TWO of folk music's most highly regarded and celebrated musicians join forces for a live performance in Cumbria this month.

John McCusker and Heidi Talbot perform in the region for the first time as a duo when they head to Threlkeld Village Hall on Saturday June 30.

This year sees the pair celebrate their 10th as musical partners with a new EP released in November on Under One Sky Records and an extensive UK and European tour.

John has produced Heidi's last three albums, and they have both toured all over the globe in each other’s live bands, but this will be the first time the pair collaborate exclusively as a duo.

Between them they have shared the stage with, among others, Paul Weller, Mark Knopfler, Alison Krauss, James Taylor, Teenage Fanclub, Graham Coxon, Eddi Reader, King Creosote, Tim O'Brien and Jerry Douglas.

John has long been renowned for his skill at transcending musical boundaries: striving to keep his music fresh and exciting, never leaving the past behind but always embracing new sonic adventures.

Since 2008, he has been a member of Mark Knopfler's band, playing arenas around the world including a double bill with Bob Dylan at The Hollywood Bowl and 20 nights at the Royal Albert Hall. John was awarded the coveted BBC Radio 2 Musician of the Year in 2003 and also The Spirit of Scotland Award for music in 1999 and again in 2009. John also received the Good Tradition Award in 2016 and performed with his band at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards at The Royal Albert Hall.

Over the past 10 years, Heidi has performed both as a solo artist and with the world famous group Cherish The Ladies all over North and South America, the UK and Europe, Australia and New Zealand performing in the finest concert halls and international festivals.

She is equally at home in front of a symphony orchestra, a performing arts centre, a folk festival or even at the White House.

Heidi has been nominated for Folk Singer of the year and Best Traditional Song by BBC Radio 2, Best Live Act by the Scottish Traditional Music Awards and Best Female Vocalist at The Irish Music Awards.

McCusker and Talbot perform live at Threlkeld Village Hall on Saturday June 30, from 8pm, and tickets are available via www.threlkeldvillagehall.org