FAIRPORT Convention, the legendary band who invented the British folk-rock genre, will be performing at the Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, on Saturday, February 10.

The date is part of the band's fortieth-year anniversary tour, which will see them playing venues across the UK throughout February.

Fairport was formed during 1967's 'summer of love' and released their first record in early 1968.

They started out by playing covers of west-coast acts like Jefferson Airplane but soon hit on the idea of fusing centuries-old British folk songs and tunes with rock music.

In 1969, Fairport recorded Liege & Lief, the album that consolidated the band's reputation as leaders of British folkrock.

It is a mark of the band's enduring popularity that last year this seminal album was voted 'Most Influential Folk Album Of All Time' by BBC Radio 2 listeners and was also awarded a Gold Disc by Universal for its continuing phenomenal sales.

The current line-up includes founding member Simon Nicol (vocals, guitar); Dave Pegg (bass guitar) who joined Fairport in 1970; Ric Sanders (violin); Chris Leslie (mandolin, fiddle, vocals) and Gerry Conway (drums).

The Oxfordshire-based band will play favourites from their back catalogue as well as brand new songs from their recently released anniversary album Sense of Occasion.

Belfast-born singer/songwriter Anthony John Clarke will be their special guest.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £18.50 full price, £16.50 concessions.

For more information call the box office on 01935-422884 or follow the link below.