Pictured clockwise from top: Howard, Django, Richard, Daisy and Amy. 

Virtuoso musician Richard Durrant, who has been part of the Ropetackle fold since it first opened, celebrates 20 years of Christmas concerts this year, with a nine-date national tour, comprising 12 shows.

Described as a “heartfelt expression of a British Isles Midwinter”, Songs of the Solstice concerts show a more gentle, less commercial side of the season, and herald a much-loved tradition by audiences. Richard is once again joined by singer Amy Kakoura, harpsichordist Howard Beach and two of the musical Durrant children, Daisy & Django.

Richard, who lives on Shoreham Beach, says: “The past 20 winters have been the most magical part of my life spent playing music and watching my four wonderful children grow up. As toddlers they would join me on stage and sing along but now, variously, they come with me on the tour and contribute new songs and ideas.

“We share a respect for both the Pagan and Christian aspects of midwinter and love spending these mystical weeks with Amy and our extended musical family.”

At each Songs of the Solstice gig you will hear the oldest carols, seasonal folk tunes, Christmas chart music and a wealth of new material contributed to by every member of the band. New to the 2025 set-list is the recently rediscovered Barnsley Carol. Written in 1933 by Barnsley bottle-maker Arthur Godfrey, it was then lost for the best part of 100 years. Arthur’s four-part manuscript is beautifully complemented by the silver tones of Richard’s Tenor Guitar in what the group call their own ‘unbeatable’ version. 

The tour coincides with the release of album: Ice Garden, featuring live recordings from across the 20 years of touring with several different line-ups. The titular track is Richard’s setting of Christina Rossetti’s Amen; a haunting song created by Richard’s unique soundscape of Hammond organs, guitars and … fishing reel!

Tickets for the shows are already selling fast, so don’t delay! They are available online here, in person at the Box Office, or by calling: 01273 464440.

Sun 7th December | 2.30PM & 7.30PM

Sunday 14th December | 2.30PM & 7.30PM