HAILED as the originators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention are making a welcome return to the Colchester Arts Centre.

Still one of the most entertaining bands on the live music scene, nearly 50 years after they played their first concert, despite various changes throughout their long history, the group has been consistent in their line up since 1998.

That is 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, Fairport Convention have been rocking out since day one.

Simon, the only original band member still in the line up, says: “We’re closer than most friends. We’re more like a family. I think it looks a bit hectic when you look at our history but we were very young back then. I think the line up we have now works for us. There was never any acrimony at any point with people leaving, people just drifted away for natural reasons. We’ve never had to start from scratch."

Credited with originating British folk-rock music, the band has won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award, while Radio 2 listeners voted Fairport’s groundbreaking album Liege and Lief 'The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time'.

“I still enjoy doing what we do," Simon adds. "At times it feels like you’re doing a young man’s job in an old man’s body but you learn a lot about yourself. You become wilier and better organised. We’re all very fortunate, none of us find it a chore. I see the van as my second home now and we have made so many friends along the way.”

Fairport Convention

Colchester Arts Centre,

Church Street, Colchester.

Thursday, June 9. Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.

£20, £18 concessions. 01206 500900.

www.colchesterartscentre.com