A FESTIVE feast of harps and guitar is going on a tour of rural Dorset next month.

Celtic Christmas Strings will also include a date in Martinstown on December 16.

Chris Newman and Máire Ní Chathasaigh present a spellbinding winter treat for Artsreach audiences right across the county.

Individually famed for originality, innovation and virtuosity on their retrospective instruments, together they have created one of the most distinctive voices in modern acoustic music and brought their unique musical vision to venues large and small in twenty-two different countries on five continents. Their many recordings express both the depth of their commitment to tradition, and an eternally playful, curious and adventurous spirit.

Their stunning Christmas show features a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites given a fresh voice with arrangements that are intricate, inventive, moving and beautiful, and performed in their characteristically heart-warming style.

Celtic Christmas Strings: A Festive Feast of Harp & Guitar is at Sandford Orcas (01963 220208) on December 14 , Hinton Martel (01258 840066) on December 15 and Martinstown (01305 889738) on December 16. Go to artsreach.co.uk for tickets and more information.