FURNESS Tradition's next event promises to be yet another terrific and tuneful night for fans of contemporary Cumbrian roots music. Three of the county's finest are in the line up for FT's first gig of 2019 staged at Ulverston's Coronation Hall, on Friday, February 15 (7.30pm).

On the bill are the Wierdstring Band. Drawing on the lesser-remarked-upon aspects of Cumbrian life, they sing about anything from love and time travel to the ancient art of worm charming. They sing of fell walking and occasionally fall over. They are equally at home calling a ceilidh, rocking the main stage or playing to whoever else they find sat around a fire. Having honed their idiosyncratic craft on the festival stages and acoustic spaces of Great Britain and beyond, the Wierdstring Band serve up what's described as a "steaming broth" which combines original songs and tunes, hilarious reimaginings of time-worn classics and dances from all corners of civilisation, all guaranteed to make you smile. They have appeared onstage at festivals, including the best of the best, Glastonbury, rocking, reeling and rolling audiences with their unmistakeable sound.

The Furness Tradition gig also features Mike Willoughby’s power trio Raving Rock. Their urgent, anthemic songs take on Cumbrian cultural roots, ecological concerns and personal soul-searching. They draw on their rich musical lineage, from 1980s folk roots pioneers Strange Folk through to current ceilidh legends Striding Edge. They offer up a new music steeped in folk and yet possessing a socially relevant, contemporary edge. Mike Willoughby’s articulate vocals are complemented by his jangling bouzouki and infectious melodies from his melodeon and harmonica. Rick Middleton’s double bass and guitar and Sam King Middleton’s jembe, bodhran and kick-drum create bold and intricate grooves. All three voices combine on rousing choruses.

Completing the February 15 bill are Stooshie, a four-piece band based in the north lakes. Their sweet melodies and raucous reels blend traditional and self-penned fiddle tunes with bass and percussion creating a sound that move you from the warm and melancholic - reflecting their love of the Cumbrian sea and the hills - to a jigging frenzy that’ll make you want to dance all night.

Tickets on 01229-587140.