Kate Rusby is the Yorkshire singer-songwriter dubbed the Barnsley Nightingale. Part of a rejuvenated British folk scene that has also brought the likes of Seth Lakeman and Cara Dillon to the world’s attention, Rusby has eight albums and a string of awards and nominations behind her.

She returns to Brighton on Friday, December 4, for her Christmas Kate concert at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Church Street. It will see her close a set of her own songs with a Christmas finale of village carols – mass pub singalongs of seasonal fare. Call 01273 709709 for tickets.

Is there a performer who made you think “I want to do that?”

Yes there is. In fact, there are two – Dave Burland and Nic Jones. I was sat watching Dave play at Barnsley Folk Festival many moons ago, and thought, “Wow. How cool is that?”. I never got to see Nic play live, but I used to listen to his records all the time and I never leave home without one of his CDs.

Do you remember the first record you bought?

Oh my word, it was Bon Jovi 7800 Fahrenheit (laughs).

I bought it in Casa Disco in Barnsley, which has long since closed, but it was a great little shop. I used to go in every Saturday and put a bit more money down on it until I had paid enough for it to be mine, all mine.

Tell us about any guilty pleasures lurking in your CD or film collections – something you know is a bit naff but you can’t help yourself.

Well, it’s not my Bon Jovi record because I lost that along the way. I do have a Daniel Bedingfield CD, and I don’t care what anyone says, that boy can sing like billio.

Do you have a favourite film?

That would have to be Forrest Gump. It makes me laugh and cry my heart out all at the same time, and Tom Hanks is fantastic in it. My second favourite is Shawshank Redemption.

I’m a Morgan Freeman fan, so that makes it even better.

Which TV programme couldn’t you live without?

Oooh, there’s just too many to mention! Coronation Street, House, Grey’s Anatomy, Heroes, Brothers And Sisters and Doc Martin to name but a few.

What are you reading at the moment?

I have just had a baby girl, so not much at the moment. Even Heat magazine takes about two weeks to read. I do usually have a book on the go though – it's an essential touring item.

Do you have a favourite book?

The Hobbit. When we were young, The Hobbit was a bedtime story, and we had a little instalment every day until it was finished. I can remember actually wanting to go to bed, just to hear what happened next. I still love the book, even though I’ve read it a hundred times.

Is there a song you always come back to?

Live In A Hiding Place by Idlewild. It’s very, very beautiful and provides just that – a hiding place.

Do you have a favourite album?

Nic Jones’s Penguin Eggs. Even though it was recorded 25 years ago or more, it’s one of those rare records that is timeless. He had an amazing way of delivering a song – just like he’s sat talking to you about something – and he was an incredible guitar player.

Your Christmas show taps into a tradition of village carols – is the audience actively encouraged to sing along? Do you think people are a bit more reticent in the South to join in?

We do encourage people to join in, but don’t beat them into it. The carols are so happy and singable, they are quite hard to resist (laughs). The last time we did the Christmas gig in Brighton, people were singing their heads off and we enjoyed that gig the most out of the whole tour, so hopefully it’ll be a similar experience.

Did your musical upbringing give you a grounding in these songs?

Oh yes. My parents took us to the carol sessions from when we were quite young so we were absorbing them along with our pop and crisps. But there has always been music in our house as both my parents sing and play, so we were learning songs as soon as we could talk really. Having said that, I don’t think that gives me an advantage for liking the songs more than someone else, they are pretty accessible to all.

Are there plans afoot for a new record? And if so, what kind of direction is it taking?

I was going to get an album done before my wee girl arrived, but one thing led to another and it didn’t get done. Al the songs are sat waiting for me to dive into the studio when I can, though. I am really looking forward to getting stuck into it. And as for direction, I never really know till I get in there and get immersed in it – it could end up being all Bon Jovi covers... probably not though!