Judging by the news, some people are expecting the end of civilisation as we know it next year.

But at Hebden Bridge Trades Club they are preparing for a busy and varied January and February, with 28 acts booked to appear at the Holme Street venue.

These include on January 9, Bradford’s Mik Artistik – part comedian, singer, painter and performance artist – supported by Nice Sharp Pencils, a two-piece consisting of Ben Adey and Chris Smith on oil drums, belting out intense rhythms and powerful riffs.

When Mik was last at the Trades Club, reportedly in front of an “inert audience”, he created the following impression on the reviewer: “Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip is a trio of guitar, bass behind Mik’s muscular delivery of poems and songs which even when not intense can still come at you like the audio equivalent of a fierce stare.

“As you get to know them, and unease is a small part of the entertainment, you still fall for the creepy insights into the ways of displaced betting shop pens or the unappreciated advantage of having a window cleaner rather than a killer outside your door…and you’ll enjoy feeling just the same as you always did about Jimmy Savile.”

Sounds like good wholesome family fun.

Other highlights include Steve Tilson’s Trade Roots with the legendary Robin Williamson, on February 12.

Williamson was founder of The Incredible String Band (remember If I Was A Witch’s Hat?) and the Merry Band. He has the reputation of being a key figure in the revival of story-telling in Europe and America. He also plays a multitude of instruments and sings.

On February 19, Roger Davies, ‘the voice of Huddersfield’, brings his acoustic folk songs and tales of everyday life in West Yorkshire to the club. The support act, Midnight Special, is a trio of musicians who play folk, jazz, blues, swing and rockability.

With more than 200 concerts all over the UK in their first 18 months, Blackheart are rated among the rising stars of the new acoustic generation. They’ve shared stages with Nanci Griffith, Ricky Scaggs, Martin Carthy, George Jones, Brian Kennedy and The Strawbs. Blackheart are in town on February 26.

The last night of the month is devoted to Cabaret Heaven. Top of the bill is comic poet/performer John Hegley who will be presenting his extended show Beyond The Kennel. As well as comic support, there will be the dance show band Las Vegas and the International Playboys Of Rhythm, plus DJs Peggy, Bernard and Dave.

For tickets for any of the above ring (01422) 845265.