumble Inn Folk and Acoustic Afternoon” where you can check for the date of the next session. See you there.
