History

The original club was formed in the mid-60s as the Barley Mow Folk Club at the eponymous pub in Stapenhill, by Burton born folk singer Dave Bull. The club was taken over by the late Roy Mason who, despite not being a musician himself, had a keen ear for acts which made it a tremendous success for best part of 30 years. During Roy’s time, the Club moved several times, including two spells at The Punch Bowl (now demolished), the Meadowside Leisure Centre, the Bridge Brewery and The Star and Garter, changing its name to The Burton Folk Club after leaving the Barley.

In December 1995, Roy announced his retirement and Burton Folk Club subsequently closed. After a few weeks, a number of club regulars including Carol and John Worker as well as Lin and Kevin Goodfellow met and decided to try to keep the club running. Soon afterwards, the Brewtown Folk Club was born, based at the now defunct Star and Garter. The Club had spells at the Beacon and Albion hotels, before returning to The Star and Garter until Christmas 2007, re-opening in January 2008 a short distance away at the Old Cottage Tavern in Byrkley Street, which is now also closed.

Following John, Carol, Kev and Lin’s retirement, ‘Brewtown Folk Club’ was superseded in September 2017 by a new club set up by regulars, who formed a committee to run it. Returning to the previous name of Burton Folk Club the initial venue was The Beacon Hotel, but following redevelopment the club moved to the now refurbished Albion Tap House on Shobnall Road in May 2018. The larger room enabled the booking of some bigger acts, but many old favourites still make appearances.

Throughout the many changes there has always been a warm welcome for performers and lovers of folk music, a tradition that will hopefully endure for many years to come.

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