Rock band giants kick-off festival

Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span are celebrating 45 years together with a show in Ashford.

The band will perform at Revelation St Mary’s next week, kicking off their autumn and winter programme.

The evening will include a mix of songs from the band’s latest album, Wintersmith, along with familiar classics, all sung by lead singer Maddie Prior.

Revelation trustee Alan Castle said: “Ashford town centre’s award-winning venue has really arrived when top folk groups like Steeleye Span are asking to appear at Revelation St Mary’s in what is only our third year of operation.”

Steeleye Span formed in 1969 and the band have released more than 20 studio albums to date.

The current line-up includes Maddie Prior, Rick Kemp, Liam Genockey, Julian Littman and Peter Zorn, as well as old names such as Martin Carthy, John Kirkpatrick, Tim Harries, Bob Johnson and most recently Peter Knight.

This year the band have introduced violinist Jessie May Smart, who has also worked on The X Factor and with Katie Melua.

In 2013, the band released its new album Wintersmith, in collaboration with Sir Terry Pratchett.

The recording is based on Pratchett’s Wintersmith novel, a tale of ancient rituals and secret folk dances that complemented their previous work while also taking it in new directions.

The concert starts at 7.45pm on Friday, August 29, with doors opening at 7pm.

Tickets cost £23 for adults, or £29 on the door, and £15 for under-16s (£19 on the door).

For more information or to buy tickets go to revelationstmarys.co.uk

Steeleye Span will kick off the new season at Revelations St Mary’s on Friday, August 29