The Isle of Man’s premier folk band Birlinn Jiarg are playing in West Cumbria tonight.

The four-piece outfit headline at the Florence Arts Centre, in Egremont, with support from local act D’ Bleedin’ Blaggards.

After recent gigs from the likes of Stooshie and Egremont’s own Frank Bowe, the Florence folk nights continue with a welcome appearance by this renowned live band.

Birlinn Jiarg are touring the UK with songs for their debut album, Seamount, which is due for release in November. With a traditional Manx heritage, blending influences from Irish, Scottish and Manx folk with contemporary songwriting, Birlinn Jiarg are unexpectedly different.

The group were initially brought together by multi-instrumentalist Beccy Hurst to perform the traditional Manx music she grew up with, as well as her own compositions. They have matured to create their own sound at the centre of which is the combination of Beccy’s whistle and concertina playing and the clarinet and flute of Freya Rae, from the Tom Kitching Band.

The unusual combination of low whistle and clarinet sets Birlinn Jiarg’s sound apart from more traditional line-ups.

Having performed in a duo with Beccy for a few years, Scottish guitarist and bouzouki player Alasdair Paul was a natural choice to join the band, and completing the quartet’s line-up is bodhránist Callum Younger.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are available from the ticket office.