The Beaufort Hotel, Burscough, near Ormskirk, Lancs is where jazz guitar enthusiasts from all over the region gather on the first Monday evening of each month. 

It’s an open-mic night, with all-comers welcome to turn up with a guitar* and take the stage before an appreciative audience of like-minded fans.

The evening starts soon after eight, and runs on to a reluctant close around midnight.

Organised by John McMahon, these evenings can be unpredictable – there’s no “programme” – but they are always inspirational, with memorable performances from many musicians prominent on the North West jazz scene, as well as from highly-encouraged amateur players.

The atmosphere is warm and friendly so, if you are a jazz guitar aficionado, “The Beaufort” is where you belong, every first Monday of every month.

* Other instruments are very welcome too, it's just that most of us are guitar nuts.