When something is ‘in season’ it is always the very best it can be. Which is why the four members of the Albion Christmas Band keep their goodies under wraps til the beginning of December. From Saturday 5 to Wednesday 23 December the band’s annual foray into the musical joys of the festive season will take in eighteen venues the length and breadth of the country.
Described by many as the perfect start to Christmas, this popular show features a mixture of seasonal carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance. The band adds a modern twist to its arrangements of traditional tunes and showcases some newly written songs. The show is the antithesis of the ‘Christmas specials’ filling television screens, reminding audiences of the simpler pleasures and values of a traditional Christmas and offering them a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of festive preparations.
This year the four band members have chosen their personal favourites from their extensive back catalogue that best signify the meaning of Christmas to them.
The Albion Christmas Band has been kicking off the Christmas season for more than fifteen years, but it was the last incarnation of the Albion Band that originally created special seasonal shows. On a suggestion from melodeon player Simon Care, a previous Albion band member himself, the Albion Band founder Ashley ‘The Guv’nor’ Hutchings brought together two other previous Albion Band members to create an autonomous band to present a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain. Joining Care and Hutchings are Simon Nicol (founder member of Fairport Convention) on acoustic guitar and vocals, Kellie While (Albion Band), acoustic guitar, vocals and percussion,
TOUR DATES:
05-Dec The Pavilion, Hailsham 01323 841414
06-Dec Maddermarket, Norwich 01603 620917
08-Dec Mac, Birmingham 0121 4463232
09-Dec Lowdham Village Hall, Lowdham 0115 9663596
10-Dec The Met, Bury 0161 7612216
11-Dec The Atkinson , Southport 01704 533333
12-Dec The Convent , Stroud 01453 835138
13-Dec Ebbesbourne Village Hall, Ebbesbourne Wake
14-Dec Hanger Farm, Southampton 023 80667683
15-Dec Norden Farm, Maidenhead 01628 788997
16-Dec New Vic, Newcastle Under Lyme 01782 717962
17-Dec Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield 01484 430528
18-Dec Brewery, Kendal 01539 722833
19-Dec Sage Gateshead, 0191 4434666
20-Dec Hitchin Folk Club, Hitchin 01462 812391
21-Dec The Gulbenkian Canterbury 01227 769075
22-Dec The Hawth, Crawley 01293 553636
23-Dec The Apex, Bury St Edmunds 01284 758000
