1960s folk singer Donovan is celebrating his 70th birthday with a party concert.

The flower power songwriter, whose hits include hippy anthems Hurdy Gurdy Man and Mellow Yellow, will perform at the London Palladium to mark the milestone in May.

Organisers say fans will experience Donovan's early bohemian roots when he takes to the famous stage in a theatrical Beat Cafe with his band and a special guest.

The singer said: "I am delighted to be having my party at The London Palladium to thank all who have followed my work from the beginning, and to all who have just discovered me. Come in shades and berets. Be cool, be there."

His party concert also continues a celebration of the star's 50th year in the music business.

Donovan was 18 years old when he had his first hit with Catch The Wind, for which he received the Ivor Novello Award.

Scottish-born Donovan Leitch had a run of hits in the late 1960s in the UK and the US, bringing folk to the fore.

A friend of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, he is also credited with teaching Sir Paul McCartney his finger-picking style and was sometimes seen as the UK's answer to Dylan.

Donovan's other big hits include Sunshine Superman and Jennifer Juniper.

:: The concert will take place on May 6 at the London Palladium.