Glasgow-based five-piece band Imar will give an exclusive performance at the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens as a percussor to this year’s Cambridge Folk Festival.

The main festival, which opens on Thursday is already sold out, but anyone can visit the Botanic Gardens to see the band on Wednesday night at 6.15pm.

The hour-long performance will be the last event in Cambridge Summer Music’s Sounds Green programme, a series of music evenings in July at the Botanic Gardens which are part of the annual Cambridge Summer Musical Festival. This year there was an eclectic line-up of music, with further flavour added to the music programme with food and drink provided by The Garden Café, serving seasonal food and drinks. Visitors are also welcome to bring picnics.

Ímar formed this year in Glasgow, but all have a strong background in Irish music, and take their name from a 9th century Viking leader of the Gaelic-speaking nation made up of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Bouzouki player Adam Brown said: “It’s great to have been asked to perform in the stunning botanic garden for the Cambridge Summer Music Festival. We’ve been writing new material for our debut album, so can’t wait to bring our new sets to the good people of Cambridge, ahead of the city’s legendary folk festival.”

Neil Jones, operations director for Cambridge Live, added: “We’re proud to be taking a piece of the festival into the heart of the city and in particular one of the city’s most beautiful spaces. While the festival doesn’t start until the Thursday this event should whet the appetite of festival goers and also be a great night out for local folk fans who couldn’t get into this year’s event.”

Normal admission to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden applies (adult entry £5). Donations are invited towards the musician’s performance fees. See www.botanic.cam.ac.uk for more information.