Where: Bacon Theatre, Dean Close School, Cheltenham GL51 6EP

When: Friday, October 12, 7.30pm

With the annual Cropredy Festival in the rear-view mirror, the original folk-rock band Fairport Convention refuse to let the grass grow.

The band is heading out on short autumn tour that takes in Cheltenham's Bacon Theatre where they once again perform for the charity Malaika.

Rebeca Omordia best known as the pianist with the world famous Chineke Orchestra will open the show with a short 'follkie' piece from her CD Ekele.

Fairport Convention's violinist Ric Sanders said: "We did a lot of shows in our fiftieth year, all of them special, and none more so than in Gloucester Cathedral to celebrate ten years of Malaika, the charity founded by the remarkable model and philanthropist Noella Coursaris Musunka to bring change through education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"It's not often we get to play with a choir! Concerts like this bring home what a great privilege it is to play music.

"All the boys and I are totally thrilled and humbled to support Noella and Malaika again and with the choir. I also look forward to hearing Rebeca. It promises to be a fab night."

Fairport Convention has been making great music for over fifty years. Credited with originating British folk-rock music, the band has been through many changes but the current members retain a passion for live performance.

Fairport Convention features Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion.

Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to their music, an evening with Fairport Convention is sure to surprise and delight you.