Richard McKeever from Bowes Park Folk Club on an initiative offering paid performance slots for musicians aged under 30

Young performer Rowan Gibbons at Bowes Park Folk Club

At Bowes Park Folk Club (BPFC) we are launching an exciting new ‘features’ project this autumn to give paid performance opportunities to young musicians and singer-songwriters.

Funded by Myddleton Road Community Benefit Society, this initiative turns surplus income from the community-owned Hillbilly Social Bar in Bowes Park into professional support for local emerging artists.

The project offers 20-minute paid feature spots and a 30-minute paid showcase to performers aged under 30, or those who have not previously performed at BPFC. This is more than an open-mic night – it’s a structured, supportive environment for young musicians to gain stage experience and build confidence playing to a welcoming crowd at London’s friendliest folk club.

“We’ve always been proud to pay our main acts a proper fee, but paying developing artists elevates the whole scene,” says BPFC organiser Ian Coles. “This project lets us invest directly in the next generation of folk talent right here in Bowes Park.”

The first club night of our current season, in September, saw feature spots from Midnight Ramblers and The Water Chorus. Over the coming months, we have allocated further spots for young musicians to perform at the regular second-Thursday club nights at Mum’s Bistro, Myddleton Road.

Since 2013, BPFC has hosted traditional folk and contemporary acoustic music in Bowes Park, taking a very broad approach to programming, but at any given BPFC event you will undoubtedly encounter the traditional arts of music, song, dance and storytelling – and be encouraged to join in.

The club operates as a not-for-profit community organisation; audience donations cover main guest fees, while floor spots – one or two songs, open to all – remain free.

To apply for a paid ‘feature’ slot, musicians aged under 30 should email a brief bio and a link to their music.

We also have ambitions to share music more widely. Our ‘Month of Folk’ in February saw a diverse range of eight different musicians and workshops in seven different local venues. A similar programme is planned for February 2026.

By reinvesting community resources into grassroots music, BPFC and Myddleton Road Community Benefit Society are ensuring a vibrant future for North London’s folk scene, fostering young talent and building community through music.

Our events at Mum’s Bistro every second Thursday are free and open to everyone, with the music kicking off at 7.45pm. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, BPFC invites you to visit London’s friendliest folk club and take your music to the next level.

To find out more and apply for a paid ‘feature’ slot:
Email [email protected]
Visit bowesparkfolk.co.uk

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