THE award winning Oysterband are coming to Salisbury following the release of their latest album Diamonds on the Water.

The English folk band will be at the City Hall on Sunday at 8pm and will play from their new collection – their first release of original music for seven years.

These are the first Oysterband recordings since the departure of Ray “Chopper” Cooper to pursue a solo career.

Al Scott, the band’s long-time producer, has stepped in on bass and mandolin and according to singer John Jones the sound is punchier than the band’s early days. He said: “The song-writing has certainly begun to flow. We’re searching as usual for uplift in the melodies and insight in the words and there’s maybe an element of the autobiographical this time round. The writing has had the effect of throwing Alan, Ian and myself back together again as the main creative focus of the group.

“It is not an easy thing when, after so many years, the cushioning and supportive mortar of Chopper and June is taken away.

It has a wonderful sound and this choir of varied voices has become an essential part of the album.”

Tickets on 01722 434434 or from cityhallsalisbury.co.uk