SOUNDS of the ukulele, mandolin and banjo are coming to Wyre Forest.

Folk-fusion band Dryftwood, which specialises in the string instruments, will be performing traditional folk songs and modern folk-rock in the village of Wilden this month (July).

The four-piece group from Stourport, which consists of Liz Smith on lead vocals, Geoff Booth and Kev Hastie on strings and Paul Danby on guitar and bass, will use the concert to raise funds for Kidderminster Foodbank and Wilden Church.

Liz Smith, who also plays bass and percussion in the band, said: “We are really looking forward to the show and it is a beautiful venue.

“We love performing together and we have so much fun on stage.

“Our original songs have been going down a storm recently and to hear people singing our own lyrics back to us has been amazing.”

She described Dryftwood’s sound as “purity in melodies and harmonies with enigmatic, foot-tapping rhythms resulting in a modern take on traditional folk tunes and a refreshing blend of modern folk-rock”.

The use of little-known string instruments including the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, which originates from eastern parts of the United States of America, also allows the band to “create a big, full sound” according to the lead vocalist.

Dryftwood has performed at several festivals and venues throughout the region including the Worcester County Cricket Club ground, Worcester Guildhall, the Royal Horticultural Society show at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern, the Bewdley and Abberley beer festivals and Earthfest at The Fold in Bransford.

The band will also headline the folk stage at the Worcester Music Festival this summer and hopes to release its first album of original songs in line with the event.

The upcoming concert, which will feature support from percussive guitarist Matt Roberts, will take place at Wilden Church in Stourport on Saturday, July 19 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 and can be purchased by calling the band on 01299 824525 or 01299 827836.