A POPULAR folk night is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Organised by Jacko Hooper, the monthly event called Folklore celebrates talent from Brighton and beyond.

It was first held at its long-time venue, the White Rabbit in the North Laine, in the summer of 2014.

Since then, the Kensington Gardens pub has played host to more than 100 artists, performing folk, Americana, indie, soul.

Now, five years after the first performance, artists from across the years – plus a secret mystery guest – will be back for its fifth anniversary.

Mr Hooper, 27, said: “I’m really excited for our birthday party this year. It feels in a lot of ways that the last five years have been building up to this point and the line-up we have for it is something special.

“It’s going to be a great night for the Brighton music scene and the community we’ve built.”

Since its inception, little-known artists have been performing at the folk night.

Many, such as Bess Atwell and Chloe Foy, have gone on to enjoy commercial success.

The event started – as most good ideas do – over a pint of beer.

Mr Hooper said he was drinking at the White Rabbit when he was asked if he wanted to put on a night celebrating folk music.

Held on a September evening in the back corner of the pub, it was an instant hit with the crowd.

And after the success of the first, Mr Hooper was asked to put on more shows.

Over the years, the event has even sprouted a record label, Folklore Sessions, which distributes tracks from regular performers at the night.

Its first record, Folklore Volume 1, was released in June last year.

Mr Hooper said: “I didn’t expect it to be what it is – it started as a one-off gig.

“In some ways it gets easier by virtue of how long we’ve been running it, but it does get busier.

“The busier it is, the more stressful it is, the more I enjoy it.”

The anniversary will be held on October 15, with artists from across the years – including Mr Hooper himself –playing for the crowds.

There will also be a secret special guest, who The Argus understands is a well-known performer, performing their hits to the crowd.

Entry to the event, which starts at 8pm is free, but you might need to get there early to reserve a decent seat.