This weekend, I would like to tell you about a North Wales event that has been a virtual sell-out for most of its seven-year existence. It is always good to report the success of a venue, especially in the often precarious and flitting world of musical entertainment and, even more so, the often-specialised musical genres that this column supports. It is therefore a pleasure to see that The Record Journal Live, presenters of concerts from Trelawnyd Memorial Hall, London Road, Trelawnyd, near Dyserth, Rhyl since October, 2009, are celebrating their successful series of folk and roots events with their eighth Folk at The Hall Music Festival weekend (July 5-6). Such is the impressive line-up of artistes that I hope my early review last week has enabled you to book your tickets, either by phoning 0791 2116277 or 0946 4195336 or visiting the festival website of this popular North Wales event.

As I said, this year's line-up is an extensive and impressive one with, on Friday (July 5), Sam Kelly & the Lost Boys, Ryan Young & Jean Butterworth and Heiske and, on Saturday (July 6), The Tweed Project, Siobhan Miller, Jackie Oates, Adam Holmes & The Embers, Luke Jackson, Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith, Project Smok and Jack Rutter.

The festival starts on the Friday evening with a concert followed by a full Saturday programme. On the Saturday morning, there will be several activities which will include workshops by some of the artistes and a guided themed short walk for those who want to enjoy something a little different prior to the start of the music programme. The music starts at midday and the evening concert slot will be, basically, a 'pick and mix' from the above list of artistes. Also involved will be the local Crown Inn as a venue for smaller events and singarounds.

Ticket prices are £68 adults for the two days, £25 adults on Friday and on Saturday full day £45 adults with Saturday evening only £25 adults. Concessions also apply for children between 12 and 16 years but children under 12 are free and as I said at the top of the column, to book, phone the above numbers or email therecordjournallive@live.co.uk

Also, this weekend, the biggest musical event of the year in these parts, The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod still has some way to run as it ends on Sunday (July 7). Tonight (July 5) at 7.30pm it is the turn of The Gipsy Kings, the International, high octane, multi award winning salsa, pop and flamenco outfit from the south of France. They are of Spanish Romani ancestry, and it shows in their exiting music, I guarantee that you will find it impossible to keep still and may even find yourself dancing in the aisles!!! Tickets, at £35/£42 each are available through the box office on 01978 862001. On Saturday (July 6) the main attraction is The Choir of the World with Catrin Finch, concert at 7.30pm. Catrin has rightly been named The Queen of Harps and her connection with royalty goes back to the year 2000 when she was the official Royal Harpist to the Prince of Wales, a post she held for four years. During this time, she played at The Royal Palaces and for royalty all over the world and she is truly one of Wales' musical treasures. Tickets, at £23/£30 each, can be booked through the box office as above.

The Welsh duo, Brenig will also be making an appearance on the Field on Saturday (July 6), this being their third successive year at the event and the local North Wales band, The Glaaswalkers, will also be on the Maes on Friday (July 5).

As usual, tickets for the field can be purchased at the gates, or in advance on 01978 862001, It is worth going along, even at this late stage to soak up the unique atmosphere of this charismatic event with its colourful and, above all, friendly celebration of the world's music and dance. Enjoy.

On the club scene, Sunday (July 7) also presents a rare chance to see one of the legends of the British Folk Revival, Jacqui McDonald playing a solo gig at Wallasey Folk Club, The Inspire Coffee Bar, Breck Road, Wallasey, Wirral at 8pm supported by the Wirral singer songwriter, Phil Chisnall. Be early for this one.

The full range of singers and musicians nights continues, unabated, throughout the area. One open mic venue, The Cornerhouse, City Road, Chester chips in on Thursday (July 11) at 8pm with the night being hosted by the well-respected singer and guitarist, Graham Bellinger who is also a member of the band, The Deacons and The Deportees. Another great night of music and song in prospect and, even better, a free one to boot!

Finally, I have just received notification that the embryonic but previously well supported Folk in the Dock Festival at Liverpool's Albert Dock next weekend (July 12-14) has, mysteriously, been cancelled. I have no further information yet, but, in the best traditions of snoopiness, will keep prying! I will pass on my findings as and when, but It seems a real shame that it did not survive into a third year after such a promising start in the first two.

However, still plenty more to look forward too so stay tuned and your intrepid reporter of all thing's folk will be back.

Until next time, whatever you do and wherever you go, enjoy your music.

By D.C.M.