Intimate gig featuring ‘a cosmic contemporary Fairport Convention’ set for Newton Abbot Museum.

Intimate gig featuring ‘a cosmic contemporary Fairport Convention’ set for Newton Abbot Museum. 

ENGLISH folk duo Harbottle and Jonas are set to perform an intimate gig in the atmospheric setting of Newton Abbot Museum.

The couple, referred to by The Guardian as ‘a cosmic contemporary Fairport Convention’ will play to an audience of fewer than 100 people with the limited available tickets expected to be in high demand.

The Devon-based pair of Dave Harbottle and Freya Jonas have received critical acclaim and chart success with their music which features concertina, harmonium, banjo, stomp box, acoustic guitar and cittern together with closely intertwined vocal harmonies.

They have wowed audiences at festivals across the UK including Sidmouth Folk, Manchester Folk, Between The Trees, Beardy Folk, Dartmoor Folk, Swanage Folk, New Forest Folk, Costa Del Folk, Isles Of Scilly, Dartington International Summer School, Gate To Southwell and Shrewsbury Folk.

BBC Radio 6 Music presenter and musician Tom Robinson describes the duo as ‘the legendary Harbottle and Jonas’.

The gig at Newton Abbot Museum on Monday June 29 will be held amid the Victorian splendour of the Grade II Listed former St Leonard’s Church, now transformed into a treasure trove of artefacts from the town’s rich cultural and commercial past.

Curator Joanna Eccles said: ‘We know from previous Music in the Museum performances that ours is a venue loved by both performers and the audience alike.

‘We are so far removed from being an anonymous public space, every song and musical expression is staged to the bewitching backdrop of our extensive and eclectic collection.

‘Our space is intimate, thought-provoking, serene and exciting all at the same time.

‘And, of course, the acoustics are amazing.’

Doors open for the June 29 performance at 6.30pm with Harbottle and Jonas taking to the stage at 7pm.

Standard tickets are available at £15, or £20 to include an interval drink.

The event is unlikely to generate a profit but any income after costs will help fund future performances and community events.

For ticket details visit www.museum-newtonabbot.org.uk.

Some tickets will also be available at the museum front desk and can be purchased during opening hours.

If tickets are sold out email groups@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk to be added to the waiting list.

Newton Abbot Museum is free to enter during regular opening hours and the service is funded by Newton Abbot Town Council.