Focus, the band behind one of the most recognisable songs of the 70’s, arrive in Carlisle this weekend.

The Dutch progressive rock act will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a show at the Old Fire Station on Friday.

The band formed in Amsterdam in 1969 and enjoyed considerable success through the Seventies with hits like 'House of The King' and 'Sylvia'.

It was 'Hocus Pocus', perhaps their best-known song, which featured in Nike's Write the Future commercial for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and prompted renewed interest in their music.

By that time, Focus had gone through multiple line-up changes, splits and reunions but founder member Thijs van Leer endured throughout, the keyboardist, flautist and singer still fronting the band.

Plans for a 50th anniversary tour were necessarily put on hold during the pandemic but they're here now, touring in support of their Focus 50 compilation release, and come to Carlisle's Old Fire Station on November 12.

They're no strangers to the Great Border City, having played at the Brickyard in 2011 and 2013, and have also appeared at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal.

Support comes from Carlisle's Cosmic Cat, themselves marking their 30th anniversary this year.

Tickets are £21.50 in advance. More details can be found at https://bit.ly/FocusgigCarlisle.