RENOWNED as the founding fathers of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention will be at The Anvil on Thursday, 14 February.

Fairport Convention has attracted critical acclaim throughout its long career.

The band has won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award, Radio 2 listeners have voted Fairport’s ground-breaking album Liege & Lief as 'The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time', and their story and music frequently features on radio and television.

After more than 50 years on the road, their passion for live performance has never wavered.

Still bold, still vigorous and still willing to take musical chances, an evening with Fairport never fails to dazzle and delight, showcasing their musical sophistication and instrumental virtuosity.

The current line-up features Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar and vocals, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion.

Music for 18 Musicians, with the London Sinfonietta, is at The Anvil on Saturday, 16 February.

With its pulsating rhythms, cyclical chords, and shifting harmonies, Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians has become one of the most well-known works of American minimalism.

On stage are four pianos, three marimbas, two xylophones, strings, clarinets and wordless vocals. The music rises and falls, rhythms interlocking and then bursting apart. Different sound colours change before your ears like a musical kaleidoscope.

The first performances in 1976 astounded and delighted audiences, making Reich’s name overnight.

The subsequent recording sold an unheard of 100,000 copies in its first year and was one of David Bowie’s all-time favourite records. But live performances are still a rare and amazing experience.

Hear the ultimate experts in this music, the renowned London Sinfonietta, with crack vocal group Synergy Vocals, play Music for Eighteen Musicians in the stunning acoustics of The Anvil.

Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom comes to The Anvil on Tuesday, 19 and Wednesday, 20 February, perfect for a half-term treat for the family.

Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan.

Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them.

Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter.

This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

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