INNOVATIVE folk-rock legends are set to grace the stage at the Brewery Arts Centre this June, treating fans to a set of classics and new material.

Fairport Convention, who celebrate 50 years of making music and performing live in 2017, are touring the UK and will play Kendal next month, on June 10.

The band, originating from London, are often credited with creating the 'folk rock' genre through skilfully combining traditional music with electric instruments.

"Originally when we started out in the 60s we were genre free and threw lots of things together," said frontman and founder member Simon Nicol.

"Then when Sandy Denny joined directly from playing in folk clubs she didn't have time to learn all of our established material so we found a middle ground and played behind her solo songs.

"When we released 'Leige & Lief' it took the combination of traditional music and old language with more modern electric music."

As well as playing live, Fairport Convention devote a lot of time to encouraging new bands, giving many a stage at their Fairport's Cropredy Convention festival, which they have run for 35 years.

Cropredy, which takes place in its namesake village in Oxfordshire, is a single-stage, three day, 20,000 capacity festival which takes place in August every year.

"We always make like to provide a stage for a great young band that people haven't necessarily heard of," said Simon. "Bands can come and play to big audiences for an hour and leave with lots of new followers.

"For example a few years ago we had The Travelling Band, who came on stage and about 150 people in the audience knew them. They are a fantastic outfit and they absolutely wiped the floor and left with about 12,000 new fans."

Since they stated in 1967, Fairport Convention have released 27 albums, the latest being 'Myths and Heroes' in 2015.

Simon said: "We must be doing something right. We are still able to tour as much as we do.

"It is the way of life I have known since leaving school and now I am a pensioner. I am very blessed."

Tickets for Fairport Convention's show at the Brewery are available to order from the website. Details on tickets for Cropredy can be found on the band's website.