FAIRPORT Convention have had more line-up changes than Newcastle United has had managers.

The band that recorded Full House is regarded as one of the best, featuring founder members Richard Thompson and Simon Nicol, alongside Dave Pegg, Dave Swarbrick and Dave Mattacks.

This DVD captures them in their heyday, performing at the Maidstone Fiesta in Kent in June 1970. At this quintessentially English event of ice creams, picnics and balloons, Fairport had to share the bill with performing chimpanzees and an army helicopter display team. Spinal Tap would have been hard pushed to get away with such a scenario.

Film director Tony Palmer cuts away from the jigs and reels to vignettes in the crowd. A young mum changes her baby's nappy; beer drinkers seek a secluded spot for a pee; the army helicopter display team fly off to a spoof commentary by Fairport; and a solitary dancer gets into the exuberant music as her neighbours lie on the grass in the sun. This film also features two songs from Matthews Southern Comfort, led by former Fairport vocalist Iain Matthews, just prior their hit single with a cover of Joni Mitchell's Woodstock.

  • Fairport Convention play Fibbers, York, on May 2; tickets £19.50 advance, £22 door, and Pocklington Arts Centre on May 15, tickets £15.50.