Folk trio's festive concert will benefit WemsFest and South Downs Folk Festival

Emsworth-based arts organisation WemsFest has combined with Wickham Festival and The South Downs Folk Festival (Bognor Regis) to present a virtual concert by folk trio Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle.
McGoldrick, McCusker, & DoyleMcGoldrick, McCusker, & Doyle
McGoldrick, McCusker, & Doyle

WemsFest artistic director Mark Ringwood said: “Best known for their work with Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler and BBC Transatlantic Sessions, as well as artists including Solas, Capercaillie, and Kate Rusby, the multi award-winning trio have recorded a 45-minute set full of Christmas tunes as well as some firm favourites which will be streamed into the homes of people the length and breadth of the UK linking with venues and festivals from the Highlands of Scotland across the sea to Belfast and on to the far south of England.

“Their inaugural Christmas concert features a diverse mix of classic Christmas melodies, traditional and contemporary songs and tunes. Whether performing material such as the medieval-based song Curoo Curoo, John Shehan’s hauntingly beautiful melody Christchurch or the majestic O Holy Night, their decades of renowned musical expertise create a magical and lasting impression.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Each show is different and at the end, questions submitted from the audiences of each venue and festival make for some unique moments. All ticket buyers will be given the opportunity to submit a question for their own unique event.”

Band member Michael McGoldrick explained: “We felt we wanted to connect with people at this time of year and had been looking for a way to do this. This November we were supposed to be performing in Switzerland and the Czech Republic and John Doyle had flown over from his home in the US. The tour was cancelled at short notice and so we thought this is our chance to use the time to record something special.”

Mark added: “Ticket sales will be split between the artists and the individual venues/festivals, so you can be confident that your purchase will not only support McGoldrick, McCusker and Doyle at Christmas, but also the local venues, promoters and festivals. The trio are hugely popular with audiences for all three festivals and we enjoy a great relationship with them so it’s a great opportunity to support them as well as provide something which will hopefully bring some festive cheer to many when we most need it.”

“To access the concert go to https://myplayer.uk/christmasathome and buy a ticket for Tuesday, December 15 to ensure that the three festivals also benefit from your purchase. Once you’ve bought, you will receive an email with information about how to watch the show in the comfort of your own home. The concert will begin at 7.30pm.”

Related topics: