INSTRUMENTAL folk sextet Pons Aelius make their first appearance in Cumbria of 2018 when they play live at the Florence Arts Centre, this February.

The award-winning young band arrive at the Egremont venue on Saturday 10, playing material from their recent debut album, Captain Glen’s Comfort.

After forming in mid-2014, Pons Aelius wasted no time making a name for themselves on the live circuit, winning a prestigious Danny Kyle award at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival. Since, they have stunned audiences with headline sets at Hexham Gathering, Sage Gateshead and Dentdale Music and Beer Festival, as well as making their first overseas trip to Norway’s Rauland Internasjonale Vinterfestival.

September's album showcases Pons Aelius' expansive sound and unique approach to the traditional music of Britain and beyond.

The result is a colossal sound-world, drawing influences from far and wide, yet managing to unite them under one roof.

The band’s double bass, guitar and bodhrán rhythm section provides a solid yet vibrant foundation for ambitious flute, whistle, bagpipe, mandolin and banjo lines.

Pons Aelius line up with Jordan Aikin (Highland bagpipes/whistle), Tom Kimber (mandolin/tenor banjo), Bevan Morris (double bass), Alasdair Paul (guitar/bouzouki), Sam Partridge (flute), and Callum Younger (bodhrán).

Regulars to Florence's live gigs might recognise Callum and Alasdair, two members of Birlinn Jiarg who performed at the venue in late 2016.

Pons Aelius appear at the Florence Arts Centre on Saturday February 10, at 7.30pm, and tickets are available from the venue's box office.