Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Dave Bainbridge is joining forces with Lord of the Dance vocalist Sally Minnear for an evening of spellbinding music in Darlington on the first day of July.

There’s special and then there’s extra special. This is the latter. David Bainbridge has won plaudits aplenty for his extensive back catalogue with his band Iona. Named after an island off Scotland’s western coast, the group was formed in the late 80s and renowned for their beguiling mix of jazz-fusion, prog-rock and ancient Celtic themes. For this tour, he and fellow multi-instrumentalist Sally Minnear will draw on Dave’s extensive back catalogue – both from Iona and his solo stuff – as well as the traditional Celtic material that both Dave and Sally love. They’ll also leave plenty of room for spontaneous improvisation – always amazing to see. Tied together with humorous introductions, with an impressive array of instruments on stage (including bouzouki and that all important cowbell), the pair have been wowing audiences since 2015 and with little wonder. GM

Dave Bainbridge & Sally Minnear, Tuesday 1 July, The Forum, Darlington, 7.30pm, £15, theforumonline.co.uk