Faithful Johannes / Bedsit Manor / Elise Massa

Three very different takes on Christmas, all with a distinctly Pumplejuice twist. Forget the usual festive cheese - we're going somewhere altogether more interesting.

FAITHFUL JOHANNES

North East cult favourite Faithful Johannes brings his wonderfully eccentric blend of spoken-word storytelling, offbeat hip-hop and wry humour to the festive season. With a sizeable back catalogue of Christmas songs to plunder, expect an alternative Christmas soundtrack full of wit, warmth, oddball observations and unexpected moments of seasonal joy.

FFO: The Streets, Half Man Half Biscuit, Christmas with a raised eyebrow.

BEDSIT MANOR

Forget dusting off the same old Christmas classics. Bedsit Manor are going one better and writing an entire festive EP especially for the show. Expect brand-new songs, a fresh perspective on the season and the glorious possibility of discovering your new favourite Christmas anthem. A Pumplejuice festive exclusive, with the wrapping paper still on.

FFO: Alternative Christmas records, indie DIY spirit and festive surprises.

ELISE MASSA

From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Durham, Elise Massa brings a little Appalachian soul to a North East Christmas. Blessed with a gorgeous country-bluegrass voice and a wonderfully intimate acoustic style, Elise will be performing her own guitar-led interpretations of the O Antiphons - seven ancient Advent texts traditionally associated with the days leading up to Christmas.

Expect haunting melodies, warm acoustic guitar and a beautiful meeting of centuries-old Christmas traditions with the rich storytelling spirit of American roots music. Something a little different, and rather special.

FFO: Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris.