A MUSIC festival in support of an under-threat pub was so well attended this week it almost ran out of beer.


Yes, congratulations to the organisers of 'Birkfest', a hugely successful day at the Birkbeck Tavern in Leytonstone on Sunday (October 28).


The pub was recently put up for sale after its brewery owner went bust, and there are fears the popular music venue could be sold to a property developer.


But, as Sunday showed, the pub is clearly much-loved by locals and music fans. Acts performing including Cowbell, Steve White and the Protest Family, singer-songwriters galore and bands like Ceephax.


And organisers, promoters What's Cookin', are hitting the ground running and getting back into the swing of things with a gig headlined by bluegrass and skiffle band The Administrators on Sunday (November 4).
 

Support comes from singer-songwriter Paul Handyside, a founder member of eighties group HURRAH!, and acoustic folk troubadour Mark Wynn.


It starts at 6pm and is free, although donations to the acts welcome.


Up in Essex, Spootiskerry headline Loughton Folk Club this Thursday (November 1).
 

This trio have been together since 1985, in various formations, and play traditional dance numbers.


Support comes from acoustic duo The Raven.


Entry is £2 and doors to the venue, in Station Road, open at 8pm.


The club is also hosting a concert of protest songs on Sunday (November 4) in aid of Amnesty International. Performers to be confirmed.
 

Frank Statesboro plays The Artisan Music Venue in Hall Lane, Chingford, on Friday (November 2).


Entry is £5 and it starts around 8.30pm.


Fine performer Jeff Warner plays at Walthamstow Folk Club on Sunday evening (November 4).


He's known for his interpretations of American traditional music who combines serious scholarship into the songs with a sense of fun.


Admission is £7, or £5 for concessions.
 

It's in the upstairs bit of Ye Olde Rose and Crown pub in Hoe Street and begins around 7.30pm.


Waltham Abbey Folk Club's weekly jam night has a well-timed Bonfire Night theme on Monday (November 5).


Entry to the club, at the Royal British Legion building in Brooker Road, is £2 and it's from 8.30pm.
 

Saxophone player Stan Sulzmann and band are on the bill for the East Side Jazz Club next Tuesday (November 6).


It's from 8.30pm at the Lord Rookwood pub in Cann Hall Road, Leytonstone.
 

Got a gig? Email dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk and let Sound Advice know!

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