FOLK legends Fairport Convention continue their 35th birthday celebrations with a return to Worcester.

Linchpins of the British folk scene since the 60s, Fairport will be playing an acoustic gig at Huntingdon Hall on Thursday (June 13).

Simon Nicol, the only original member of the group, says that the Deansway venue is one of his favourites.

"It's an absolutely brilliant hall," he said.

"When there's a lot of banter between stage and house then a building like that is brilliant. People feel relaxed and settled when they sit down."

Between them all, the many members of Fairport over the years have worked with what reads as a who's who of music, folk and otherwise.

"Being on good terms with our peer group we all feel as if we are part of a pool of musicians," Simon said.

It's a small pool and we are happy to be big fish in it!"

After three and a half decades of Fairport, Simon says he sees no reason why the group cannot carry on indefinitely.

"I can see the band becoming a sort of institution. Why shouldn't it be a symphony orchestra, or a choir, which is a recognisable entity over a long period of time.

"As long as we keep working I can see no reason why Fairport couldn't carry on for hundreds of years."

The concert gets underway at 8pm. Tickets are £13 available from the box office on 01905 611427.