It started as a one-off gig organised by a folk music devotee, and is still going strong a decade on. As Folk in the Barn celebrates its 10th anniversary, Kathryn Tye spoke to its founder Debs Earl.

Mum-of-two Debs Earl had no idea what was in store when she came up with the idea of the first Folk in the Barn gig.

She said: “I was a fan of a particular duo, Show of Hands, and was really disappointed that they had missed out Kent on two of their tours. When I did get to see them play, I got the chance to talk to them, and asked why they hadn’t come down.

“They explained they hadn’t got a venue or promoter, so I said I would do it. I had the idea of staging it at Kingston Barn as my son Harvey, who is now 21, went to playgroup there and it is an atmospheric venue.

“I ended up dragging all my friends along, and it was a real success. Then there was another band I liked so I arranged for them to play at the barn, and everything grew from there.”

In 2003 Debs organised just two gigs, but the number has grown every year and in 2012 she organised 25, which have now expanded into different venues across the region, including Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, St Mary’s Arts Centre in Sandwich, and Folkestone’s Tower Theatre.

A particularly successful addition to the venues has been the Black Robin pub at Kingston.

She said: “The pub had been closed on Sunday nights, and they agreed to open up and let us hold a series of winter concerts there. Customers booked a meal as well as buying tickets to the gig, and they pretty much all sold out. It is a lovely intimate venue, with a roaring log fire, and the pub were thrilled to bits to have a full restaurant.”

Debs, 49, who lives in Barham, now works full-time as a promoter for Folk in the Barn, with the help of trusty volunteers Lynette Underwood and Mick O’Rourke, who have been with her since she started.

The illustrious list of performers include 18-year-old Canterbury singer-songwriter Luke Jackson, who launched his career playing at Folk in the Barn, and has now been signed to a label and was nominated for two categories in this year’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Debs said: “I thought it would be a one-off, but people love it. I think the key to its success is that the standard of artists has been extremely high, and while you previously had to go London to see them, now you can see them perform in the local area. ”

To celebrate a decade of Folk in the Barn, a 10th anniversary party will take place at the Kingston Barn on Saturday, April 6.

It will feature a host of musicians including Luke Jackson, Brendan Power and Alister Atkin, along with a buffet and bar.

The show will start at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10. It had sold out as What’s Out went to press but returns may be available. Call 01227 831493.