CHRISTMAS is a time for traditions. Turkey is served, crackers are pulled and presents are opened.

Add to this list: The Albion Christmas Band goes on tour.

This festive season sees the band return to Maidenhead, on Saturday, December 13, as part of its ‘One For The Road’ tour.

The Norden Farm Centre For The Arts’ audience will have the chance to enjoy seasonal carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance with the English folk band.

This year’s tour coincides with the release of the band’s live album of the same name. The album was recorded by Rooksmere Records during the band’s fifteenth anniversary tour last year at London’s prestigious Kings Place. It was officially released on December 1 and features a selection of songs, tunes and readings from the two-hour show as well as capturing the atmosphere of the evening’s performance.

The album features classics such as In The Bleack Mid Winter and Mad World joined by readings such as How The Internet Started.

This year’s show at Norden Farm will feature highlights from that recording plus many old favourites.

The Albion Christmas Band evolved from special seasonal shows by the last incarnation of the Albion Band.

On a suggestion from Simon Care, a previous Albion band member himself, Ashley ‘The Guv’nor’ Hutchings brought together two other previous Albion Band members to create a band to present a guided tour through the Christmas customs of Britain.

Using an interesting mix of traditional seasonal songs and adding a modern twist with 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.

The Albion Christmas Band features the combined talents of Simon Nicol (founder member of Fairport Convention) on acoustic guitar and vocals, Kellie While (Albion Band), acoustic guitar, vocals and percussion, Simon Care (Edward II), melodeons, and the Guv’nor himself, Ashley Hutchings, (founder of Fairport Convention, Albion Band, and Steeleye Span) on bass guitar and vocals.

To book tickets for the concert at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm contact the box office on 01628 788997 or visit the Norden Farm’s website www.nordenfarm.org

Sam Murray