FOLK lovers may have to wait until the end of June for their total Leigh Folk festival fix, but this year the organisers have cooked up something special to whet appetites.

This bank holiday sees celebrated folk group the Unthanks take to the stage for a one-off fundraising gig in aid of the festival.

Organiser Paul Collier says: “Ever since the band’s memorable and stunning performance at the 2008 festival, then as Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, festival organisers have been eagerly seeking an opportunity to invite the band back to Leigh.”

The fundraiser is part of a short UK tour squeezed between dates in Europe and North America, and ahead of the summer festival season for the Unthanks, who began life back in 2004, led by sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank.

Then called Rachel Unthank and the Winterset it was an odd choice of name, as Becky Unthank took equal lead vocal duties.

Their debut album Cruel Sister was a huge success.

Bob Harris tipped the album for Folk Album of the Year, Mojo Magazine gave it four stars and then made it their Folk Album of the Year, while broadcaster and Leigh resident Phill Jupitus said: “One day all music will sound like this.”

Cruel Sister was followed up with greater success in 2007 when the Bairns came close to winning the Mercury Music prize.

Following on from their nomination, the Northumberland based outfit are now resplendent with a name tweak, a revised five piece line-up and a third album, Here’s The Tender Coming.

They will be performing at Wesley Methodist Church, Elm Road, Leigh on Monday at 7.30pm.

Paul says: “The beautiful, galleried, Victorian setting of Wesley Methodist Church will be an ideal space to experience their music and will surely make for an unforgettable evening.” Support will be from acclaimed singer and composer Hannah Peel, who has recently been recording with Nitin Sawhney and Tunng.

Leigh Folk Festival, from June 24 to June 27, will, as usual, involve a huge array of musical talent, as well as dance displays, ceilidhs, workshops and children’s events.

Paul says: “The event is now recognised as the largest free folk festival in the country. This fundraising concert will be vital in helping to finance this popular local institution.”

Tickets for the concert are £12 in advance and are available from www.

leighfolkfestival.com They will also be available on the night priced at £15.

For further information, call Tony Prior 01702 715111.