Phil Cunningham Christmas Songbook at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries

Phil Cunningham’s belovedChristmas Songbook show is set to return to Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries on Thursday 14th December, ready to get people of all ages into the Christmas spirit.

Phil will be joined on stage by some of the finest musicians on the Scottish folk scene including Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr and Kevin McGuire, along with a special guest brass band. 

The performance will feature modern and traditional Christmas music with outstanding musicianship, as well as heartwarming anecdotes from the group.

Phil Cunningham said: “We’re raring to get back on the road and bring the Christmas Songbook to Dumfries this year. The show has grown a lot over the past 17 years and has become part of people’s festive traditions which is a total honour, and it’s always lovely to see some familiar faces in the audience as well as some new ones, who are always very welcome.

“I’m lucky enough to be joined by some old friends, who happen to be some of the best folk artists in the country and are ready to put on a fantastic show for you all. We love bringing Christmas cheer to towns and cities up and down the country and we can’t wait to see people singing and dancing along at Easterbrook Hall!”

Phil Cunningham is a brilliant and innovative instrumentalist, with the fastest fingers in the West. He is fondly known for his days with Silly Wizard and Relativity and as the quick witted musical partner of the great Shetland fiddler, Aly Bain. 

Also widely recognised from his television and radio presenting, Phil is a true ambassador for traditional music, having been involved in some of the seminal programmes that enabled Scottish music to walk tall. Phil also has the gift of the gab – his effortless banter can have a packed hall falling about in the aisles.

He will be joined by an impressive mix of lead vocalists, including the inimitable Eddi Reader, who has celebrated a career spanning over three decades and has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling performers, as well as Karen Matheson OBE, recognised the world over as the lead vocalist of Celtic supergroup Capercaillie and award-winning Orcadian roots singerand guitarist Kris Drever.

The line-up also includes acclaimed multi-instrumentalist John McCusker, one of Scotland’s most accomplished and versatile musicians, Ian Carr, known for his original and eclectic approach to traditional guitar music, and highly sought after double bassist Kevin McGuire.

Phil and his talented musician friends will visit Dumfries as part of an eight-date Scottish tour, also taking in Stirling, Aberdeen, Inverness, Glasgow and Perth, and finishing with two dates in Edinburgh.

Tickets for Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries on Thursday 14th December can be purchased  at www.ticketsource.co.uk/easterbrook-hall/t-pqmpeyo.