The Animals and The Christians performing at South Mill Arts in Bishop's Stortford in May

One of the biggest bands of the 1960s are returning to Bishop's Stortford more than half a century after their previous performance in the town.

The Animals, whose hits include The House of the Rising Sun, We Gotta Get Out of This Place and Don't Let Me Be Understood, became the most expensive band to appear at the former Rhodes Centre when they took to the stage on November 27, 1965.

And the group – who still feature founding member John Steel on drums and Mickey Gallagher, who replaced Alan Price in 1965, on keyboards – will be taking to the South Mill Arts stage again on Friday May 13.

The band's concert in Stortford 56 years ago came after they had completed an 11-day tour of Poland. Gig-goers were charged 15 shillings (75p) each to see them perform live and, by all accounts, the audience were treated to a fantastic night.

Now they are bringing The Animals and Friends Farewell Tour to Stortford to give music lovers in the town another opportunity to hear the classic hits that made them the country's third biggest band behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

There will be more original live music on Saturday May 21 when The Christians bring their impressive back catalogue to the South Road venue.

Renowned for a string of soulful yet socially-aware singles in the late 80s and early 90s, the band enjoyed huge acclaim in the UK and Europe.

Still fronted by enigmatic lead singer Garry Christian, the group are enjoying a revival with their latest tour.

With hits such as Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, What's in a Word and Hooverville – as well as one or two favourites selected from their newer albums – it promises to be a show not to be missed.

Tickets to see The Animals on Friday May 13 (7.30pm, £29) and The Christians on Saturday May 21 (7.30pm, £27.50) can be bought at www.southmillarts.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01279 710200.