MAVERICK barefoot musician, composer and guitar virtuoso Richard Durrant is setting out on his wintry Christmas tour with guest singer Amy Kakoura that will find a warm welcome in Pickering on December 12.

Proceeds from A Candlelit Christmas Guitar Concert at Pickering Memorial Hall will go to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, with tickets for this 8pm show available at £10 from Television House, Pickering, and on 01751 472847 or £12 on the door. Under-16s will be admitted for £5.

Durrant’s inspiration comes from Christian, pagan and folk traditions and he will combine these with distinctive Durrant originals at Pickering. "I have a deep love of music that evokes the middle of winter and my acoustic instruments, with the help of Amy’s half Irish, half Greek voice seem to go in search of the magic that surrounds both the solstice and Christmas,” says Richard, whose stage will feature commissioned artwork, festive lighting and candles to set the scene.

Durrant's 17-date Christmas itinerary of theatres, churches and Rural Touring venues will bring to a close a year when he completed a 20-date concert tour on a bicycle carrying his entire show to each location between Shoreham and the Isle of Skye.

He has taken his Guitar Whisperer Show to France and Spain and, in the summer, recorded the title track of his new album The Girl At The Airport with the City of Prague Philharmonic. Next year his guitar travels will continue with concerts in Peru, Paraguay, France, Spain and Britain.

Durrant's new Christmas album, A Quiet Word From The 13th Century, A Midwinter Song And Dance With Ukuleles, Guitars And The Voice Of Amy Kakoura, will be on sale at the Pickering concert. Whether performing the oldest songs in the Oxford Book of Carols or duetting on The Pogues' Fairytale Of New York, he promises a show of surprises and midwinter charm next weekend.