PUB SINGALONG: Musicians getting into the groove during the jamming sessions at the Cricketer’s Arms, in Barnard Castle
PUB SINGALONG: Musicians getting into the groove during the jamming sessions at the Cricketer’s Arms, in Barnard Castle

JAMMING sessions are back in full swing in Barnard Castle following long lockdowns due to Covid-19.
The regular jamming sessions at the Cricketer’s Arms, in Barnard Castle, were launched in late 2019 by musicians Eddie Tinkler and James Dykes. When lockdown restrictions were introduced, they set up online Zoom conferences for the sessions, which are held every first and third Thursday of the month from 8pm until 10pm. Starting out with about five guitarists, the acoustic sessions have grown in popularity with up to 15 guitarists and ukulele players meeting up.
Mr Dykes said: “Before lockdown we had really started to build up with the numbers coming to the sessions. Although we kept going on Zoom it was a bit difficult because of the time lag, but it’s just brilliant to be back together again.”
Mr Tinkler said: “Zoom was alright and it was good fun, but it is really great to get people back together again in person. Sometimes we play individually and sometimes we bring music along so everyone can join in.”