Legendary folk rockers Fairport Convention are to visit Swansea and Brecon in the coming weeks.

It feels like mere weeks ago that Fairport's Cropredy Convention brought the cream of Folk, Roots, Rock (and Disco!) to the Oxfordshire countryside, topped off by an epic headline slot by the hosts themselves. For fans that missed out on the opportunity to witness the full live experience back in August, fear not - as the legendary British folk rockers have announced dates for their Winter 2024 tour, with a very special guest returning to the drummer's stool.

Fairport Convention, photo by Mike Ainscoe - At The Barrier
Fairport Convention - at The Barrier (Mike Ainscoe)

Founder member Simon Nicol, long-time bassist Dave Pegg and bandmates Ric Sanders and Chris Leslie, will be joined on stage by former Fairport drummer Dave Mattacks.

Mattacks featured as Fairport Convention's longstanding percussionist throughout most of the 70s, 80s and 90s, and his skills have been in demand ever since, having contributed to numerous studio recordings by the likes of Paul McCartney, Brian Eno, Elton John and Nick Drake.

Stuffing their set with a mix of long-established Fairport favourites and some surprises, both devoted fans and new converts can expect a show just as electrifying - and just as delightful - as ever.

The band’s tour takes them to The Taliesin in Swansea on Saturday, February 24 and Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, on March 7.

Support for the Winter 2024 tour will come from PLUMHALL (Michelle Plum and Nick B. Hall). Using a mesmerising combination of acoustic and electric instruments (with occasional electronica), the duo create a breathtaking soundscape to their powerful original songs. Their two studio albums 'Thundercloud' and 'The Ghost of Noise' - earned the duo numerous plaudits, including The 'Hidden Gem' Award from The Guardian/Observer. From the alt-country sound of their debut, to the electronica and found sounds of the follow-up, the band have proven that they can fuse classic songwriting with genre-hopping studio experimentation. Their third album is currently in production, and promises to be their strongest yet.

PLUMHALL by Viceversarobbi Fotografia
Plumhall (Viceversarobbi Fotografia)