AT a time of year when folk and acoustic clubs are traditionally quiet, Ruthin AllStyles Music Club continues to go from strength-to-strength, attracting record numbers to their Thursday evening singers’ nights at the town’s Feathers Inn.

“A couple of weeks ago we had 52 people gathered in the function room, 28 of whom were performers”, said Chris Birchall, who runs the club with his wife Jayne.

“We are so lucky having a wealth of talented musicians who turn up each week.”

They come from miles around; from as far afield as Llandudno, Wrexham, Chester and Merseyside.

“Often, people who are on holiday in the area will find us via our website.

"Last week a couple from Montreal spent the evening with us and performed a floor spot," he added.

The club has a core of enthusiastic members who live locally, including some semi-professional musicians, such as renowned finger-style guitarist Skeet Williams and recording artist Elfin Bow, whose recent cover of Sandy Denny’s 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes' recorded with the Scottish Session Orchestra at Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, has met with immense critical acclaim.

And, of course, Elfin Bow’s husband Gary Edward Jones, who has just completed a 27-day run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his show featuring the songs of Paul Simon.

“We never know who is going to turn up”, said Jayne.

“We have lovely audiences too, who come to enjoy the music.”

The atmosphere is a far cry from the noisy open mic-type events where you can’t hear yourself think.

It is more like a concert where a respective audience sits and listens.

Four or five times a year, the club puts on concert nights featuring professional musicians.

The next one is on October 10, featuring Irish-born singer-songwriter Anthony John Clarke, who has played at folk clubs and festivals all over the UK and beyond, and has a number of albums to his name, including An Acquaintance Of Mine and Man With A Red Guitar.

Concert tickets and more information about the club’s activities can be found on their website ruthinallstyles.co.uk