Opening with the energetic Rochdale Coconut Dance and beaming throughout the tune, it was clear folk duo John Spiers and Jon Boden were in Shoreham to have a good time.

The pair, who play squeezebox and fiddle respectively, are perhaps best known in the traditional music world for their membership of Bellowhead, an eleven-piece big band in which Boden also acts as lead singer.

But despite their "stripped-back" numbers, the duo still rocked the stage – and made plenty of noise. A subtle pedal set-up allowed Boden to help beef up a series of waltzes, jigs and hornpipes, while his partner was able to turn up the wick too, for example on a mighty version of sea shanty Haul Away.

It’s not surprising to learn the duo plan to celebrate their tenth "birthday" next year: their musical understanding and sensitivity is clear. Each allowed the other space to shine, and their rapport allowed for moments of inventive fizz.

Both demonstrated solo skills too – Spiers impressing with a breathy Welsh air, and Boden picking out moving original song Dancing In The Factory on his guitar.

The crowd were an active part of the show. The pair invited them to join in a choral singalong on Bold Sir Rylas – a song of ritual pig slaughter and human decapitation “from Swindon”. Their request was loudly accepted.

The night finished with raucous live favourites Prickle-Eye Bush and Captain Ward, before an encore featuring new Bellowhead recording New York Girls. The pair played furiously and mellifluously, earning themselves another recall to the stage, and a fully deserved ovation.