ELIZA Carthy will be leading the celebrations of the Waterson Family's music as part of the Uproot exploration of Hull's folk music traditions at Hull Truck Theatre tonight and tomorrow.

First up, this evening, the Robin Hood's Bay singer, fiddle player and daughter of Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson will perform with the Arms Wide Orchestra in an "contemporary alternative folk" concert. "This is my project inspired by The Watersons' legacy, taking The Watersons' material, traditional folk music and new material and playing it in an orchestral setting," says Eliza, whose family are synonymous with folk music in Hull.

"The thing is that traditional music is what it is. It exists in paper form, it exists in its performed form, but though I play fiddle and acoustic guitar, I think the idea that folk music only needs to be played on acoustic instruments doesn't define folk music," says Eliza. "That's just the source of folk music.

"I like to play with people who come from a folk music background, whether it's Morris dancing or a rapper, but know it's important to always be pushing things."

Tomorrow will be "the family day" as the Uproot programme turns the spotlight on The First Family of Folk. "It will be opened by The Waterson Family, another line-up of 12 musicians like my group The Wayward Band, and we'll be doing mostly a cappella songs with various members of the family and special guests, singing Mike's songs, Norma's songs and Lal's songs," says Eliza.

The second half will be headlined by The Gift Band, alias Eliza and mother Norma, depending on Norma's wellbeing. "We're hoping my mum can do it, but she had to miss the Normafest concerts at Whitby in January," says Eliza.

"She has a dreadful time with her health, but her singing is something she looks forward to, but something that she sometimes fears too, but we always like to make sure the opportunity is there for her."

Eliza Carthy with the Arms Wide Orchestra play Hull Truck Theatre, tonight, 8pm, supported by Olivia Chaney

The First Family Of Folk, with The Waterson Family and The Gift Band, featuring Norma Waterson, Eliza Carthy, Martin Carthy, will be introduced by Kathryn Tickell, at Hull Truck Theatre, tomorrow, 7.30pm, sold out.

Both concerts are part of Uproot, Exploring Hull’s Rich Folk Music Traditions, broadcast on BBC Radio 3 tomorrow night.