“There’s something magical about the Lakes.”

That’s according to Cerys Matthews - the distinctively Welsh singer who will perform songs from her latest album Don’t Look Down at Forum 28, in Barrow this month (October 25).

“I’m really excited to be coming up to Cumbria again,” she said. “I think the Lakes are gorgeous and Cumbria really interests me.

“I played in the middle of the Lakes years ago and we came with a big tourbus on this tiny country road and there were huge rolling hills around us. It was amazing, everything was really pretty. There’s something magical about it.”

Matthews has made history with her latest album, which is the first record to be released in both English and Welsh simultaneously.

The dreamy eclectic songs were created during recording sessions in Providence, Rhode Island, Nashville, Seattle and London.

“I’m not obsessed with heritage but I think it colours my music,” said Matthews - who rose to fame with her Britpop band Catatonia.

“I’m also fascinated by other people’s cultures and the differences between languages.

“I’ve got a musician from New York and one from Nashville so we’ve got people from both sides of the Atlantic doing music from folky traditional stuff to Celtic songs. We might even throw a little bit of Elvis in for good measure.”

Playing alongside Mr. Teel and Mason Neely, Matthews will perform two full sets each night.

“I’ve been juggling a lot recently so just going out on the road with my musicians will be brilliant. I can just let the stress go and enjoy playing in those grand theatres.

“This album covers a huge number of themes. It's a wry look at the human condition and an opportunity for me to try something different.

“I think it’s one of the best albums I’ve ever done. I’m really proud of it.”