What's on Wednesday entertainment in Exmoor or West Somerset? Try a musicians folk music tune session at Esplanade Club, Watchet if it's the fourth Wednesday

If you are wondering what's on in Exmoor or West Somerset and think you might enjoy some traditional folk music tunes, for the price of a drink at the bar, you might like to try the local traditional folk musician's acoustic session at the Esplanade Club, Watchet in West Somerset where I enjoyed a very pleasant evening last night (23rd November 2011).

On the fourth Wednesday of the month, from about 8.30 pm, a small group of amateur musicians usually turn up and play traditional folk music tunes all evening. The tunes vary depending on which musicians turn up but can include traditional Irish, English, Scottish or even tunes from Eastern Europe or Klezmer.

At the Esplanade Club, Watchet, West Somerset, the tunes are often supported by a few songs from local singers. Last night, fine local singer David (see photo below) sang a number of excellent sea shanties including local references to Watchet and Swain Street (Watchet's main street) and later a lady, whose name I didn't catch, led two great songs too.

Instruments depend on which musicians are out for the evening but frequently include guitars, mandolins, piano accordions, melodeons, violins, whistles, banjos and bodhrans but any acoustic musical instrument is welcome and, if you are a musician, whatever your level of experience, you will be welcomed and encouraged to join in.

Whilst this traditional folk music tune session has been going for many years, it is made up of an informal group of musicians who play for the fun of it and checking with the Esplanade Club, Watchet (01984 634518) is advisable to ensure there haven't been any changes to the local routine before travelling far.

If you are trying to find out what's on for entertainment in Exmoor or West Somerset and it is not the fourth Wednesday of the month and you would like to listen to a musicians folk music tune session or to join in, this group of musicians can often be found at other local pubs and bars on other Wednesdays. Checkout the local website Somerset and Dorset Folk Diary which gives details of where this group of musicians can be found on other Wednesdays of the month. Just look down the page for 'Half-Pace' Sessions to see a list of other folk music pub venues and to get contact details for the organiser of this traditional folk music session.

If you have never experienced a pub folk music tune session and you like traditional music, I'd recommend giving it a try and you might find you will never need to be looking for what's on on a Wednesday in Exmoor or West Somerset again :-)