In April 2022 we re-launched the in-person Spring Fling, moving from our traditional base in rural Allendale to the big city at the Copthorne Hotel on Newcastle’s happening quayside. Feedback was good, so we are not going to mess with the formula too much for 2023. Here is what we have planned:
Monday 17th April: Evening – Bridge Folk Club – for those wanting to take part and add an extra night in Newcastle to their stay, the folk club will again welcome the Spring Fling attendees for floor-spots at their singers night on the Monday preceding the official start of Spring Fling 2023.
Tuesday 18th April: An optional meet-up meal (at your own cost) in a private dining room in the hotel looking over the Tyne, followed by a jam session until 11 pm.
Wednesday 19th April – Daytime: Separate sessions for mountaineers and hammerers led by your fellow Nonsuchers. Lunch and teas/coffees included in the price.
Wednesday 19th April – Evening: meal at your own arrangement / cost followed by a jam session in the hotel.
Thursday 20th April: Morning: Guest Speaker Johnny Handle.

Local legend Johnny Handle who will regale us with “The Evolution of the folk scene in the North-East”. And what does Johnny know? Well, he was only a founder member of the High-Level Ranters who, in their early prime, featured Alistair Anderson, Tom Gilfellon, and Colin Ross. Johnny was recently the guest star at the Bridge Folk Club, a place the Ranters were very familiar with. The Bridge Hotel, home of the folk club for 60 years, is on the Newcastle side of the High-Level Bridge – hence the name of the band. Johnny will make sure that he will include some great songs and tunes for us to join in on.
Thursday 20th April: Refreshments: Lunch at your own arrangement / cost, teas/coffees included in the price.
Thursday 20th April: Afternoon: Spring Fling Folk Club.
For those looking for a longer break, the Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering takes place on the weekend before our event. Ken and Sandie Hudson have been forging links with Morpeth, including masterminding the video produced for the 2022 virtual Gathering, and Nonsuch hopes to have a presence there in 2023.
The cost of Spring Fling 2023 is £60. This does not include accommodation. Lunch on Wednesday plus teas/coffees both days is included.
Bookings for Spring Fling close on 27th March 2023.
Start learning Geordie now – gan canny!