CLITHEROE is first choice for folk fans this weekend with street entertainment, special workshops for youngsters, pub sessions, ceilidhs, comedy nights - and great folk music.

Fans from across the country are in town for the Clitheroe Folk Festival, which runs all weekend and is supported by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph - and there's still plenty of chance to join the fun.

Organisers say the festival, also supported by Clitheroe and Ribble Valley Councils, Lancashire Youth and Community Service and Barker's Primrose Nursery, promises a weekend of superb entertainment.

A concert tonight at Clitheroe Parish Hall will feature folk legends The Albion Band and another top band The Poozies, followed by a ceilidh featuring Jabadaw and caller Dave Hunt.

St Michael and St John's Social Centre, Lowergate, will host a comedy night tonight, featuring Joe and Ben Broughton, Dave Summers and double-act Maxi and Mitch.

The event opened last night at the parish hall with performances by Lancashire favourite Rebecca Green, renowned Canadian fiddler Pierre Schryer and vocalist Rory McLeod.

Fringe events including a Sunday afternoon gig by Darwen Irish folkies Gone Beggin' are taking place at Key Street Music Bar.

Young musicians can take part in workshops at Trinity Youth and Community Centre and the New Inn, both in Parson Lane. Morris dancers are in the streets throughout today.

The newly-formed Clitheroe Town Band will join the Slaidburn Brass Band for a brass concert tomorrow at Clitheroe Civic Hall.

And a grand finale concert at the parish hall will feature Bernard Wrigley and top Irish acts Jack-e-McCauley and The Poormouth.

Further details and tickets for all concerts are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, Clitheroe (01200 425566).

Some new friends

POP rockers Some Friendly bring their new line-up to a gig in Blackburn later this month.

The band, comprising brothers Paul and Martin Wade on guitar and bass respectively, singer Neil Whalley, guitarist Mick Bamford and drummer Pete Norman, are to play the Borough Arms, Blackburn, on Thursday, June 17.

The five-piece, whose influences include The Stone Roses, say they expect record company interest at the gig.

The band take their name from a song they once penned about dolphin-friendly tuna.

Sound for Wired

FIVE student bands from Burnley College will play a concert tonight to launch a new compilation album.

Music students began recording and performing last year when they released an album called Unsigned Allsorts. Now the students have a new 17-track album call Wired, which will be on sale during tonight's show at Burnley Mechanics.

Dig Pfizer B, Piglet, Lerner, Ragz and Blind Pilot are set to perform in order to promote the new album, containing work by students on various music courses.

The gig will be a showcase for second year students who will show just what they have learned from their respective music courses.

The album is available from the college reception and the college shop in Manchester Road. It is priced £8.50 but will be available for £7.50 on the night of the concert.

Entry to tonight's gig is £2.50 in advance or £3 on the door. Call 01282 430055.

Bhangra Boyz for refugees

CASH will be raised for Kosovo refugees when a bhangra band play a charity show in Blackburn tonight.

Safri Boyz International will be supported by Asian pop band Dostana in the show at King George's Hall, which begins at 7pm. The event has been organised in conjunction with Asian Sound Radio.

Tickets are £5, or £10 in the front balcony. For details call Mike on 01254 680757 or Aziza on 0795 797 1656.

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