“Welcome to our first farewell tour!” Fiddle-singer Jon Boden and melodeon player John Spiers might be undertaking a ‘final’ lap of the country as a duo before focusing on their 11-piece band, Bellowhead, but the implication in Boden’s wry greeting was that audiences hadn’t seen the last of them yet.

They went on to show how key they are to the band’s sound. Surprisingly noisy for a duo – and fiendishly talented by anyone’s standards – the pair demonstrated a keen musical understanding, communicating in nods, glances and smiles.

Boden showed off an elaborate bowing technique on the sprightly Outlandish Knight, and impressed with a rather bleak solo number, accompanying himself on guitar.

A more energetic second half was kicked off by a lively set of tunes, concluding with the meandering, lovely Sportsman’s Hornpipe. Boden manfully played guitar through the hysterically gruesome Bold Sir Rylas despite a broken nail – though Spiers stole the scene by somehow playing melodeon and concertina simultaneously.

The duo worked through two encores with a series of tunes familiar to Bellowhead sets, reflecting their enthusiasm for that project.

For now at least, bigger stages beckon – but judging by the rapturous reception from the sold-out crowd, Spiers & Boden will always be welcome as a two-piece.