Skip to content
  • Guest event

Folk in the Barn: Albion Christmas Band

  • What's on: Live events
  • Folk in the Barn: Albion Christmas Band

    • The Albion Christmas Band returns to Gulbenkian Arts Centre this December for its 27th year of touring, continuing a cherished festive tradition that marks the true beginning of Christmas for audiences across the UK.

    Described by The Guardian as “the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas”, the show blends seasonal songs, carols, storytelling and stellar musicianship into an evening filled with warmth, humour and winter magic. At its heart is the extraordinary voice of Kellie While, whose breath-taking singing brings powerful expression and intimacy to every performance.

    The current line-up evolved from The Albion Band, founded over 50 years ago by Ashley Hutchings MBE, one of the most influential forces in British folk music. Bob Dylan described Hutchings as “the single most important figure in English folk rock”, recognising a career that has left an indelible mark on British music.  Sadly, due to recent health issues, Ashley will not be touring with the Albion Christmas Band this year. However, his spirit, vision and musical legacy remain at the very heart of the band and the Christmas shows he helped create.

    The Albion story is also intertwined with some of the most respected names in folk. Simon Nicol, long-time member of Fairport Convention and one of the defining guitarists and singers of the English folk revival, has been a key collaborator over the decades. Simon Care, renowned for his expressive melodeon playing and tireless work across folk and roots music, brings energy, sensitivity and virtuosity to the stage. Representing a newer generation, acclaimed singer-songwriter Blair Dunlop — award-winning guitarist and son of Ashley Hutchings — carries the Albion legacy forward with his own celebrated career, blending traditional influences with contemporary songwriting.

    The Albion Christmas Band draws on this extraordinary musical heritage to create a heart-warming evening, filled with tradition, authenticity and joy.

    We know audiences everywhere will join us in wishing Ashley well, and we look forward to celebrating the season together once again. This show sells out early every year – try not to miss it.

    Book Link icon
    Details
    Production details
    Folk in the Barn: Albion Christmas Band

    Sat 19 December

    Book Link icon

    ART31

    ART31 takes its name from Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, which states that ‘Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities’.

    ART31 is a vision created with, by, and for young people in Kent, championing the belief that all children and young people have an entitlement to access high quality arts and culture, to empower them to achieve their creative potential, and to genuinely engage young people as equal partners in any decision making that affects them.

    The ART31 Youth Board is made up of young people from across Kent aged 13-25 who steer its governance, and influence policy and practice across the county and beyond, challenging the creative sector to examine existing ways of working and integrate young people into the core of their practice.

    Our projects with young people

    GENFest Young people posing in a cardboard Instagram frame

    ART31 Generate

    Providing workshops, support, and performance opportunities, Generate is where creativity gives voice to young perspectives whether in theatre making, film media, music, visual arts and more!

    Youth Theatre
    Live Streaming film equipment.

    SCREEN31

    Screen31 is a group for young people aged 15-25 interested in developing their film-making skills.
    TECH31

    TECH31

    Set over two days TECH31 is a free workshop designed to provide 13-25 year olds with an opportunity to develop their skills in sound, lighting, stage management and much more. 
    Actors on stage

    National Theatre Connections – Gulbenkian Young Company

    NT Connections is the National Theatre’s nationwide youth theatre festival. Each year it offers a unique opportunity for youth theatres and school theatre groups to stage new plays written for young people by some of theatre’s most exciting playwrights, and to perform in leading theatres across the UK.
    Gulbenkian Uncovered image 03

    Gulbenkian Uncovered

    Are you enthusiastic, committed and creative? Gulbenkian Uncovered gives University of Kent students the chance to programme films and run events.

    Square Pegs 1

    Square Pegs Arts

    Square Pegs Arts are an award winning charity who provide drama groups, music projects and other accessible Arts opportunities for children and young adults who have learning disabilities and autism, and produce original, inspiring, challenging Theatre. Difference is celebrated and everyone is supported to shine in their own way.
    A selection of images arranged on a wall

    KRAN Drama Group

    KRAN is a drama group in partnership with Kent Refugee Action Network for young refugees and asylum-seekers.
    Accessible Film Club

    Relaxed Screenings

    Monthly film screenings that are open to all, especially those with autism and learning disabilities.

    Young People - Screen31 ARTY31

    ARTY31

    Gulbenkian’s ARTY31 group is for young people aged 8-12 with a wide variety of arts interests.

    Film tickets

    Results
    Clear
    See what other events are happening at the Gulbenkian
    What's on Link icon