Often credited with being the first English electric folk band Fairport Convention were formed in north London in April 1967, and played their first gig in a church hall a month later. Originally playing cover versions of American 'west coast' style music, they quickly developed an individual style which combines rock music with traditional English tunes.

For the first time on their 2008 UK tour, all five members of Fairport Convention will be playing as a semi-acoustic ensemble: Simon Nicol (guitar, vocal), Chris Leslie (fiddle, mandolin, vocal), Ric Sanders (violin), Dave Pegg (bass) and Gerry Conway (percussion). The show is a mellow mix of old and new with songs from the band's latest albums together with favourite classics from the extensive Fairport Convention back catalogue.

The concert is scheduled to start at 8pm. In addition to a full bar service, a delicious choice of hot snacks including Homemade Galloway Beefburgers, Cumberland Sausage, and Field Mushroom with Salsa and Mozzarella will be available.

The Blencathra Gallery will be serving a selection of guest ales from local breweries, and will also be host to a sausage festival with several flavours of local sausages.

Tickets are now on sale at £17. To book tickets at what is expected to be a sell-out event, call Rheged now on 01768 86 00 90. For that real festival feel, this will be an all-standing event!

Rheged is located just off Junction 40 of the M6 at Penrith and is open daily from 10am – 5pm. Parking and entry to the centre is free of charge.