Seth Lakeman joins Teenage Cancer Trust’s first folk night

Teenage Cancer Trust's first ever folk night is announced today, with some of the biggest names in folk music, Fairport Convention, Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby plus more to be announced, taking to the stage at the charity's annual Royal Albert Hall show. Tickets for the night on Wednesday 25 March, go on sale Friday 20th February at 9am.

Regarded as the most influential group in English folk rock, Fairport Convention formed in 1967 and are still recording and touring today. Their seminal album 'Liege and Lief' is generally considered to have launched the electric folk movement and helped awaken much wider interest in traditional music in general. Today their influence can be heard across the folk genre, with Seattle indie-folk band, Fleet Foxes, the latest band to incorporate Fairport Conventions baroque song structures into their 'harmonic pop jams.'

Simon Nicol, founding member of Fairport Convention said: "When we were asked to play for Teenage Cancer Trust, we couldn't say no. Their Royal Albert Hall shows are such a major date in the music calendar, it's wonderful that we can be involved. The fact this is the first time there's been a folk night is even more special. We really hope the night will raise as much money as possible for Teenage Cancer Trust, and help the charity to ensure that every young person with cancer has access to the best possible care and support."

Mercury Music Prize nominated, Seth Lakeman is one of the fastest-rising stars on the folk roots scene. His 2006 album 'Freedom Fields' has sold over 100,000 copies in the UK alone and helped Seth build on his traditional cult following, finding a whole new audience for his rhythmic, captivating brand of indie-folk song writing. Seth was named Folk Singer of the Year and 'Freedom Fields' awarded Album Of The Year at the prestigious Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2007.

Also nominated for a Mercury Music Prize, Kate Rusby, has headlined major UK folk festivals and is regarded as one of the most famous English folk singers today. In 2007, the BBC website described the singer-guitarist as "The first lady of young folkies," and her latest, outstanding solo album, Awkward Annie has received rave reviews.

Ticketing information is as follows:

Tuesday 24 March 2009
Antony and the Johnsons with Florence + the Machine and V V Brown

Wednesday 25 March 2009
Fairport Convention, Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby plus more to be announced

Thursday 26 March 2009
Stereophonics plus special guests

Friday 27 March 2009
Kasabian plus special guests

Saturday 28 March 2009
Bullet for My Valentine with The Blackout and Fightstar

Sunday 29 March 2009
An evening of comedy hosted by Mathew Horne and James Corden

www.teenagecancertrust.org

Tickets for Wednesday 25 March and Saturday 28 March available from Friday 20th February at 9am.