A HUGE slice of Hungarian music talent is heading for St Boswells on Saturday, in the shape of six-piece band Z?rös Banda, five of whom are travelling all the way from their native Magyar to play in the UK for the first time.

Z?rös Banda might be described as a Hungarian world music “supergroup”; however the idea of being “super” anything is far from the minds of the band.

It’s is true that the members of Z?rös Banda are prominent figures of the Hungarian world music scene, but amongst the years of friendship, the main reason for founding the band was a mutual love for modern Balkan music and entertaining audiences, whether in their native Hungary, or across the rest of Europe.

Lead vocalist Branka Basits is also a member of the band Pravo, playing Serbian, Macedonian, and Bulgarian music.

She is quickly becoming one of the most sought after female singers in Hungary. Kornel Varga on the guitar is known for his work with Fianna and Fabula Rasa, as is drummer Akos Kertesz, who is also involved in many jazz projects both at home and internationally.

Attila Boros also plays bass in Makam, the most famous world music band in Hungary. Peter Bede, as a young multi-talented saxophone player, has appeared in most of the important Hungarian jazz and world music bands and regularly plays with Kalman Balogh's Gypsy Cimbalom Band and Fanfare Complexa.

Fiddle player, Janos Lang, was also a founding member of Fianna and is currently involved in well known bands from his base in Edinburgh.

Promoter, Keith Farnish, was contacted by Janos as they were seeking sponsorship for a small UK tour.

In return for the promise of gigs, the Hungarian government would pay for travel and accommodation as a way of promoting the diverse and fascinating musical heritage of Hungary.

Keith responded almost immediately, realising that a six-piece band with such an array of talent would be an amazing act to have at St Boswells Live – the sound of Eastern Europe coming to the Scottish Borders. He said: “I am always on the look out for something different to offer, and I think it’s safe to say that Z?rös Banda fulfils that criteria.

"I’m really looking forward to hearing their huge sound on the St Boswells Live stage.”

Providing delightful support will be Scottish fiddle maestro Elisabeth Flett.

Originally from Fife, Elisabeth is a fiddler, singer-songwriter and whistle player now based in London, studying Classical Recorder at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

At only 19 years old Elisabeth is a performer with experience beyond her years - she has competed in mods and competitions all over Scotland, won the under 18s category of the London Fiddle Convention in 2013 and the over 18s in 2015, and has performed throughout Scotland in a huge variety of ensembles. One tune was enough for St Boswells Live to book her on the spot!

Doors will open at 7.30pm, St Boswells Village Hall - bring your own drinks and snacks. The music starts at 8pm.

Tickets are available now at the reduced price of £10 (£5 under-18s) by going to St Boswells Post Office, or www.musicglue.com/stboswellslive (includes small service charge).

They will also be available on the door for £12 (£6 under-18s).