FOLK fans are in for a storming celebration with the boisterous Bully Wee Band.

They are old favourites at Grayshott Folk Club, having played to sell-out audiences in the last few years.

And now the Bully Wees are back to help mark the club’s fifth birthday on Friday, January 22, at 7.30pm.

“We are delighted to welcome back this wonderful folk/rock band again,” said Des O’Byrne.

“As they only ever tour in January these days, we have had to wait very patiently for their return and for them to play for us again.

“The Bully Wees put on a great show, guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

“Not only are they great musicians, but they are also engaging performers.

“Since their reformation in 2004 they have proved themselves to be among Britain’s foremost exponents of acoustic folk/rock band.”

Originally formed in the early 70s by brothers Jim and John Yardley, The Bully Wee Band

Successfully toured Britain, Europe and America through several line-ups until the last ensemble of Ian Cutler, Fergus Feely, Colin Reece and Maartin Allcock finally called it a day in 1983.

Twenty years later a chance meeting between Ian, Fergus and Colin resulted in a spirited jam session at Faversham Folk Club in Kent and a decision to put a three-piece Bully Wee Band back on the road in 2004 “for the craic”.

So well did that tour go that Colin (guitar, octave, mandolin, vocals), Ian (violin, keyboard, vocals) and Fergus (mandocello, vocals) decided to repeat the experience at year later, with the addition of founder member Jim (mandolin, whistles, vocals).

And they have toured every January since.

Advance tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £7.50 for under 16s. They are £18/£9 on the door.

Tickets are also available from Grayshott Post Office, Crossways Road, Grayshott Wine Centre, Headley Road, and Haslemere Bookshop on the High Street, Haslemere.

Or call Des O’Byrne on 01420 607096 for tickets and for more information.