There are quite a few around the Lake District. People turn up to read their poems and short stories and there are often some professional or semi-professional performers who add a bit of class. The Mortal Man Inn and Brewery Arts Centre have regular events, drawing decent turnouts.
But more places have music evenings. They are often held in pubs and bars, such as the fantastic Hawkshead Brewery. In The Beer Hall, they have live music every Sunday.
Apart from one regular musician (the wonderful Fiona), everyone just drops in. It's a nice mixture of guitars, vocals and dancing. Banging on the tables and jigging around.
And this is where it differs to spoken-word events - anyone can join in. Sadly, some poetry evenings can feel just a little exclusive. But singing and dancing works for everyone.