LOOKING ahead at The Anvil, Rick Wakeman makes a welcome return on Saturday, 1 June with a new show that combines spellbinding piano music with side-splitting humour, revealing insights into his 50-plus-year career.

His big break came in 1971 when he joined Yes, who went on to become one of the most successful prog rock bands in the world.

Expect an evening of superb musicianship featuring music from Yes, Rick’s own solo epics and early Bowie hits, plus fantastic arrangements of Beatles’ tunes, and much, much more, interspersed with knockabout humour.

Belinda Carlisle comes to Basingstoke on September 18 as part of her Runaway Horses 30th Anniversary Tour. Belinda continues to remain relevant after nearly four decades in the business. Amidst changing tastes, the gifted and glamorous singer-songwriter has touched the hearts of pop fans with her blend of gutsy vocals, emotively charged melodies and picturesque lyrics.

With Carlisle’s string of 1980s and 1990s hits recently coming to the attention of a new generation via Edsel’s much-lauded 18-track audio/video set The Collection, she is poised to retain her position as a prime purveyor of timeless pop.

Don’t miss Christopher Cross on Friday, 25 October. He made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards including - for the first time ever - the four most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single Sailing), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also for Sailing), and Best New Artist.

Now, over 30 years after his extraordinary emergence into the music business, Cross continues his recording and performing career with a new album, Take Me As I Am, evoking the artistry of such great singer-songwriters as Joni Mitchell and Randy Newman while addressing contemporary concerns head-on - a combination which is sure to please his loyal fan base.

Hawkwind come to The Anvil on November 13 as part of their 50th Anniversary UK Tour. The pioneers of space rock will be performing in celebration of half a century of their musical journey so far.

And Sophie Ellis-Bextor performs on November 27 alongside a live orchestra, performing orchestral versions of her hits as well as songs from the great canon of disco songs.

For details of all the shows now on sale visit anvilarts.org.uk or call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244.