A JOYOUS celebration of Christmas past and present is coming to Charlton Down near Dorchester this winter.

With their roots in the South Dorset Ridgeway and inspired by the rich sources of locally collected folk songs and West Gallery carols, The Ridgeway Singers and Band led by Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries have once again tuned their fiddles and voices to present a seasonal concert.

Traditionally sung by village choirs in English country churches from the 18th century onwards, West Gallery music’s demise was brought about by the innovations of the organ and harmonium, and the accompanying musicians who played the fiddle, the cello and the serpent might have been no more than a footnote in history, if it hadn’t been for this style of popular music being recorded by writers such as Thomas Hardy, the traditional music he knew as a boy, and the wonderful stories and poems in which he evoked the singers and musicians who performed it.

This programme will include works from Puddletown, Durweston and Hinton St Mary manuscripts, together with newly composed carols in the West Gallery tradition. Interspersed with some sparkling instrumental pieces and midwinter stories, plus a few Ridgeway favourites, expect a heart-warming seasonal celebration of all things Dorset!

See The Ridgeway Singers and band performing in West Lulworth Holy Trinity Church (01929 400790) at 4pm on Sunday December 9 and Charlton Down Herrison Hall near Dorchester (01305 264060) at 4pm on Sunday December 16. Tickets and further information are also available from artsreach.co.uk To find out where else the singers and band are performing this winter, visit ridgewaysingersandband.wordpress.com