Guest blog by John Jessiman
Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight Award is a monthly initiative (launched in October 2012) that recognises the outstanding contributions made by businesses and organisations who contribute, shape and influence the arts and cultural sector in Scotland today.

Guest blog by John Jessiman

Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight Award is a monthly initiative (launched in October 2012) that recognises the outstanding contributions made by businesses and organisations who contribute, shape and influence the arts and cultural sector in Scotland today.

While the present committee (Paddy, Allan, Kathleen, Ann and myself) are naturally delighted and proud to accept this honour, we readily acknowledge that all the previous hard work by the club founders and our many predecessors within the organization has been invaluable in building up and sustaining our reputation over the years, not to mention all the loyal support we have received from all our club members and regular attendees.  

Edinburgh Folk Club has been chosen to receive Hands Up for Trad’s “Business Limelight Award” for April 2013. The award is supported by Creative Scotland to recognise outstanding contributions made by businesses and organisations in helping to shape and influence the arts and cultural sector in Scotland today.

Edinburgh Folk Club is an organisation which exists to foster an interest in the wide international world of folk and related music. The club meets weekly (Wednesday evening) for most of the year in the Pleasance Cabaret Bar, Edinburgh, Scotland. Although a large proportion of our programme naturally features Scottish Traditional music in all its forms, we also include artists from much further afield along with other related genres.

The club was originally founded in September 1973 by John Barrow, Ian Green and Kenny Thompson who were already active within the Edinburgh Folk Scene. They recognised the need for a new weekly folk club in Edinburgh which would be accessible to all comers. The very first venue for the club was The Albert Chaplaincy Centre, 23-24 George Square, Edinburgh

Over the years, there have been several highlights including the founding of The Carrying Stream Festival which is an annual event to commemorate and celebrate the life of the late Hamish Henderson. There have also been various special concerts especially during Edinburgh International Festival and at other times with many significant International guests, including Tom Paxton, Julie Felix and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott!

Edinburgh Folk Club has encouraged many young performers who have since become established favourites on the folk scene. It also hosts an annual song competition in early June which has now become an institution and has launched several classic songs by artists such as Karine Polwart, Jim Malcolm, Nancy Nicolson and many more.

The present committee intend to carry on in the same spirit as our predecessors and continue to feature a wide variety of folk and related music including both traditional and contemporary styles. They will, of course, remain conscious of changing trends, styles, and innovations while also welcoming advice or suggestions from members and loyal regulars.

The present organisers of Edinburgh Folk Club are delighted to receive this award especially during the year of the Club’s 40th anniversary. They will be celebrating 40 years of Edinburgh Folk Club on 9th October 2013, featuring Mike Whellans who was the first ever guest to appear at the Club. This award will surely be the icing on the birthday cake.