ACCLAIMED British folk duo O’Hooley & Tidow will open the seasonal programme of St Mary’s Creative Space on Sunday December 2.

Events at the popular Chester venue, which is known for hosting a variety of cultural offerings, will get off to a suitably festive start this weekend with the ‘WinterFolk’ show, performed by the Best Duo finalists in 2018’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Described variously as ‘Formidably brilliant’ (The Independent) and ‘Brave, beautiful and full of love’ (Martin Simpson), this isn’t the first time Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow have played the Chester venue.

“One of our first WinterFolk concerts was at St Mary’s Creative Space last year,” said Belinda. “The people of Chester have embraced our music and the feedback we get from the audience is so warm and positive."

The organisation behind the show, SoundBox is a non-commercial promoter and curator of acoustic and roots events in Chester. Professional guests, such as Jim Moray, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner, Luke Jackson, Gilmore & Roberts have all headlined the concerts and there are also events featuring many of the region’s up and coming musicians who feature in SoundBox Showcases or come together to support fundraisers, such as the SoundBox annual ‘Beatles Benefit’ which supports dementia charities, Mind and West Cheshire Foodbank.

All income goes towards artistes’ fees and venue hire costs.

"SoundBox are a great team, working tirelessly to bring great music to Chester," added Belinda. "And the beer is locally sourced! Personally, I can’t think of a better night out, especially within the beautiful setting and acoustics of St Mary’s."

O’Hooley & Tidow play Chester's St Mary's Creative Space on Sunday, December 2. Doors 7pm. Tickets: £14 advance from www.wegottickets.com/event/430726 or £16 on the door.