A new generation of English Folk talent have taken up the established name of The Albion Band.

Alongside Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention, The Albion Band is considered one of the ‘Big Three’ of English Folk Rock, fusing traditional British songs and tunes with contemporary instruments and sounds, and all formed by legendary band leader Ashley Hutchings.

The new line-up pulls together some of the finest musicians, including Ashley’s son Blair Dunlop, Gavin Davenport, Katriona Gilmore, Tom Wright, Tim Yates and Benjamin Trott.

Ashley Hutchings said: "For a good number of years people have been encouraging me to re-form The Albion Band. I have resisted these calls; getting the old faces together again in a permanent kind of way didn't seem the right thing to do. Then, just before last Christmas, I had a Eureka moment. "The way forward was to allow a new generation to take over the baton of The Albion Band. The next day I asked my son Blair what he thought of being part of a new re-invented Albion Band. His reply was that he couldn't think of anything he would rather do."

The band will perform self-penned, re-written and traditional material as well as re-booted Albion Band classics in what promises to be a diverse and energetic live set.

Dunlop takes on the more traditional vocals and guitar, and is joined by players of instruments such as cittern, concertina, mandolin and melodeon.

The Albion Band, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, April 3 Tickets £18.50 and £16.50 call 0208 688 9291