A GROUND-BREAKING concert which sees Jethro Tull perform in the cavernous beauty of Exeter Cathedral has been announced.

The band, fronted by Ian Anderson, will play a special one-off Christmas show in an event quite unlike anything seen before.

The event, called Ian Anderson plays the Christmas Jethro Tull, is in support of the cathedral's Third Millennium Campaign. It will take place on December 22.

Ian said "My occasional concerts in support of the Christian church bring me to Exeter Cathedral this year for the first time.

"It's a splendid example of architectural excellence and a glorious venue for those of all faiths, or none at all, to enter the house of the holy and participate in the welcoming world of Christmas celebration."

Still enjoying a lengthy and ongoing career, Jethro Tull have released 30 studio and live albums, selling more than 60million copies since the band first performed at London's famous Marquee Club.

Their iconic pop hit, Living in the Past, is still unique and evocative of the 1960s.

Having played more than 2,500 concerts in 40 countries throughout three decades, the folk, rock and blues band still undertake some 100 concerts each year to fans worldwide.

Ian celebrated his 40th year as a recording and performing musician last year and still remains the crowned exponent of the popular and rock genres of flute playing.

Ian plays ethnic flutes and whistles together with acoustic guitar and the mandolin family of instruments, providing acoustic textures which are an integral part of most of the Tull's vast repertoire.

The Exeter concert forms part of a special end-of-year tour which sees the group perform nine Christmas-themed shows in the Czech Republic and Germany, plus the special Devon date.

As well as playing several Jethro Tull classics, there will be various Christmas and ecclesiastical songs, including new material specially written for this tour.

All proceeds from this concert will go to the Third Millennium Campaign, which seeks to raise a total of £8million to support several areas of the traditional life of the cathedral.

The Very Rev Jonathan Meyrick, Dean of Exeter, said "We are thrilled Ian Anderson has chosen Exeter Cathedral as a venue for this wonderful Christmas show and I thank him for giving his time so generously to support the cathedral's campaign.

"I encourage both new and existing Jethro Tull fans to experience the magic of the band this Christmas within this wonderful setting that is our Cathedral."

Tickets are £25 and are available from Exeter Tickets at www.exeter tickets.co.uk or call 01392 493493.