FUSING folk, funk, rock, world, jazz, music hall and classical music, 11-piece band Bellowhead are performing at the Alban Arena next Thursday, November 8.

Since their formation in 2004, Bellowhead have succeeded in placing themselves at the cutting edge of the contemporary music scene while harnessing all the power and mystery of ancient English and European musical traditions.

Winners of the Best Live Band accolade at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards an unparalleled five times, Bellowhead come on stage at 8pm.

Tickets are �22.50 seated and �18 standing available from the Arena box office 01727 844488 or online www.alban-arena.co.uk

British comedian Simon Brodkin is bringing his chav character Lee Nelson...Live to the Arena next Friday, November 9.

Lee Nelson typically interacts with his audience, telling them about his life, asking them questions, then replying with responses that reflect his world view, his own ignorance or his own stereotypically anti-social attitudes.

Brodkin has won several competitions and awards for his work, including Brighton’s Komedia comedy competition and The Writers’ Guild Award for Best Newcomer in Edinburgh for his show Everyone But Himself.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are �22.50.

One of the UK’s most enduring folk-rock songwriters and vocalists Thea Gilmore is appearing at The Arena at 7.30pm next Saturday, November 10.

Music was always present in Thea’s past – a regular profusion of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and sixties soul ensured that she managed to bypass the eighties and develop her own musical sensibilities

She numbers Bruce Springsteen as one her most loyal fans and has been touted by Uncut magazine as “the best British singer-songwriter of the last 10 years...and then some”.

Tickets are �17.50.

International hit Spirit of the Dance takes to the Arena stage at 3pm and 7.30pm next Sunday, November 11.

One of the most successful shows ever to come out of Ireland, it has been seen by more than 20 million people around the world. Winner of nine Global Awards, the show has smashed box office records in 15 different countries.

Spirit of the Dance features Irish Dance combined with the Latino rhythms of tango, flamenco and salsa. It is performed by the Irish International Dance Company.

Tickets are �23 with concessions �2 off.