This week the Cellar Bar, Castle Café, Cardigan, sees folk royalty visiting.

Martin Carthy is an English folk singer and guitarist who has remained one of the most influential figures in British traditional music, inspiring contemporaries such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon and later artists such as Richard Thompson since he emerged as a young musician in the early days of the folk revival.

He was born in Hatfield and grew up in Hampstead, London. After training as an actor he sang in coffee bars. He became a resident at the Troubador folk club in Earls Court in the late 1950s.

He joined Redd Sullivan’s Thameside Four in 1961. He is a renowned solo performer of traditional songs in a very distinctive style, accompanying himself on his trusty old Martin Guitar; his style is marked by the use of alternate tunings, and a strongly percussive picking style that emphasizes the melody.

Normally seen in large theatres or on festival stages you have the unique opportunity for an intimate gig 'up close and personal' with the man himself on Thursday, February 13. Tickets are available from the Castle Café or via www.castlecafeandcellarbar.com. Ticket price includes a choice of meals.

On Valentines night Gorgeous George's Lovebirds Karaoke will be in the Cellar Bar from 7.30pm. Entry is £4 on the door.

On Saturday, February 15, the Hideaway Trio will entertain in the Cellar Bar. If jazz, blues and excellent music are your thing then you are in luck. Tickets £4, full menu available on the night.