Phil Cunningham's Christmas Songbook 2023

Phil Cunningham and his Christmas Songbook colleagues have been delighting audiences for the last 17 years. He is delighted to announce they'll be back at The Queen's Hall this December.

Full of jovial anecdotes, modern and traditional Christmas music and exquisite musicianship that will tug at one's heartstrings, it is indeed “the perfect way to fill up your festive fuel tank” (The Scotsman). Phil will be joined 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.

What can you say about Phil Cunningham? A superb innovative instrumentalist, with not simply the fastest fingers in the West but some of the most sensitive ones, too. He is fondly remembered from his days with Silly Wizard and Relativity and as witty musical partner of the great Shetland fiddler, Aly Bain. Also widely recognised from his television and radio presenting, he has been involved in some of the seminal programmes that have enabled Scottish music to walk tall, a true ambassador for traditional music. Also a humourist, his breezy banter can have a 2000-seat hall falling about in the aisles.

Phil often keeps high company and no less is true for this year’s special Christmas gathering. A powerful mix of lead vocalists include the inimitable:

Eddi Reader, who has celebrated a career spanning over 3 decades and has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers. With an MBE for outstanding contributions to the arts, 3 BRIT awards, a #1 single and 8 critically acclaimed solo albums, Eddi is considered to be “one of Scotland’s greatest national treasures” (The Scotsman).

Karen Matheson OBE, is recognized the world over as the haunting lead vocalist of Celtic supergroup, Capercaillie and one of "the finest Gaelic singers alive today" (Billboard Magazine).

Kris Drever, BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year 2017. The Orcadian singer and guitarist is part of the backbone of today’s contemporary roots scene and is widely admired as a solo artist, collaborator, and member of folk superstars, Lau.

Also joining Phil are multi-instrumentalist, John McCusker, one of Scotland’s most accomplished and versatile musicians in any genre who has worked with artists as diverse as Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller and Patti Smith, Teenage Fanclub and Billy Connolly; Ian Carr, who is known for his original and eclectic approach to traditional music guitar and has established an instantly recognisable sound that has influenced countless musicians and Kevin McGuire who is a highly sought after double bassist who has performed with the likes of Karine Polwart and Kate Rusby. Make sure to oil your vocal chords and bring the family!