Music: A Big Christmas Tent


Moseley band Big Tent and the Gypsy Lantern are preparing a Christmas gift with a twist this December.

Fresh from their UK tour, the boys will be back in Brum to round off the year with a special festive gig. It will be a Big Tent event like no other. Many of their original foot-stomping folk-inspired songs will be left at home in favour of a host of traditional Christmas classics.

“One of our friends suggested it as a joke,” says percussionist George, “but we took the idea and ran with it.”

“We’ve never done covers before,” explains guitarist Paul, “but we loved the idea of taking all those cheesy Christmas songs that you hear in the supermarket and making them our own.”

On the provisional set list are favourites such as Band Aid’s charity anthem ‘Let Them Know It’s Christmas’, Wham’s cheesy pop ballad ‘Last Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Time’ by rock band The Darkness. The group will also be taking requests from fans via Twitter and Facebook.

“It’s going to be a challenge to arrange them for our voices and instruments,” says trumpeter Danny, “but that’s all part of the fun. We’re not just trying to reproduce the originals, we’re adding a Big Tent twist to everything.”

Singer Tom is really looking forward to it. “It’s going to be such a fun night, and a great way to celebrate the festive season. 2013 has been an amazing year for the band, and we wanted to give something back to all the people who’ve supported us.”

Big Tent and the Gypsy Lantern will be performing at Ort on Thursday 19th December. For details of their album, tour and other dates, visit their website. 

 (Published in 'Moseley B13' November 2013)

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