THE Furrow Collective, holders of folk music’s most prestigious award, play Selby Town Hall on Saturday with a line-up of Alasdair Roberts, Emily Portman, Lucy Farrell and Rachel Newton.

"We have one of the most coveted folk outfits in the country visiting here this weekend: The Furrow Collective, winners of the blue riband Best Group gong at the BBC Folk Awards last year, when one of their number, Rachel Newton, won Best Musician at the same ceremony," says Chris Jones, Selby Town Council's arts officer. "They have created some of the most achingly beautiful, delicate but quietly powerful folk music of recent years. It’s really very lovely stuff indeed. I’m definitely a fan!"

Roberts, Portman, Farrell and Newton are four top-notch soloists, with a mutual love of traditional song from both sides of the English and Scottish borders, who combine a playful, boundary-defying musicianship and an open, intuitive approach to collaboration.

Utilising voices, guitar, harp, viola, concertina, saw and banjo, each member takes turns to lead a song as they move from jaunty stories of ailing horses to poignant laments and sparsely adorned supernatural ballads with their beguiling musicianship.

Since releasing their debut album At Our Next Meeting in 2014, The Furrow Collective have been in demand as a touring band, gigging throughout Europe, as well as performing BBC live sessions. Their 2015 EP Blow Out The Moon was followed by their 2016 sophomore record, Wild Hog, leading to the 2017 BBC Folk Award that found them joining an esteemed list featuring the likes of Bellowhead, Oysterband and Lau.

"The Furrow Collective operate in the strongest folk traditions, yet at the same time create a gently thrilling contemporary sound," says Chris Jones. "The four members are all incredibly successful and decorated musicians in their own right, making this a rather exciting collaboration, both for fans of folk and those who just love great music of all genres."

Tickets for Saturday's 8pm gig cost £14 on 01757 708449 or at selbytownhall.co.uk or £16 on the door from 7.30pm.