ENGLISH folk singer and musician John Kirkpatrick presents a light-hearted anthology of seasonal songs in his Carolling And Crumpets concert at a sold-out National Centre for Early Music, York, on Monday night (December 18).

Taking its title from a song telling the Nativity story from the point of view of the animals in the stable, this festive show offers a heart-warming look at the timeless rituals and folklore of midwinter England. Kirkpatrick peels away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal the powerful pagan urges that race through us at this time of year, coupled with the life-and-death struggle symbolised in so many traditional songs and customs.

Should this sound a little too intense, rest assured the mysterious and murky goings-on in these magical songs of wassailing, wren hunting, stirring the fire and incessant feasting come dressed up in a glittering finery of lively tunes and cracking choruses.

Add a smattering of humorous original songs and a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar, all stirred up with Kirkpatrick’s usual panache and supported by his squeezebox skills, and he provides the recipe for a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay.

Please note, with no support act, Kirkpatrick cracks on with his Carolling And Crumpets from 7.30pm on a night co-promoted by the NCEM and Black Swan Folk Club.