The Wychwoods Local History Society presented a special evening of entertainment with the renowned band Oxford Waits on June 11th 2025.
The Oxford Waits presented a lively evening of 17th Century music and song that ranged from the bawdy to the lyrical and poetic. Despite being all acoustic the music filled the village hall. Readings from contemporary records were woven into the performance along with a demonstration of country dancing from the period. We were also given an exposition of some of the historic instruments they were using – including the cittern, lute, hurdy gurdy, nykelharpa and hammered dulcimer.
The event was a special addition to our season of activities and proved to be a great success. It was a very entertaining evening, with many comments from society members and visitors saying how much they enjoyed the show.
The Oxford Waits take their name from a real-life band of city musicians, known as ‘waits,’ who flourished in Oxford during the 17th century. Performers appear in period costume, and concerts are enlivened by street ballads, dance tunes, airs and rounds as well as readings from diarists and poets. Superb singing voices are matched by specialist skills in an array of period instruments.
The Oxford Waits have performed at a wealth of festivals, churches, theatres and arts centres, as well as featuring on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4. In 2006 they performed before her Majesty the Queen at the Royal Opening of Oxford Castle.
Line-up
- Tim Healey – Narrator, vocals, shawm, recorders
- Caroline Butler – Vocals, violin
- Ian Giles – Vocals, hurdy gurdy, percussion
- Edwin Pritchard – Vocals, violin, nyckelharpa, hammered dulcimer,
- Jon Fletcher – Vocals, lute, cittern
For more – visit the Oxford Waits website here >>>
