Online booking is now closed. A few tickets will be available on the door.

Spontaneous and exuberant, The Carnival Band turns musical convention on its head from Renaissance to Rock ‘n Roll.  Two leading talents in the UK early music scene, an ex LSO violinist turned drummer, a rock guitarist and a dynamic bassist take a sideways look at sacred and secular music from both sides of the Atlantic during the turbulent years of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.  Their performances feature a wide variety of instruments and full vocal harmony.

'Chapel & Tavern' is a fresh look at what are sometimes seen as different worlds. In fact, the same musicians who played and sang in the tavern on a Saturday night would turn up at the chapel on Sunday to play/sing in the "Gallery Bands" which usually accompanied the congregations.

This will be a unique opportunity to experience the relationship between the music of chapel and tavern, each in its own place. It is one concert, but in 2 venues!

The evening will begin at Wrexham Methodist Church for a first half that may well feature hymns as you've never heard them before (unless you're already a Carnival Band fan, of course)!. At half-time, band and audience will make the 5 minute walk to Saith Seren where the concert will continue after the interval with the Carnival Band's characteristic musical mayhem.

(Please note that Saith Seren  has a strict over-18s only policy in the evenings)

Update: To enable under-18s to enjoy the whole concert, we have arranged for a live video feed of the 2nd half from the pub to the church. Cake and other refreshments will be provided. Chapel-only youth tickets are free, but there will be an opportunity to make a donation on the night.

Vivien Ellis performs medieval, renaissance, folk & contemporary music with The Dufay Collective, international ensemble Sinfonye and her own folk & roots inluenced duo Alva with multi-instrumentalist Giles Lewin. She has toured throughout the UK and Europe, and has made several tours of North and South America, Canada and Australia, appearing in major festivals and concert series.

What the papers say...

"Irreverence, exuberance and variety.… The Carnival Band should be bottled and made freely available on the NHS." ~ Nottingham Evening Post

"Their cavalier attitude to medieval and renaissance music, secular carols and dance tunes is guaranteed to lift even the dullest of spirits…..The Band seem to have no difficulty in playing any instrument that comes in their direction: fiddle, lute, guitar, drums, double bass, clarinet, bagpipes, shawm, curtal…"  ~ Worcester Evening News

"A flair of irresistible charm. Launching straight into the music with an infectious carnival spirit, the band also shows remarkable versatility and impeccable musicianship while still keeping a good time firmly in its sights. Imaginative repertoire cutting through all cultures. In all, a night to remember. "    ~ Lichfield Mercury 

Notice (as required by the rules of the Methodist Church)

You are advised that as the 2nd half of the concert will take place in a pub, intoxicants will be available. You knew that, but rules is rules.