Drive the Cold Winter Away

Just below the surface of our familiar Christmas music and customs lies a deeper, sometimes unsettling, sometimes amusing, but always intriguing mix of myth and history. Four-piece folk band Moonrakers (cello, harp, guitar, whistles, keyboard and female/male vocals) present a unique and exciting show that explores customs, superstitions and rituals relating to winter in Britain. The show includes songs and tunes (traditional and contemporary) linked with a narrative that explains where this music comes from, what lies behind some of these weird tales, and how they still resonate with us today. It takes you on a journey through history, reminding you of how ordinary people dealt with the hardships and joys of the dark winter months.

The show is not just a beautiful listening experience, it is also participatory, with choruses, percussion, and a few laughs. It is suitable for older children and adults. Thematically, it ties in with calendar events (Christmas, Winter Solstice, Spring) and environmental issues.