A leading English folk duo appeared in the island earlier this month for a sold-out show, and left promising to return as soon as they could.

Saturday, March 14 saw the first performance in the island by folk and roots duo the Edgelarks.

Featuring the multi-instrumentalists Hannah Martin and Philip Henry, who between them play various combinations of the guitar, banjo, harmonica, dobros, tenor guitar, violin, viola, shruti box, slide guitar, along with percussive stomp box and beat box harmonica, they played two sets at the Laxey Institute, performing songs from their latest CD ’Feathers’.

The concert promoter, John Barker, said that the standard of the musicianship was astounding and varied from gentle slide guitar to a harmonica solo featuring beat boxing and train impersonations.

’The audience were captivated and begged them to return,’ said John.

’The playing was match by the intelligence of the songwriting with Hannah’s soulful voice.

’Sadly the rest of their tour in the UK has had to be cancelled and they are effectively, like many artists and self-employed, temporarily unemployed.

’They are now promoting their albums and offering instrument teaching over Skype. Take a look at their Facebook page for details,’ he added.

’They loved exploring the island though and assure us they will be back in happier times, so let’s hold onto that thought.’