FESTIVE celebrations for music fans will get off to an early start at Wallingford with a gig by the Albion Christmas Band.

The folk group will be bringing their seasonal concert to the town for the first time when they play St Mary’s Church on Tuesday, December 10.

Not to be confused with the original English electric folk group, the Albion Band, although it shares some of that group’s previous members, the Albion Christmas Band evolved from festive performances by the last incarnation of the Albion Band.

Every December, the band members get together to celebrate the season in musical style across the country -— and, afterwards, disband until the following year’s festive season.

However, this year is a special one for the Albion Christmas Band as they will be celebrating the 15th anniversary of their creation with a 17-date nationwide tour, having made their inaugural appearance on December 17, 1999.

Band member Ashley Hutchings, who founded the original Albion Band in 1971, told the Herald: “We are really looking forward to playing in Wallingford.

“Quite a few of the venues on our annual tour we have visited many times so it will be a pleasure to welcome a new audience to our Christmas celebrations.

“Our concert offers a chance for them to unwind and escape from all the hustle and bustle of the seasonal preparations.”

It was on a suggestion from Simon Care, a previous Albion band member, that Hutchings brought together two other previous Albion Band members to create an autonomous band to present a guided tour through Britain’s Christmas customs.

So, completing the band’s line-up for the gig with Hutchings on bass guitar and vocals, will be Care, of Edward II, on melodeons, Fairport Convention founder member Simon Nicol, on acoustic guitar and vocals, and ex-Albion Band member Kellie While, on acoustic guitar, vocals and percussion. Aimed at reminding audiences of the simpler pleasures and values of a traditional Christmas, as opposed to glitzy TV specials, they will be presenting a mixture of carols, readings and dance. Joining the band as their special guest for the Wallingford show will be young singer-songwriter Fabian Holland, who is already winning fans for his skilful guitar playing and his thought-provoking lyrics. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets, £16 and £10 for those under 17 and/or in full-time education, are available from the box office on 01491 826972, Wallingford Town Information Centre or via the websites: www.tp-ents.org.uk and www.wegottickets.com/event/241164 As well as being the founder of the Albion, Hutchings, otherwise known as ‘The Guv’nor’, was also a founder member of both Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span.