I had my birthday on Friday and I decided it would be appropriate as an Irish person to attend the Irish Folk Night which was held at The Railway pub in the village.

Keith and his wife, Anne hosted a brilliant evening and secured one of the area's best folk bands, Gone Beggin'. The band, from Darwen, played a selection of songs with distinctive influences. Their sound has been described as 'throwing everything at a Celtic influence to see what sticks.' I'm not sure I entirely agree with that statement but their music was definitely unique.

I recognised the traditional Irish sounds of the tin whistle and the bodhran, but there were calypso-style influences as well. However they describe their fusion of music, it was definitely toe-tapping and after a few bevvies, people started to dance.

I think the landlord himself had the best time, Keith was regularly spotted carrying glasses from the marquee back into the pub, gyrating and stomping as he went! Lead singer Gary Ward displayed so much enthusiasm throughout the performance that it was infectious. If the band is having a good time the chances are that the audince warms up a bit quicker!

We were harrassed only by the midges, although Anne did come out and provide her guests with insect repellent. We were served Anne's potato hash supper, which was basic and traditional but still very good, from the bowling green maintenance hut/local polling station.

The only very unusual part of the evening was the Bichon Frise dog which was running aimlessly through the crowds and across the road! We suspected it belonged to someone attending the evening but my mother-in-law was quick to point out that a pedigree dog such as that would not be roaming free even if it was with its owner. So I hope that whoever it belonged to got it back safe and sound and in just one fluffy piece!

The night was a huge success, over a hundred tickets sold, and sold out! It was nice to see the villagers supporting Keith and Anne in their roles as landlord and lady, and Keith expressed his gratitude to the crowd. I think the intention is that events such as the one on Friday will become a regular occurance, and if this first is anything to go by, there should be plenty of partying at The Railway!