# Event Details - **Event Name**: The Albion Christmas Band - **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 19 Dec, 2026 at 07:30 pm (+00:00) - **Event Description**: Doors 6.40pm Up The Downs Mummers 7pm Albion Christmas Band 7.30pm Full Price £26 Under 25s £13 The Albion Christmas Band The Albion Christmas Band returns to Folk in theBarn at the Gulbenkian this December for its 27th year of touring, continuing a cherished festive tradition that marks the true beginning of Christmas for audiences across the UK. Described by The Guardian as “the perfect antidote to the corporate Christmas”, the show blends seasonal songs, carols,storytelling and stellar musicianship into an evening filled with warmth, humour and winter magic. At its heart is the extraordinary voice of Kellie While, whose breath-taking singing brings powerful expression and intimacy to every performance. The current line-up evolved from The Albion Band, founded over 50 years ago by Ashley Hutchings MBE, one of the most influential forces in British folk music. Bob Dylan described Hutchings as “the single most important figure in English folk rock”, recognising a career that has left an indelible mark on British music. Sadly, due to recent health issues, Ashley will not be touring with the Albion Christmas Band this year. However, his spirit, vision and musical legacy remain at the very heart of the band and the Christmas shows he helped create. The Albion story is also intertwined with some ofthe most respected names in folk. Simon Nicol, long-time member of Fairport Convention and one of the defining guitarists and singers of the English folk revival, has been a key collaborator over the decades. Simon Care, renowned for his expressive melodeon playing and tireless work across folk and roots music,brings energy, sensitivity and virtuosity to the stage. Representing a newer generation, acclaimed singer-songwriter Blair Dunlop — award-winning guitarist and son of Ashley Hutchings — carries the Albion legacy forward with his own celebrated career, blending traditional influences with contemporary songwriting. The Albion Christmas Band draws on this extraordinary musical heritage to create a heart-warming evening, filled with tradition, authenticity and joy. We know audiences everywhere will join us in wishing Ashley well, and we look forward to celebrating the season together once again. This show sells out early every year – try not to miss it. www.albionchristmas.co.uk Up The Downs Mummers The evening’s entertainment will open with The ‘UpThe Downs Mummers’ play performed on the Gulbenkian stage before the start ofthe concert at 19:00 (7pm). ‍Doors to the theatre will be opening earlier than usual at 18:40 (twenty to seven) so those that want to can take their seats in good time. This was greatly received last year and we wonder who will be the secret ‘star’ this time. Please bring any lose change as the Mummers will be rattling their buckets in the interval in aid of the Pilgrim’s Hospice. The performance lasts 20minutes so the Albion XB concert will start at 19:30 (7.30pm) as scheduled. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/canterbury/the-albion-christmas-band/200030414521639 - **Event Categories**: music, entertainment, concerts, live-music, health-wellness, art, theatre, nonprofit - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 14 ## Ticket Details ## Event venue details - **city**: Canterbury - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: University of Kent - **lat**: 51.295283201021 - **long**: 1.0666394233704 - **full address**: University of Kent, The Registry,Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: The Albion Christmas Band - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/e6c57803be02587ca7672636e8664543dd6352ce7425093d0d00dc2c3a698a4f-rimg-w1200-h800-dce8e8e8-gmir?v=1787581010 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is The Albion Christmas Band being held? - **A:** The Albion Christmas Band takes place on Sat, 19 Dec, 2026 at 07:30 pm to Sat, 19 Dec, 2026 at 07:30 pm at University of Kent, The Registry,Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing The Albion Christmas Band? - **A:** The Albion Christmas Band is organized by Folk in the Barn. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** The Albion Christmas Band is ideal for music lovers, fans of all genres, and anyone who wants to celebrate the power of music - from intimate gigs and live sessions to festivals and cultural performances. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Canterbury, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If The Albion Christmas Band sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "The Albion Christmas Band", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/e6c57803be02587ca7672636e8664543dd6352ce7425093d0d00dc2c3a698a4f-rimg-w1200-h800-dce8e8e8-gmir?v=1787581010", "startDate": "2026-12-19T19:30:00+00:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/canterbury/the-albion-christmas-band/200030414521639", "eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "University of Kent", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "The Registry,Canterbury, Kent", "addressLocality": "Canterbury", "addressRegion": "EN", "addressCountry": "GB" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "51.295283201021", "longitude": "1.0666394233704" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Doors 6.40pm\n\nUp The Downs Mummers 7pm\n\nAlbion Christmas Band 7.30pm\n\n Full Price £26\nUnder 25s £13 \n\n\nThe Albion Christmas Band\n\nThe Albion Christmas Band returns to Folk in theBarn at the Gulbenkian this December for its 27th year of touring, continuing a cherished festive tradition that marks", "organizer": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Folk in the Barn", "url": "https://allevents.in/org/folk-in-the-barn/7708092", "description": "Folk in the Barn aims to bring the best Folk - Acoustic artists in the UK - and beyond - to beautiful and interesting venues in the Canterbury and East Kent region - Why? To inspire, entertain and enhance the lives of those who come along." } ] } ] ```