‘A Victorian Christmas’ is a festive exploration of the Yuletide our ancestors would have known. Acclaimed historical theatre company Blast From The Past invite you to join them for an evening of music, song, stories and drama from the time of Dickens and Hardy. All cast members perform in full Victorian dress with authentic musical instruments and props.

Featuring the musical talents of Chris Green and Jude Rees (formerly of Isambarde), as well as Sophie Matthews (The Oxford Waits), the show includes all of the well-known Victorian carols such as ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’. Song-sheets are provided for the audience to join in and there are also some more obscure but no less beautiful festive songs from the English folk tradition, some of which have not been heard in over 100 years and have been painstakingly researched by the cast.

The show also contains a Christmas Mummer’s Play (one of the forerunners of pantomime) featuring a battle between St George and the villanous Turkish Knight, presided over by Father Christmas himself (dressed in green robes, as would have been the case in Victorian England!)

Finally, internationally-acclaimed storyteller Andy Jennings unfolds the mediaeval tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Written by an anonymous poet in the 14th century, it was lost for centuries before its rediscovery in a private library at the start of the Victorian era. Set at the court of King Arthur over Christmas, its themes of quest and romance proved a hit with Victorian audiences and in Andy’s hands it will thrill and delight modern audiences as well!

‘A Victorian Christmas’ is a fast-moving, warm-hearted show that will appeal to audiences of all ages looking to recapture the true spirit of Christmas.

Kristy Gallacher is a guitarist, poet and songwriter from Coventry, England. Being somewhat disillusioned and fiercely independent, in 2008 at the age of 21, Kristy decided to join the D.I.Y ethos. She formed her own independent record label Broken Player Records (www.brokenplayerrecords.com), signed herself and has been self sufficient ever since. Each subsequent release has been on the label. A prolific songwriter, she is continually songwriting her way through life and regularly tours on the acoustic circuit to audiences across the UK. With a strong live presence of carefully crafted songs and exciting fresh guitar work Kristy continues to grow and expand her loyal fan base.

In addition to her own shows she has supported Ed Sheeran, Micheal Chapman, Scott Matthews, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Mr Big, I Am Kloot's John Bramwell, Miles and Erica (Wonderstuff) Mark Morriss (Bluetones) and Nerina Pallot. Kristy has just finished recording her second full album called 'Spinning Plates' which is due for release on 31st March 2012. The title track of Kristy’ s 2008 debut album ‘Emotional Gun’ has been selected for the British Library Project which archives significant new music.

Luke is a rising 19 year old Roots singer/songwriter from Canterbury, Kent , and 2013 sees him nominated for both the Horizon Award for Best Emerging Talent and the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award.

With a bold, show stopping voice and honed guitar skills, Luke is a confident and captivating performer demonstrating an astonishing maturity. He has been making ripples on the live acoustic scene supporting such luminaries as Show of Hands, Paul Brady, Chris Wood, Steve Knightley, Lucy Ward and Boo Hewerdine and playing Sidmouth, Bristol and Trowbridge festivals.

More than Boys, produced by the acclaimed Welsh singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph, launched at the Shrewsbury Festival, has been receiving plaudits from critics and airplay on numerous radio stations.

Dunton Folk (www.duntonfolk.co.uk) proudly presents Pete Morton.

Pete is a songwriter, singer and 'folk rapper' with a wealth of great songs and stage presence. His shows are dynamic and intense, while remaining approachable and fun loving. With well known songs such as 'Another Train', 'The Shepherds Song', and 'When we sing together', he constantly tours, either solo, performing his own material or his one man theatre show, 'The Millers Tale with the songs of Bob Dylan'. He is part of an annual December Christmas show with Maggie Boyle and Chris Parkinson and also a traditional folk music project with Roger Wilson. His 'Frapping' (folk rap) technique of marrying traditional folk choruses with rap have been well received and will feature highly on a new CD due for release in January 1014.

Starting out as a busker on the streets of Europe, he has entertained all over the globe with his unique and involving style of song-writing and singing. Pete sings from the heart, delivering songs that tell compelling stories and speak of the human condition from a very unique perspective. With a passionate, strong voice and strident guitar style, traditional songs often rub shoulders with Pete's current writing with remarkable ease. His songs are an unruly mix of humour, politics, love and social comment, wrapping their way around the folk tradition.

Pete has recorded eight solo albums of original material and a project album of traditional songs entitled 'Trespass'. Two albums as 'Urban Folk' with Roger Wilson and Simon Edwards, an album of traditional and contemporary songs with Jo Freya, and a collection of his most requested songs 'Napoleon Jukebox'.

£2 on the door. Those who wish to perform at the Oxford Folk Club open will almost always be able to do so at the open mic nights.

25th of January marks the annual celebration of Robert Burns. Any musical offerings to Scottish National poet will be appreciated, though there will be plenty of artistic licence as usual!

The Willows Debut E.P Launch at The Boathouse, Cambridge
Sat 19th Feb
An Alt Folk band who create a beautiful sound that intricately weaves traditional and modern roots music within well-crafted songs. Based in Cambridge the band formed in the summer 2010 and bring together members of The Winter kings, Jade Rhiannon and The Black Flowers. They have been playing many a gig since, as well as supporting top folk acts such as Lau, and are rapidly building up an ever enthusiastic fan base along the way.
www.thewillowsband.co.uk
www.myspace.com/thewillowsbandmusic

along with special guests

The Malingerers - a 5 piece old time band playing original songs clearly influenced from a melting pot of traditional country, blues and rock’n’roll (Hank Williams, Merle Travis, Leadbelly, Woodie Guthrie etc.) but as you’d expect, combined with a warped sense of humour and history!
http://themalingerers.co.uk

Faith Taylor - ' Brimming with wit, Faith's perceptive folk-pop is pierced beautifully by her haunting high wire voice'.
http://www.myspace.com/faithtaylor

£4 on door or you can email us to reserve a ticket at contact@thewillowsband.co.uk

The band will also be appearing on BBC Introducing Radio Cambridgeshire
On Friday the 18th at 7pm on 95 - 96.5 FM

The Fence Collective hits the road with Fence head honcho King Creosote, the first lady of Fence HMS Ginafore, Pip Dylan and Uncle Beesly who will be keeping everyone sane with his magical bass.

Booking Info:
Book online on The Junction website www.junction.co.uk or ring 01223 511511