Albion Christmas
The Albion Christmas Band returns this December
Location
The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3FD
Telephone
01284 758000- Date
- 23rd December 2026
- Time
- 7:30pm - 10:00pm
About this event
The Albion Christmas Band returns 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 both 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.
The Albion story is also intertwined with some of the 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.
Together, The Albion Christmas Band draws on this extraordinary musical heritage to create a heartwarming evening, steeped in tradition, authenticity and joy. This tour sells out early on every year – try not to miss it.
Starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: £32
About the Venue
The Apex is an award-winning venue, known for its acoustic excellence and home to a diverse programme of live music and events; from classical concerts to pop, rock, jazz, blues, world, country and folk, plus comedy and dance performances.
It also hosts a number of community and corporate events, offering the local community and wider environs a unique and exciting space from which visitors can see a great selection of artists, bands and events.
It has been very well publicised (and we never tire of hearing it!) that, as well as its architectural beauty, The Apex also has the very best acoustics, with many musicians who've played here describing it as the best acoustic in the UK, if not Europe:
"Best new venue in the UK. Absolutely superb" - Funeral For A Friend
"Best acoustic wee had in 40 years of touring" - Fairport Convention
"The best hall we have ever played in" - The Escher String Quartet
New Outside Bar
The Apex's brand-new outdoor bar, supplied and installed by Greene King, opens on Friday 31 July!
Open Thursdays to Sundays, 12pm–6pm, make the most of summer with a full bar service including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, four draught pumps, refreshing spritzes, the full Coffee House café menu and our much-loved Criterion ice cream.
Don't miss Greene King's new Pilfer - a refreshingly crisp lager, infused with juicy peach and inspired by a mischievous local legend!
