ONE of the UK’s most respected singer/songwriters will team up with her oldest friend to share her latest album, Dark Matter, this weekend (October 19 and 20).

Multi-award winner Charlie Dore teams up with Julian Littman of Steeleye Span to provide audiences in Corsham and Bradford on Avon with two evenings of eclectic, contemporary folk.

Charlie, 62, promises another fast-moving show as the pair swap guitars, mandolin, harmonium, ukulele, piano and autoharp, on stage at The Pound in Corsham tonight (Friday) and St Margaret’s Hall in Bradford on Avon tomorrow (Saturday).

She said: “Julian is my closest and oldest friend.

“We first met at drama school in London at the age of 16 and I call him my honorary brother.”

There’s a Wiltshire twist to both these events as three local choirs from Bradford on Avon, Corsham and Hullavington, run by Chris and Lisa Samuel, join vocal forces as the Wiltshire Wailers to sing their own songs and provide harmonious backing vocals for some of Charlie’s songs.

The choirs were formed over 10 years ago and celebrated their anniversary in 2017 with a concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, where around 120 singers performed together, so prepare for some wonderful sound.

They have worked with Charlie three times before - the last time about three years ago.

Chris said: “Our singers love to feel part of a professional act. We normally do a 20-minute support set and then join Charlie at the end of her performance to do some backing vocals on the last few songs.

“Backing vocals add a new dimension to the choir’s singing experience, it’s not something they get the chance to do on a week-by-week basis.

“Charlie’s experience of working with choirs across the country means that she’s great to perform with.

“It’s almost like watching a double-act between artist and conductor.”

As well as performing new songs from Dark Matter, Charlie and Julian will dip into favourites from her past six albums, including Milk Roulette, Cheapskate Lullabyes, The Hola Valley, Cuckoo Hill and Sleep All Day and other stories.

They may also share original acoustic versions of hits Charlie has written for other stars, including Celine Dion, Tina Turner, George Harrison and Jimmy Nail.

And there’s always a possibility of a new angle on her own worldwide hit, Pilot of the Airwaves - still a national radio favourite.

The two concerts both start at 7.30pm. Tickets are still available at £14 each on 01249 701628.