Music fans can get into the Christmas spirit with the help of the Albion Christmas Band when the band visits Norden Farm Arts Centre on Tuesday 15 December as part of its annual tour.

Like all good things in season, the four band members keep their goodies under wraps ‘til the beginning of December to make sure their festive offerings are the freshest they can be.

The band’s annual foray into the musical joys of the festive season has been described by many as the perfect start to Christmas.

This popular show features a mixture of seasonal carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance, enhanced by great musicianship and a wicked sense of humour.

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 will share their personal favourites from their extensive back catalogue that to each of them best signify the meaning of Christmas.

And the band are looking forward to their visit to Maidenhead.

Simon Nicol explains “We’ve spent many years spreading the joys of Christmas around the country so it is always good to come back to venues like Norden Farm that we visit regularly. We have made so many friends on our travels and we are always made welcome ”

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.

For more information and to buy tickets visit www.nordenfarm.org or call the box office on 01628 788997.

Full tour details can be found online at http://www.albionchristmas.co.uk