This ain't Texas, it's Hull

A country music night in Hull is attracting new audiences thanks to artists such as Beyoncé embracing the genre.

Organisers said weekly attendance had doubled since moving to The Willows Club in Holderness Road.

Becky Sainty, a country singer, said: "People think it's all about depression and dogs dying. It's not - it's just feel-good music."

Maisie McInnes, 29, who line dances at the venue said: "It's amazing being able to go to a social like this and not worry about leaving your drink. Everyone looks after each other."

Citing the work of American singer-songwriters Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, Ms McInnes said their music was instrumental in attracting younger audiences to the country music scene.

In March, Beyoncé released a country album, Cowboy Carter, and had a UK hit with the country-themed Texas Hold 'Em.

Ms McInnes described herself as a "Beyoncé girl through and through".

She attends the club with Jordan Probbitts, 26, who describes herself a "country music-lover".

Both women said the clientele is "friendly and inclusive".

Ms McInnes explained: "No matter what age you are you can get on the floor and dance."

They feel safer at the venue than on "other nights out", said Ms McInnes.

"You couldn't go to a normal club and just get up, leave your drinks on the table and be on the dance floor. I found that so weird when I first started," she said.

"Everyone looks out for each other."

Frank Langcaster, 77, has been line dancing for 25 years since his wife Angie, 71, first "dragged him along" in the Nineties.

He said: "I didn't think I'd ever be able to do it but, once I got into it, it was fun. It keeps you healthy and it keeps you young."

Mr Langcaster described Wednesday evenings at the Willows Club as a "family environment" they have tried to "cultivate" over the years.

Ms Langcaster said country music was not solely about dancing and music, but an attitude to life.

She said: "It's where anything and everything goes and we look out for each other."

Regarding the rise in country music-related fashion, Ms Langcaster said: "It's been very good for us. I no longer feel like an idiot in my cowboy hat."

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