As the formidable frontman of folk roots legends Show of Hands Steve has steered the band through 30 years of wall-to-wall touring and six Royal Albert Hall sell-outs, landing three BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards along the way (Best Live Act, Best Duo and the coveted Best Original Song gong for his biting attack on the banking ‘suits’ – Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed.

Applauded for the sheer diversity and impact of his songwriting Knightley’s tenure with Show of Hands brought about such classics as The Galway Farmer (often mistaken for a song from the folk tradition) and the BBC award-nominated Country Life and Roots with their cogent, unflinching lyrics.

Now with his well-loved partnership with multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer parked for ‘an indefinite break’ Devon-based Knightley has relished the chance to record his first solo studio album in 17 years – The Winter Yards, with an extensive UK tour to follow, including a date with Folk in the Barn in Canterbury.