ONE of the 'most exciting' folk duos to emerge in the UK in recent times is heading to a Northwich museum to kick off the autumn season of its live music sessions.

Kit Hawes and Aaron Catlow are the first artists performing in the Salt Work Sessions on October 28.

Held at the Lion Salt Works, the sessions have been running for five years, giving audiences a chance to see nationally acclaimed live musicians at a unique and intimate venue.

Using British Isles folk music, Kit and Aaron create 'dynamic and effervescent' interpretations of centuries-old material as well as performing original songs and compositions.

Cheshire West and Chester councillor Lisa Denson, the cabinet member for a fairer future, said: “Cheshire residents and those from further afield are so lucky to have this calibre of artist playing live in such an iconic venue.

"The ticket price is maintained as low as possible to keep the sessions accessible and it’s great to hear that the reputation of the sessions is beginning to draw an increasing number of younger people.

Northwich Guardian: A previous Salt Works Sessions performanceA previous Salt Works Sessions performance (Image: Lion Salt Works)

"We have Bev Dutton, and her late husband Ian, to thank for these sessions after they approached the Lion Salt Works in 2018 with a passion for live music, establishing the sessions as affordable and accessible roots music at its very best.”

Following Kit and Aaron, the Salt Works welcomes Benji Kirkpatrick & The Excess on December 9.

Singer-songwriter and musician Benji has been performing solo for 25 years and is a key member of multiple award-winners Bellowhead, and acclaimed 'bloke folk' trio Faustus.

Joelle Barker and Pete Thomas - The Excess - both have diverse and impressive CVs, and together with Benji, produce a rhythmic alt roots sound, with beautiful emotional moments and a strong underlying power.

Northwich Guardian: The stage at the Lion Salt WorksThe stage at the Lion Salt Works (Image: Lion Salt Works)

Welsh singer-songwriter, and previous Salt Works Sessions guest, Martyn Joseph will return to Northwich on February 3 next year.

Other past guests include music legends Merry Hell, Martin Simpson, Sam Kelly & Jamie Francis, Edgelarks, Rod Clements and Martin Harley, while Bev works hard to include young and emerging artists, bringing performances by Luke Jackson and The Little Unsaid to the Salt Works.

The aim of the sessions is to promote a not-for-profit programme of quality acoustic roots music and raise the profile of a local heritage landmark at the same time.

Tickets for both the October and December sessions are £15 and available from the following links:

Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow - www.wegottickets.com/event/588754

Benji Kirkpatrick & The Excess - www.wegottickets.com/event/590695