Fairport Convention have been captivating audiences for over half a century, and 2026 marks an incredible 59 years since they first helped shape the sound of British folk-rock. Through countless changes and musical chapters, one thing has remained constant — Fairport’s enduring passion for live performance.
Sat 18th April 2026
The Guildhall Derry
Doors 6.30pm / Show Starts 7.30pm
Tickets – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/music-capital/fairport-convention-derry/e-dylvpg
Sun 19th April 2026
Mandela Hall, Befast
Doors 6.30pm / Show Starts 7.30pm
Tickets – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/music-capital/fairport-convention-belfast/e-leoxpq
This Spring, the legendary band are delighted to bring their acclaimed tour to Derry and Belfast, performing a rich blend of beloved Fairport classics alongside fresh surprises from across their remarkable catalogue.
Winners of the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award, Fairport Convention’s influence on British music is undeniable. Their seminal album Liege & Lief was voted “The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time” by BBC Radio 2 listeners, and their extraordinary story has been celebrated in television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts. Their most well-known track Who Knows Where The Time Goes has reached over 32 million Spotify streams.
Today’s line-up features founding member Simon Nicol (guitar, vocals), Dave Pegg (bass, vocals), Ric Sanders (violin), and Chris Leslie (bouzouki, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, vocals) — a formidable ensemble whose chemistry and musicianship continue to inspire generations.
“Stuffing their set with a surprising amount of new material for a vintage act, Fairport are still clearly having fun and brought the house down.”— The Guardian
“Fairport is an institution, a festival, purveyors of memories, and keepers of the folk flame. But most of all they are a brilliant live band.”— Folk & Tumble
Following a packed 2025, including two acclaimed tours and a sold-out Cropredy Convention, the group will reunite with esteemed drummer, Dave Mattacks for 24 dates throughout the UK – cueing up celebrations for Fairport Convention’s diamond anniversary in 2027, marking an incredible 60 years in the business. Mattacks featured as Fairport Convention’s longstanding drummer throughout most of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. His skills have been in demand ever since, seeing him contribute to numerous studio recordings by the likes of Paul McCartney, Brian Eno, Elton John and Nick Drake.
About Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention have been entertaining music lovers for over half a century, having formed in 1967. During that time, the band that launched British folk-rock has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same – Fairport’s passion for performance.
Fairport Convention have won a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award, and Radio 2 listeners voted their ground-breaking album Liege & Lief ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’. Their story has been celebrated with television documentaries on BBC Four and Sky Arts.
The band features founding member Simon Nicol on guitar and vocals, Dave Pegg on bass guitar, Ric Sanders on violin, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin and vocals. Fairport will be joined on stage by former member Dave Mattacks on drums.
All band members are available for interview – including Simon Nicol and Dave Pegg, folk rock legends who both talk with the gravitas, humility and humour that only nearly 60 years on the road could bring…
Fairport Convention have been captivating audiences for over half a century, and 2026 marks an incredible 59 years since they first helped shape the sound of British folk-rock. Through countless changes and musical chapters, one thing has remained constant — Fairport’s enduring passion for live performance.
Sat 18th April 2026
The Guildhall Derry
Doors 6.30pm / Show Starts 7.30pm
Tickets – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/music-capital/fairport-convention-derry/e-dylvpg
Sun 19th April 2026
Mandela Hall, Befast
Doors 6.30pm / Show Starts 7.30pm
Tickets – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/music-capital/fairport-convention-belfast/e-leoxpq
“Stuffing their set with a surprising amount of new material for a vintage act, Fairport are still clearly having fun and brought the house down.”— The Guardian
