SWINDON Folk Club is marking 60 years since the group started in Gorse Hill with a night of music.

It was set up in 1960 by Ted and Ivy Poole, who were passionate about folk music.

Friends and fans would gather a few times a month to listen and play music.

In 2004, the Pooles passed the club to the long-standing member Eric Stott in 2004.

Bryony Garmont, 52, then took over from Eric last year with her husband David.

She said: “It was started by Ted and Ivy because they wanted to bring good music to Swindon.

"They wanted to foster inclusivity to the town for people who are passionate about the music.

“Both of them have been a big part of Swindon.

"Although it is a folk club it’s more than that, it’s about including everyone and you don’t have to like folk, you can play any music you like or not at all.”

The celebration is being held at the RAFA Swindon Social Club at Belle Vue Road where folk star Mick Ryan will make an appearance.

A band called SGO – a well known band in the area – will show off some of their tunes.

And Eric and Ivy will return to the club for the night to celebrate. Ted died in 2018 at 92.

The event starts tonight at 7.45pm until 11pm and is open to all.

Over the years, the club has seen the likes of folk legends Martin Carthy, Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seger perform.

But despite the big names making an appearance, Ted always wanted to nurture local talent.

Bryony of Chiseldon said: “The group is for people who want to play a tune or to tell a story. It’s just nice to see people who sing their hearts out in an inclusive environment.

“A lot of places are closing like pubs and churches because people don’t go as much, so it means a lot to be running for this long.”

The club runs every first and third Friday of each month.

It is held at the RAFA and starts at 7.45pm.