FOLK HERO: Robin Williamson
FOLK HERO: Robin Williamson

INCREDIBLE String Band founder Robin Williamson is due to perform in Barnard Castle next month.

The band, which performed at Woodstock, gained a large following in the late 1960s and their album The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter reached number five in the charts.

Mr Williamson will present his evening of songs, stories and music at St Mary’s Parish Hall, on Friday, October 5.

The musician has a close association with Teesdale having returned many times to perform and had the cover for his album The Island of the Strong Door taken near Egglestone Abbey.

Mr Williamson quit the Incredible String Band and its psychedelic folk in 1974 and moved to Los Angeles to return to his acoustic roots.

He formed Robin Williamson and his Merry Band in 1975 and recorded four albums before disbanding in 1979.

He then began a solo career, taking up the Celtic harp as a main instrument and gaining a reputation as a bardic storyteller.

He returned to Britain in the 1980s.

Currently the musician tours with his wife Bina, playing intimate venues such as St Mary’s Hall.

Last year’s concert in St Mary’s Hall was attended by people from as far afield as Dublin, Austria and New York.

Tickets cost £12 and can be collected from No. 15 Cafe or Curlews bookshop or by telephone on 07549 602148.

Doors open 7.45pm for an 8pm start.