BEST DUO WINNERS TO VISIT BICKERTON ON SATURDAY 8th JUNE

After a full house for Merry Hell at the Barbour ten days ago, there's another chance to hear a top folk group – in Bickerton Village Hall on Saturday 8th June. After exploding onto the national folk roots scene a few years ago the duo, Ninebarrow, will be performing in Bickerton as part of their extensive national tour this summer.

In a few short years, the Dorset-based duo have carved themselves a distinctive niche on the folk roots scene for their outstanding harmonies, delicate instrumentation and engaging songs. In 2017, they were nominated at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in the 'Horizon' category for 'Best Emerging Artist'. It was made even more exceptional because it was only a few months prior to this that Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere relinquished their jobs as a teacher and GP in favour of a full-time music career – an act of faith that has clearly paid dividends.Since then, the duo have continued their upwards trajectory, graduating to more senior award categories, most recently picking up 'Best Duo' in the 2019 Folking.com awards.

Named after Nine Barrow Down in the Purbeck hills, the duo have released three critically acclaimed albums with their most recent, The Waters and The Wild', receiving five-star reviews in the Morning Star and EDS Magazine.

The 11-track record, which was released in 2018, highlights how their inspired songwriting is ever evolving and displays the duo's incredible vocal harmonies through original songs mixed with innovative arrangements of folk standards, all wrapped in lush, sensitive arrangements and flawless musicianship. The album has been described by folk luminary, Mike Harding, as 'absolutely monumental'. In June 2018, the album also reached Number 2 in Amazon's Folk Best-Seller chart and, at the end of last year, was crowned 'Best Album of 2018' by Nova FM.

It is the multi-award-winning duo's modern and inventive take on the folk tradition that seems to be captivating audiences across the country. Not only exceptional singers and musicians, they are also equally passionate about the stories behind their songs. Ninebarrow have also received high praise from folk legends, Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby, who have both been supported by the duo. A live session on BBC Radio 2's Folk Show, described by presenter Mark Radcliffe as 'immaculate', has lead to a string of sell-out shows across the UK.

Saturday night's concert starts at 7:45pm (with doors at 7pm) and tickets, £12, are available from Nigel Briers on 01829 720440 or nigelbriers@btinternet.com.