DARLINGTON becomes the focus of folk fans this weekend, with the annual Spring Thing getting under way tonight at the Copper Beech, before it takes over the Dolphin Centre for a weekend of concerts, sessions and general musical hi-jinks.

As well as a host of local performers, star attractions include John Tams and Barry Coope, Flossie Malavialle, The Wilsons and The John Wrightson Band. It’s an ideal opportunity for both seasoned folkies and the coyly curious to sample the delights of the local scene, informally and formally, at this long-established little festival.

Meanwhile, as usual, Gateshead’s Sage has an interesting selection of concerts coming up this week, starting on Saturday with Jon Boden and John Spiers, who are touting this as their farewell tour. The lads are busy with their Bellowhead commitments and have decided to concentrate their efforts in that direction.

On Sunday at The Sage, there are two separate shows, with Scots balladeer Dick Gaughan in one hall, and in the other, a double bill of American singer-songwriting at its finest, featuring Tom Paxton and Janis Ian. All three are veterans of the music scene, but are still on top form, and I’d be hard-pressed to choose between these two shows.

On Saturday, there’s another double bill, at Washington’s Davy Lamp, with Hull-based fiddler Jim Eldon and Teesdale’s Mick Sheehan sharing the limelight. Finally, on Monday at Stockton’s Sun Inn, one of the brightest new bands to emerge recently, The Teacups, will be strutting their stuff, with some fine harmony singing and an infectious stage presence that will ensure a great night’s entertainment. I’m making my way back from New Zealand right now, and looking forward to some fine music on the home front for a change.