Celebrate the changing of the seasons with music and song as Britain’s oldest provincial learned society, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society, brings a historic concert to Broad Street Methodist Church on 23rd October.

Step into the communal winter world of 19th-century rural England, through the haunting words of Thomas Hardy and the festive, traditional tunes of West Gallery musicians.

‘Winter’s Tales’ is influenced by historic characters, their work, and the music of Sunday worship. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many of these tunes were preserved in books and manuscripts compiled by a wide range of composers and collectors.

Using archive records and contemporary accounts, life in historic England shines out through the instruments, voices and music of the people.

“This is a really unique opportunity to experience the music traditionally performed by local musicians in churches and chapels before the introduction of organs and harmoniums,” explains Sharon Hoult, from Spalding Gentlemen’s Society. “The resulting concert will provide a fantastic evening of entertainment that’s not to be missed!”

Tickets cost £5, available online at www.sgsoc.org/events/winterstales.