Fairport Convention

Fairport Convention has been entertaining music lovers for over half a century. During that time the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes. But one thing has remained the same – Fairport’s passion for performance.

This year’s Winter Tour concert will present a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises from albums old and new including Full House which was released 50 years ago this year. The band skilfully interprets traditional ballads and the repertoire also includes plenty of contemporary compositions.

The concert will start with a set by special guests Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer. They are famed for their close harmony singing and guitar virtuosity. Ben and Jimmy have showcased in Nashville, supported Ralph McTell on tour, and played Fairport’s Cropredy Convention and Cambridge Folk Festival.

Fairport Convention have won a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted their groundbreaking album Liege & Lief ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’. Their story has been celebrated with television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts.

The band features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar (celebrating his fiftieth year in Fairport), Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion.