Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook returns to Perth

Following the huge success and popularity of Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook over the last 13 years, he will be returning to Perth Concert Hall, Perth on Friday 20, December – bringing warm and moving musical moments to get audiences in the festive spirit.

Teemed with jovial anecdotes, modern and traditional Christmas music and exquisite musicianship that tug at your heartstrings, it is indeed “the perfect way to fill up your festive fuel tank” (The Scotsman).

Phil will be joined by some of the best 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.

I can’t wait to bring it back to Perth again this December.

Phil said: “It’s been fantastic to see the Christmas Songbook grow over the last 13 years and become a much-loved part of people’s festivities and I can’t wait to bring it back to Perth again this December.

“For anyone looking to brighten up a dark winter’s night and get a bit of festive cheer, this is the show for you. Yet again I’ll be joined by some old pals who know all too well how to get an audience tapping their feet and up dancing. We look forward to making it a memorable night for everyone.”

A superb innovative instrumentalist, Phil Cunningham not only boasts 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.

Phil Cunningham not only boasts the fastest fingers in the West but some of the most sensitive ones, too.

Also widely recognised from his television and radio presenting, Phil has been involved in some of the seminal programmes that have enabled Scottish music to walk tall, a true ambassador for traditional music. Not to mention a humourist, Phil’s 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 three 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 number one single and eight 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).

The perfect way to fill up your festive fuel tank.

The Orcadian singer and guitarist Kris Drever who was BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year 2017, 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!

Tickets for are now available for Phil Cunningham’s Christmas Songbook at Perth Concert Hall on Friday 20, December.