Folk in the Barn: Fairport Convention 2027

Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for sixty remarkable years, having formed in 1967. In that time, the band that invented British folk-rock has evolved through many chapters, but one thing has never changed — Fairport’s enduring passion for performance. This year’s Winter Tour celebrates their Diamond Anniversary, presenting a vibrant mix of long-established Fairport favourites alongside fresh surprises from across their extensive catalogue. It’s a rare chance to experience the band’s history, heart, and humour in one unforgettable evening. 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 extraordinary story has been celebrated in television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts. The band features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo and vocals, and Dave Mattacks on drums and keyboards — a line-up whose musicianship and camaraderie continue to define the genre they created. The opening act on the Tour will be Anna McLuckie, a Scottish singer, songwriter and Clàrsach player. Raised on classical and traditional music, Anna’s writing draws on her musical beginnings and also takes influence from her love of popular music and more experimental sounds. Her music sits in a world of contemporary folklore; her songs layered with interweaving harmonies, story led lyricism and free form structures.