Scottish folk duo performing in Lichfield church

Award-winning composer and accordionist, Cunningham, and fiddle player, Bain, are playing Wade Street Church, in Lichfield, on March 14.

Having toured together since 1986 to packed concert halls all over the world, the duo recorded their first album, The Pearl, in 1994.

Since then they have released a Five and Twenty CD, to celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2016, as well as two ‘Best of’ collections.

During their illustrious careers, the pair have been named best duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and were nominated in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards for ’Live Act of the Year.

Bain was a founder member of the Boys of the Lough and his fiddle playing has found its way onto recordings by the likes of Eddi Reader and Richard Thompson.

He was aksi responsible for launching The Transatlantic Sessions TV series, in which both he and Cunningham continue to feature.

Cunningham has been named one of Scotland’s 25 most influential people and his mastery of the instrument led to him working with the likes of Mark Knopfler, James Taylor, Rosanne Cash and Midge Ure.

Arts festival spokesman Ben Macnair said: "Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham are two of the finest traditional musicians playing together.

"From heart-breaking delicate airs and ballads to foot-stomping reels, hoedowns and jigs, they will cover the full spectrum to be found in one of the most life affirming of musical forms.

"Together, they are simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear.

"We have already sold more than three quarters of the available tickets, so if anyone would like to see this duo within the intimate surroundings of Wade Street Church, we suggest buying them now to avoid disappointment."

To book tickets, call 01543 262223 or drop into the Lichfield Arts Box Office, Donegal House, Bore Street.

For further information about the arts festival, following Twitter feed @lichfieldarts, or search on Facebook and Instagram.