Traditional Music and Song at Tonbridge Folk Club (Nellies)
When We Meet
First and third Mondays of each month from 7-30 – 10-30 pm. Musicians, singers and audience welcome.
Where We Meet
Ye Olde Chequers Inn, 122 High St., Tonbridge, TN9 1AS
Evening Fee
Singers Welcome
Mon 4 Dec 2023 – Gavin & Julie Atkin
A local husband and wife duo perform a mix of traditional folk song and mid-20th-century songs. Gavin is noted for his singing of traditional songs, many of which are less well-known versions. Julie’s clear voice is accompanied by Gavin’s skilful accompaniments on melodeon, guitar, and Jeffries duet concertina. Gavin & Julie Atkin
Mon 18 Dec 2023 – Bob Kenward
Bob Kenward of course needs no introduction to this club, but it is always good to hear him do a full set. Traditional songs, plus his own songs, skilfully crafted, some serious and some extremely funny, acapella or accompanied by guitar or mandolin. Bob Kenward
Mon 15 Jan 2024 – Capella
Welcome return of husband and wife duo, Tony & Lesley Petty. Traditional and contemporary folk music with well crafted acapella harmonies. Capella
Mon 5 Feb 2024 – Daria Kulesh
Described by Mike Harding as “one of the finest voices and one of the most intriguing and interesting songwriters on the present folk scene”. Her eastern roots blend with western folk influences to give a unique and exciting sound. Daria Kulesh
Mon 19 Feb 2024 – Ian K. Brown
Ian K Brown is a Northumberland based singer-songwriter guitarist, formerly having played regularly with Newcastle’s Tenth Avenue Band at festivals in England, Ireland and Germany until the summer of 2012. He now does solo gigs at festivals and folk clubs. Ian K. Brown
Mon 4 Mar 2024 – Aeryn Mansfield
A folk singer and multi-instrumentalist from London, Aeryn Mansfield is a blazing new light in contemporary whistle playing. Her evocative vocals and interesting arrangements of traditional songs and tunes stamps her passion and originality onto everything she does. Aeryn Mansfield
Mon 18 Mar 2024 – Andy Smythe Band
Andy Smythe is a hidden gem, one of the UK’s finest singer/songwriters with an incredible 4-octave voice. He performs with ‘The Andy Smythe Band’ featuring the uniqely talented Jimmy Van Lin on mandolin/fiddle, and Les Elvin on bass. Andy Smythe Band
Mon 15 Apr 2024 – Steve Pledger
An acclaimed writer of contemporary folk song who accompanies himself by guitar, he has made a name for himself with his starkly honest and well-crafted songs. Steve Pledger
Forthcoming attractions: Mon 17 Jun 2024 – Dove’s Vagaries | Mon 19 Aug 2024 – Sir-Reel Clarks |Mon 4 Nov 2024 – Hunter Muskett
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Malcolm Ward’s Funeral
Most of you will no doubt be aware by now of the sad loss of Malcolm, one of our resident singers and a staunch supporter of the club for many years. Latterly his illness was catching up with him, but he fought a good fight to the end and saw out the full round of...

Malcolm Ward
It is with great sadness that we announce that longtime resident and friend of the club, Malcolm Ward died last night. He'd been unwell for a while but had made a point of attending and performing at as many events and festivals as he could. We'll miss his varied...
Songwriting retreat
We've received notification of a songwriting retreat taking place between 15th and 19th June. The legendary Jon Boden is hosting it and the venue will be located in idyllic surroundings in the west of Scotland. Details here.