The future of folk clubs in West Yorkshire is addressed in the latest issue of regional folk magazine Tykes' News.

Well-known figures on the local scene discuss how to arrest the decline in attendance at some clubs.

The debate centres on the quality of up-and-coming singers and musicians who support headlining acts.

The tradition is that anyone can perform during a normal club night -- when there is no headliner -- and some are chosen as "floor singers" when a well-known performer has been booked.

Writers in Tykes' News suggested that unpolished and sometimes downright rotten, support acts are putting off punters who have come to see the main event.

But they stressed that beginners must have a chance to start out and build experience, during regular singers' nights. Tykes' News, published quarterly, features club and performer news, live and album reviews, listings, letters and interviews.

The spring issue features Haworth folk singer Tim Moon's interview with In Search of Albion writer Colin Urwin.

Reviews include George Papavgeris, Ruth Price and Sadie Greenwood, and Kath Reade, who all perform this season at Keighley's Bacca Pipes Folk Club. The magazine costs £7 for four issues, from 408 Skipton Road, Utley, Keighley, BD20 6HP, or e-mail editor@tykesnewsoorg.uk.

n Montauk Island plays Cowling Village Hall with fellow local band Remote, on March 25.

Admission to the show, on behalf of Skipton-based Dry Stone Radio, costs £3. The Islanders also play the Gas Works Club, Bradford, tomorrow, and Mixing Tin, Leeds, on Thursday (tickets £4 from 07734 652805).

n Internationally-known folk singer Steve Tilston, who lives locally, is among guests at this year's Saltburn Festival.

He shares the bill with dozens of singers, musicians and dancers, from August 11-13. Phone 01287 622623.

n Blazin' Fiddles, who include five leading young Scottish fiddlers, play Victoria Hall, in Saltaire, tonight.

The band -- voted Best Scottish Live Act -- combines its deep knowledge of traditional music with a contemporary outlook.

Fairport Convention showcases its folk-oriented acoustic line-up on May 5, while traditional Irish band Alton play on May 21.

Phone 01274 588614.