FAIRPORT Convention, the legendary band which originated folkrock music, is celebrating its 25th consecutive winter tour, heads to Exeter next week.

The Oxfordshire-based band will be performing across the UK in January and February 2009. The concert at Exeter Phoenix on Friday, January 30 is Fairport Convention's eighth winter visit to Exeter — the first was in 1994.

The show will open with a support performance by Fairport's special guests Phil Cool and Ken Nicol.

Phil is best known for his prolific work as a television comedian but he is also a talented songwriter and musician. Ken Nicol of Steeleye Span is a singer/songwriter who has a long association with Fairport Convention.

After Phil and Ken's set, Fairport will take the stage to perform a selection of material old and new. As well as favourites from their back catalogue, the band will be playing songs and instrumentals from their most recent albums.

Fairport's personnel has gradually evolved since that first winter tour in 1985.

This year's line-up features Simon Nicol, vocals, guitar; Dave Pegg, bass guitar; Ric Sanders, violin; Chris Leslie, mandolin, fiddle, vocals, and Gerry Conway on the drums.

Founder-member Simon Nicol said: 'We're really looking forward to visiting Exeter again. One reason we keep coming back is because the audience is so welcoming and Exeter Phoenix is such a great venue for live music.

'Our next big anniversary is the band's Golden Jubilee in 2017 and we hope that we'll still be playing here in Exeter.'

Doors open at 8pm. Standing tickets are £16 per person. Box office: 01392 667080.