Eliza Carthy & Jon Boden’s Wassail

Extended Theatre Seated

Before there was carolling, there was wassailing. Where seasonal songs were exchanged for money, food and ale. In the countryside, trees were blessed. While in the towns, Wassailers went house to house with their songs and called for Christmas treats. Coming from the Anglo Saxon waes hael, ‘wassail’ is a toast wishing good health with a ‘be well’.

So, get into the festive spirit with us here at Brewery Arts. Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden combine their considerable talents and reputations within the UK folk scene before touring as a duo once again, for a nationwide wassail. Presenting seasonal, traditional material on a stage decorated for the occasion. They will take audiences back to some of the oldest songs in the English canon, telling Christmas tales, spreading good cheer and lighting up the darkest days of the year, ahead of Christmas Day itself!

“Beautiful music from two of our very finest and most valuable artists currently working; Glad Christmas Comes is a very easy album to love.” Folk Radio UK

“Where some might see the lengthening shadow of the commodified Christmas season to be unseemly, Carthy and Boden respond with more Christmas. By which they mean more wassail and more cheer for these blighted times.” RootsWorld

“A big bundle of unadulterated joy that neatly balances the tinsel-draped unashamedly fun atmosphere of the festive period with splendid musicianship and discerning song choices.” Klof Mag

Eliza and Jon were special guests on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends – listen here on BBC Sounds.

See all live music events here.