Celebrated Cotswolds singer-songwriter Johnny Coppin is launching his new album at a concert at Cheltenham's Bacon on Thursday, April 7, at 7.30pm.

Almost all the songs in this latest album, 'River of Dreams', were written during lockdown. There are songs of legends such as The Bisley Boy, and Song of The Severn, about separation, ambition, fears and dreams.

There's also a tribute to the Special Operations Executive working during World War II, and a new setting of a Laurie Lee poem. The concert will also include some of his many popular songs - from the "Best Of" collection 30 Songs, and his Gloucestershire albums.

Johnny began his career as one of the founding members of the folk band Decameron and as a solo artist, has gone on to record over twelve albums.

Musicians appearing include Paul Burgess (Old Swan Band, ex-John Kirkpatrick Band) on fiddle and recorder; Dik Cadbury (Julie July Band, ex-Decameron, Steve Hackett) on backing vocals; Mick Candler (Kevin Brown, Julie July Band) on drums; and Gareth Sampson on bass guitar.

After making his name in the 70s with the cult folk-rock group Decameron, Johnny has worked as a solo performer on the European folk scene for many years, playing his own material and new arrangements of traditional folk songs.

An accomplished performer, he is renowned for his clear vocals, guitar and keyboard playing. He had a hit collaboration with well-loved writer Laurie Lee on the album Edge Of Day, setting Lee's poems to music, and for over twenty years he presented an Acoustic Music programme on BBC Radio Gloucestershire and three other stations across the West.

Tickets are £18.00 (Child £10.00) and ticket purchases are subject to a non-refundable £2.00 booking fee per cart.

For more information, call the box office on 01242 258002 or visit www.bacontheatre.co.uk