MERCURY Prize winners Elbow nudge their way into the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, on Sunday, March 1.

Elbow were handed the prestigious award in September on the strength of their album, the Seldom Seen Kid, beating off the rivalry of big favourites Radiohead, Laura Marling and Burial.

This prize has finally propelled the alternative band into the eardrums of the masses, following 18 years of hard graft, which may have spawned four studio albums, four EPs and ten top 50 UK singles, but not necessarily the recognition they deserved.

Elbow were formed in Bury, Greater Manchester, in 1990, and retain their original line-up of lead vocalist, guitarist and lyricist Guy Garvey, guitarist Mark Potter, keyboard player Craig Potter, bassist Pete Turner and drummer Richard Jupp.

The band are named after a line in the BBC TV mini-series the Singing Detective.

A character says the word “elbow” is the most sensuous word in the English language, not for its definition, but for how it feels to say it.

Acclaimed for their innovative sound and Guy’s evocative lyrics, Elbow have received vast critical acclaim and been endorsed by major artists Blur, REM and U2, despite minor commercial success during most of their career.

Tickets for the show are £22.50. Call 01702 351135, for more information.