Funky folk tunes, swashbuckling songs and an infectious stage energy, Blackbeard’s Tea Party mix fiddles and squeezeboxes, guitar noise and synth bass, and a feast of international percussion to bring you an unforgettable folk-rock extravaganza.

Grounded in English traditions, but flirting shamelessly with a plethora of exotic musical avenues, they create a sound that is equal parts tasty, dramatic and danceable.

Together since 2009, the band has quickly developed a reputation as one of the most formidable live acts on the circuit.

In the early days, before they knew it, they had sold out venues in their home town of York. Word spread rapidly, and the band began to play gigs further afield, including a number of festival bookings through 2010 and 2011, with many big festival highlights in 2012.

In the last two years they have played many of the major folk festivals in the UK: Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Beverley, Grassington, Warwick, Broadstairs and Sidmouth, as well as appearances at Whitby, Galtres and many more.

After the release of Heavens to Betsy (2009) the band’s distinct sound was picked up by Mike Harding, who played Blackbeard’s Tea Party on his weekly BBC Radio 2 folk show.

Following the release of Tomorrow We’ll Be Sober (2011), the six-piece folk-rock band are currently embarked upon their second UK tour in 2014.

This run of live dates coincides with the promotion of their second full-length album, the highly anticipated Whip Jamboree; which scampered up the Amazon mp3 Folk Charts for the duration of the band’s April tour.

Blackbeard’s Tea Party were recognised as one of the best live bands in the UK in the 2011 FATEA Awards.

They return to Telford’s Warehouse in Chester on Saturday, November 8. Fre entry before 9pm, £4 thereafter. Call 01244 390 090 or visit www.telfordswarehouse.com .