Award-winning folk duo Show of Hands will be joined by 40 special guests when they headline the closing night of the 2019 St Ives September Festival.

Steve Knightley and Phil Beer - the September Festival patrons - have announced that The Lost Sound Dartmoor Folk Choir will join them at the town's Guildhall on Saturday, January 28.

"The best choir in the region," is the uniquivocal tribute from Phil Beer.

"Melding two powerful British traditions, they are re-imagining old tunes with the strength of 40 natural, unaccompanied voices, with stunning choir arrangements," said Show of Hands, who chose the choir to support them at their 25th anniversary performance at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Sandra Smith, director of The Lost Sound, said: "We are over the moon at supporting Show Of Hands at St Ives! It's a fabulous festival, in a fabulous place and we're allowed to sing there, what's not to love?

"SOH are great to work with, always supportive of us and great fun! We will be singing our own set and then joining Steve and Phil on stage for some songs too. We are really looking forward to it."

Tickets for Show of Hands, who have sold out the Royal Albert Hall four times, are already selling well and they are looking forward to another full house at The Guildhall two years after their last appearrance there together.

After more than two decades of international touring, 25 album releases, two Honorary Doctorates, three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, in addition to their four Royal Albert Hall sell-outs, they are looking forward to their return to St Ives.

Steve Knightley, who performed his one-man show at last year's Festival, said: "Once again we are delighted to be appearing at this years Festival.

"When we began touring years ago St Ives was always on our wish list of must-play events - to come downin September, join in the sessions in Norway Square and soak up the late summer atmosphere of a classic English seaside town is a great way extending the summer and seeing the Autumn in.

"This year our show will be featuring the wonderful voices of Dartmoor’s Lost Sound Choir and we look forward to seeing you all at The Guildhall and throughout the town."

Show of Hands round off a two-week music programme which also includes Scottish folk legend Dougie MacLean, iconic Irish band Dervish, Sam Kelly and The Lost Boys, Kit Hawes and Aaron Catlow, Katie Kirk and Rick Williams, John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett, Geoff Lakeman and the return of madcap duo John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett, with more to be announced.

Further festival information at www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk