An Albion Christmas is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show. They have been touring for 25 years and attract sell-out audiences across the UK.

Featuring the combined talents of Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention), Kellie While (Albion Band), Simon Care (Edward II) and the Guvnor himself, Ashley Hutchings MBE this show takes you on a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.

Kellie While, Simon Care and Simon Nicol join founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings, on stage for an evening of traditional English Christmas music, song and celebratory readings.

Kellie takes time out from working with her mum, Chris While, for which both the UK press and public alike have praised her. Folk enthusiasts will know Kellie from her work with The Albion Band. She received personal praise from Ron Sexsmith for her beautiful version of his song Riverbed on her album Tenacious, which put her on the map as one this country’s finest voices.

Simon Care is currently working with Edward II and has always had a passion for Traditional English dance and song. Simon also works with Banter, Tickled Pink and the Morris On Band.

Simon Nicol, founder member of Fairport Convention finishes the line up to make this a truly festive treat. He is regarded as one of the finest acoustic guitarists in the world... His voice is pretty special too!

The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word and humorous readings. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. This year will see material chosen by the band from the last 25 years of shows and albums… a 'best of the Albion Xmas' selection.

With sell-out tours including venues such as Buxton Opera House, The New Vic Stoke and The Sage, Gateshead, The Albion Xmas Show is a very popular show appealing to all ages.

Described in the Guardian as 'the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas', this is a show you must not miss! And also voted in the 'top ten unmissable shows this Christmas' by The Telegraph in 2018.

Courtyard Theatre
£25

The Albion Christmas Band website
@nordenfarm

•  14 Dec from £2650

Led by Jim Maving

Always wanted to learn guitar but never got around to it? Want to trade your air guitar skills for real guitar skills? It is never too late to learn. Learn guitar right from the very beginning. This is a foundation course for those with little to no experience of playing guitar. You will learn how to hold a guitar and to make the right noises out of it. The aim of these lessons is to get you playing your first song within 4 weeks of lessons, as no-one takes up guitar to strum random chords, it’s all about the songs.

If you are returning to guitar having not played for some time and can barely remember chords this is a great way of getting back into the swing of things.

If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!

These classes are split by skills level;

Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.

Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords

Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.

Summer
Tues 30 Apr - 28 May (5 weeks)
Tues 11 Jun - 9 Jul (5 weeks)
Tues 16 Jul - 13 Aug, exc 23 Jul (4 weeks)
7.45pm - 8.45pm

£50 per 5 week course | £40 per 4 week course

Suitable for 18+ years.

•   2 Jul
•   9 Jul
• 4 more dates...

Led by Jim Maving

For novice guitarists who can string chords together, strum confidently and move between chords with some ease, to take the next steps. You will learn some classic songs, interesting chords, light music theory and the 12-bar blues.

These classes are split by skills level;

Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.

Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords

Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.

If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!

Summer
Wed 1 May - 29 May (5 weeks)
Wed 12 Jun - 10 Jul (5 weeks)
Thur 17 Jul - 14 Aug, exc 24 Jul (4 weeks)
7pm - 8pm

£50 per 5 week course | £40 per 4 week course

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

Suitable for ages 18+ years.

•   3 Jul
•  10 Jul
• 4 more dates...

Led by Jim Maving

For novice guitarists who can string chords together, strum confidently and move between chords with some ease, to take the next steps. You will learn some classic songs, interesting chords, light music theory and the 12-bar blues.

These classes are split by skills level;

Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.

Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords

Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.

If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!

Summer
Wed 1 May - 29 May (5 weeks)
Wed 12 Jun - 10 Jul (5 weeks)
Thur 17 Jul - 14 Aug, exc 24 Jul (4 weeks)
8.30pm - 9.30pm

£50 per 5 week course | £40 per 4 week course

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

Suitable for ages 18+ years.

•   3 Jul
•  10 Jul
• 4 more dates...

Led by Jim Maving

For novice guitarists who can string chords together, strum confidently and move between chords with some ease, to take the next steps. You will learn some classic songs, interesting chords, light music theory and the 12-bar blues.

These classes are split by skills level:

Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.

Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords

Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.

If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!

Summer
Thur 2 May - 30 May (5 weeks)
Thur 13 Jun - 11 Jul (5 weeks)
Thur 18 Jul - 15 Aug, exc 25 Jul (4 weeks)
7pm - 8pm

£50 per 5 week course, £40 per 4 week course

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

Suitable for ages 18+ years.

•   4 Jul
•  11 Jul
• 4 more dates...

Led by Jim Maving

Play guitar but stuck in a rut? Want to play some notable songs and impress your friends? Then this is the course for you. Rediscover your 6-string and why you took it up originally.

Learn some classic songs as well as learning your pentationic scales, slide guitar and alternate tunings

Summer
Thur 2 May - 30 May (5 weeks)
Thur 13 Jun - 11 Jul (5 weeks)
Thur 18 Jul - 15 Aug, exc 25 Jul (4 weeks)

8.30pm - 9.30pm

£50 per 5 week course | £40 per 4 week course

Alternative classes include:

If you've never played guitar you need to book on the Absolute Beginners course!

Beginners A - Recently completed the Absolute Beginners course but still some way to go. Yet to tackle bar chords and complicated rhythms.

Beginners B - Well on the way and able to do bar chords

Beginners C - Almost Intermediate but not quite yet.

This class will take place both in person and online via Zoom.

You will find the link to access the session in your booking confirmation email

Suitable for 18+ years.

•   4 Jul
•  11 Jul
• 4 more dates...

Led by Seann Wilkinson

A non-audition community choir open to all. Working on everything from Madonna to Les Mis, from gospel to pop - this is an opportunity to meet people, learn some harmonies and sing your hearts out. No experience required. Enthusiasm absolutely necessary!

Summer
16 Apr - 23 Jul, exc 28 May (14 weeks)
7.30pm – 9pm
£11 per session | £140 per 14 week term

•   2 Jul from £11
•   9 Jul from £11
• 2 more dates...