The Methodist Hall in Arreton is playing host to some guests from the frozen North this December. In this instance, the Derbyshire Dales rather than the North Pole!

Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham, two of the most respected folk singers and concertina players in the country, are welcoming in the yuletide in a traditional way, headlining a concert arranged by Island folk trio, The Dollymopps.

The Dollymopps are great admirers of Keith and Sylvia. Says Virgil Philpott, one time Director of the Quay Arts Centre “…what Keith Kendrick doesn’t know about harmony singing: isn’t worth knowing. He’s what Gareth Malone would be like if he lived up North and drank real ale instead of mineral water!”

Keith and Sylvia specialize in music from the Derbyshire and Yorkshire area - including songs from the Sheffield Christmas carolling tradition.

The Dollymopps specialise in traditional music collected from the Island and have been making waves within the folk scene themselves over the last eighteen months.

Their second CD, due to be released in the Spring, will be on WildGoose Records: the same record label for which Keith and Sylvia record. Says Virgil “..with the exception of Topic Records, WildGoose are now probably the largest, specialist folk label in England - so we’re going to be in quite prestigious company alongside the likes of The Old Swan Band, Mick Ryan and Tony Hall!”

Further information about the concert / bookings via Virgil on (01983) 612696 or Lin Watterson at Arreton Community Theatre on 528921.