Carnivalesque!

The spirit of Carnival is the same the world over. A feast of dance music and songs from the 16th century to the present day and from a wide variety of musical traditions, embodying the themes of revelry and celebration.

That Sweet Enemy

A concert vividly illuminating the love-hate relationship between the two great nations of England and France, in love, war, fashion and food for a thousand years. A concert full of joie de vivre with a certain je ne sais quoi!

Around the World in 80 tunes

A scoreboard, a huge world map, an armful of instruments and a wonderful mix of songs and dance tunes from around the globe. The tension builds right to the very last note – will our heroic band of sonic travellers complete the total?

Lewd Strumpets and Constant Wives – with singer Vivien Ellis

The broadside ballads were the pop music of the 17th century and in this concert the women take centre stage – female soldiers, cunning tricksters, noble heroines, and girls who know what they want and how to get it!

Luther 500 The Musical Legacy

A Saturday workshop for singers and instrumentalists exploring the musical heritage of Martin Luther and the Reformation, including West Gallery Music as performed by Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band. Andy will coach participants in a selection of hymns and sacred music from the 16th –19th century to be used in the evening service.

A Carnival of Carols

Seasonal music from Medieval England to ‘le jazz cool’ via Latin rhythms and Cajun beats. The Carnival Band blend the spirit of Christmas with the spirit of celebration the world over to create a delicious Yuletide cocktail. With a cornucopia of instruments and rich vocal harmony, the music includes traditional carols such as I Saw Three Ships and The Boar’s Head and new compositions by the band ranging from the reflective (Bright Evening Star) to the comic (The Lighthouse Keeper's Christmas). The perfect start to the festive season. Suitable for all ages.

Carnival Choir Carols Workshop

A one-day workshop led by Andy Watts in which singers will learn arrangements in four-part harmony from A Tapestry of Carols, Carols and Capers, and the band’s extensive repertoire of festive music. The choirs will join up with The Carnival Band for the Carnival of Carols concerts in December. To join the choirs or find out more visit our Carnival Choirs page

Family Concert

A feast of music ranging from the Renaissance to the hand-jive. Participation by young ones is guaranteed, and you will enjoy Latin percussion, the crossing of continents, a kaleidoscope of instrumental and vocal colour, and the bending of many rules! Don’t worry if you can’t keep still - The Carnival Band will have you out of your seats!​

A Carnival Calendar

From the riotous pre-Lent carnivals of medieval Europe to the midwinter revelry of the Lord of Misrule, The Carnival Band take us through the year, imaginatively weaving folk, historical and contemporary strands from England and abroad into a rich tapestry of seasonal celebration.

Carols and Capers

The Carnival Band team up with Maddy Prior for a classic performance of traditional carols and festive music ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Song-Gathering

A friendly workshop in which Andy Watts which will lead you in harmony singing, with songs from the band’s collection of music in early, folk and world traditions. No need to read music - come along and have fun!

Song-Gathering

A friendly workshop in which Andy Watts which will lead you in harmony singing, with songs from the band’s collection of music in early, folk and world traditions. No need to read music - come along and have fun!

Caols and Capers Maddy Prior

Carols and Capers - Maddy Prior

Carols and Capers with Maddy Prior

Carols and Capers with Maddy Prior

Our Subversive Voice

The Carnival Band joins forces with balladeer Vivien Ellis and research team Our Subversive Voice, for a one-off set of songs celebrating English political protest through the ages, from 1600 to today. Expect a riot of instruments, genres, and radical songs to span the centuries, accompanied by introductions and insights from Our Subversive Voice, a collective of historians and political scholars who have been charting this history of protest.

Shropshire Harmony Quire

An informal monthly gathering for singers and instrumentalists to explore and enjoy the music of the West Gallery Church Bands from about 1750 to 1850. No auditions - all welcome.

Chapel and Tavern

Popular hymns, ballads and dances from the 17th 18th and 19th centuries.

Chapel and Tavern with Maddy Prior

Popular hymns, ballads and dances from the 17th 18th and 19th centuries.

Sing Lustily and With Good Courage

A workshop for singers and instrumentalists based on the recordings of Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band, including Who Would True Valour See, How Firm a Foundation (used in the film ‘Emma’) The Lancashire Chartist Hymn and many more.

Folk Woodwind Week

A midweek course for woodwind players interested in the English folk repertoire and style. Monday 5 May 4pm to Friday 9 May 10am

Ballads at The Bodleian

A celebration of the wonderful collection of 17th century broadside ballads held in the library. With singers Vivien Ellis and John Kirkpatrick