Truly gifted human beings? Not my words but the words of Richard Hawley, and he’s not the only one to fall under the spell of Chris While and Julie Matthews, one of the UK’s best-loved folk duos. They’re playing Barnard Castle this October.

It’s true! There’s any amount of celebs who have paid homage to Chris While & Julie Matthews including the likes of James Taylor (“They light up the room with their amazing energy”) and Eddi Reader (“Chris While is the best singer in England”). And the pair – who bestride the folk/roots stages with aplomb – are now celebrating 30 years of their musical partnership with a new tour, which sees them visiting The Witham in Barnard Castle. Chris While (vocals, guitar, banjo, dulcimer, bodhran and percussion) and Julie Matthews (vocals, piano, guitar, mandolin and bouzouki) are true inspirations and continue to be a leading force on the UK’s well-regarded circuit. And – with their 12th studio album in the offing – they’re showing no signs of slowing. A UK institution and rightly so. GM

Chris While & Julie Matthews, Friday 25 October, The Witham, Barnard Castle, 7.30pm, £16-£18, thewitham.org.uk