ENGLISH folk queen Kate Rusby is taking her popular and joyful Christmas tour to Harrogate International Centre.

She will be at the venue on December 19 to perform songs from her highly acclaimed two Christmas albums.

Kate is touring with her band of multi-talented musicians Damien O’Kane, Duncan Lyall, Aaron Jones and Nick Cooke.

As in previous years’ Christmas tours by Kate, the show will feature the “magical and heart warming” sound of a top-flight brass quintet.

Kate was recently awarded a Gold Badge Award from BASCA, sponsored by the Musicians Union, for her song writing in recognition of services to the industry.

The Daily Telegraph has praised her for her exquisite performances of traditional material with a heartbreakingly tremulous voice and bawdy Yorkshire wit.

The Christmas performance showcases the carols and songs that Kate learned while growing up in her native South Yorkshire.

There will be new variations of familiar carols mostly unheard outside the area together with a selection of much-loved favourites from Kate’s 20-year back catalogue, along with tracks from her new album Ghost.

Kate Rusby is regarded as defining voice of contemporary English folk music, with exquisite interpretations of traditional songs and finely wrought self-penned tunes that have won her an audience reaching beyond the folk world.

A spokesman said: “This is a rare achievement for a folk artist but entirely understandable given Rusby’s expressive vocals that invest whatever she sings with irresistible emotional depth.”

Kate performed her Christmas show at St George’s Hall in Bradford last week.

Visit harrogatetheatre.co.uk or call 01423 502116 to book tickets.