A Very Local Christmas
By Peter Naldrett
Sheffield at Christmas. It's so much more than traffic jams at Meadowhall. For on the north-western edge of the city you'll find a musical tradition to rival the best in the world. In the run up to Christmas, people gather in the pubs, drink local beer and sing local carols - ones you've probably never heard of before. Join writer Peter Naldrett and carol enthusiast Andrew Fox as they try their best to document this very local tradition. They can't wait to hear from you - and maybe they'll even see you for a drink and a sing this Christmas!
A Very Local ChristmasNov 26, 2023
00:00
27:26
The Mistletoe Bough (no music)
One of the classic Christmas songs from the pubs and with a huge history, we talk about The Mistletoe Bough with John Fowler and co-host Sean.
Nov 26, 202327:26
The Mistletoe Bough
Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
One of the classic Christmas songs from the pubs and with a huge history, we talk about The Mistletoe Bough with John Fowler and co-host Sean.
Nov 26, 202328:23
Local Carol Legend John Fowler in Conversation
We’re chatting with John Fowler in this episode, known to many who sing the carols - especially in the Blue Ball. It’s a fascinating chat about the history of the carols and how he got involved. Andy heads up to the Three Merry Lads for a sing and a pint as well. And we welcome Sean, our co-host.
Nov 23, 202346:08
The Glen Rock Carolers from the United States and a visit to the Royal at Dungworth
What a treat we have for you this episode as we delve into the story of how Yorkshire carols took on their own lease of life in the United States. We also take a trip to the Royal at Dungworth - a pub with a fine caroling tradition.
Nov 19, 202340:47
The Foxglove Trio sing Stannington (no music)
With the first pub sings behind us, we reflect on the first carols of the year and speak to Patrick from folk band The Foxglove Trio. In 2019 they put out a version of Stannington and we find out how it came about.
Nov 17, 202319:19
The Foxglove Trio sing Stannington
Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
With the first pub sings behind us, we reflect on the first carols of the year and speak to Patrick from folk band The Foxglove Trio. In 2019 they put out a version of Stannington and we find out how it came about.
Nov 17, 202320:54
And they’re off! The carols begin and Prof Ian Russell returns! (without music)
The carols are underway! We hear what the first few sings have been like and listen to more history of the carols with Prof Ian Russell.
Nov 15, 202312:01
And they’re off! The carols begin and Prof Ian Russell returns!
Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
The carols are underway! We hear what the first few sings have been like and listen to more history of the carols with Prof Ian Russell.
Nov 15, 202312:56
Exit, Pursued by a Donkey (No Music)
Peter and Andy speak to Jon Foster, somebody who is highly involved in the running of a Sheffield church in a community where local carols are sung. Listen as we discuss a nativity involving real animals, chat about whether the pub sings are a religious experience and find out who was sacked from a nativity play. Jon is a highly active and well-thought of community member in Sheffield, and it's great to hear his perspective on all things Christmas. Listen to the end and you'll be rewarded by news of where the pub sings are in the coming week. Let's not forget the Big Question: When were pockets invented?
Nov 10, 202347:09
Exit, Pursued by a Donkey
Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
Peter and Andy speak to Jon Foster, somebody who is highly involved in the running of a Sheffield church in a community where local carols are sung. Listen as we discuss a nativity involving real animals, chat about whether the pub sings are a religious experience and awkwardly refer to him as a 'man of the cloth'. Jon is a highly active and well-thought of community member in Sheffield, and it's great to hear his perspective on all things Christmas. Listen to the end and you'll be rewarded by news of where the pub sings are in the coming week. Let's not forget the Big Question: When were pockets invented?
Nov 10, 202301:00:15
The Origin of the Local Carols
Episodes with music are only available on Spotify.
In the first episode of A Very Local Christmas, Peter and Andy chat to Professor Ian Russell about the origin of the pub sings. We discover how Christmas carols were mainly kept out of churches and explore the reasons they ended up in the pubs. You can also find out which pubs to head to if over the next week if you want to experience this musical tradition first hand.
Nov 09, 202358:15
The Origin of the Local Carols (No music)
* This is a version of episode 1 without music so it can appear on all platforms.
In the first episode of A Very Local Christmas, Peter and Andy chat to Professor Ian Russell about the origin of the pub sings. We discover how Christmas carols were mainly kept out of churches and explore the reasons they ended up in the pubs. You can also find out which pubs to head to if over the next week if you want to experience this musical tradition first hand.
In the first episode of A Very Local Christmas, Peter and Andy chat to Professor Ian Russell about the origin of the pub sings. We discover how Christmas carols were mainly kept out of churches and explore the reasons they ended up in the pubs. You can also find out which pubs to head to if over the next week if you want to experience this musical tradition first hand.
Nov 08, 202341:29