LEGENDARY folk outfit make their annual appearance at Burnley Mechanics next week with an additional treat in store for their fans.

For They will playing songs from their new album Myths and Heroes, their first new studio album for four years.

“The last album we did By Popular Request was a reworking of songs from the band’s back catalogue performed for the first time by the band’s current line-up,” said founder member Simon Nichol. “So to go on tour with a collection of new songs isn’t something we do that frequently.”

But fans can also look forward to a trip back through Fairport’s extensive repertoire.

“We always try and ring the changes on a tour,” said Simon. “We showcased five new songs from Myths and Legends at Celtic Connections earlier this year But I don’t think that fans just want you to come on stage and play a new album and nothing else.”

“The songs from the new album suit our current line-up as you’d expect and reflect how we envision the band today.

The pioneers of folk rock, Fairport remain as influential today as they did in the late 1960s. Their album Liege and Lief was voted the most influential album of all time by BBC Radio 2.

“We’re all very pleased with the new album,” said Simon. “We’ve just got some white label LPs back in the office – I think these must be the first vinyl albums we’ve released this century.”

After making music for so long you’d forgive the members of Fairport for taking it easy. But they are busier than ever with a UK tour, a new album and also organising their own festival at Cropredy.

“We’re certainly not a band that sits around waiting for the limos,” said Simon. “We are all involved in everything and that’s what we enjoy.

“Every aspect of being in the band is enjoyable.”

Cropredy has gained a reputation for its ecletic line-up which in the past has seen the likes of Alice Cooper and Chas and Dave take to the main stage.

This year’s festival, from August 13 to 15 will include country legend Emmylou Harris, eighties pop stars Toyah and Nik Kershaw plus Skinny Lister and Dreadzone. As ever, Fairport themselves will round off the festival on the main stage.

“I think once people discover the festival which has a unique atmosphere they tend to come back,” said Simon. “Last year we sold out two weeks before the festival and Tickets are now on sale for this year’s event.”

But before the outdoor shows this summer, there’s a small matter of a tour to get through.

“I don’t think there have been many years that we have missed a trip to Burnley in the past 25 years,” said Simon. “It’s an area which has been tremendously supportive of us.”

  • Fairport Convention, Burnley Mechanics, Thursday, February 19. Details from the box office on 01282 664400.