Amid the noise and haste of the modern festive season, there is yet an ancient calm to be found in candlelight. Yorkshire's Celtic bard, Olivia Graham invites you to join her for a peaceful hour of ancient hymns, chants and traditional tunes drawn from the Celtic corners of these Isles. Experience Advent and Christmas through the eyes of pioneering Irish monks, Anglo-Saxon bards, exiled kings and Northumbrian saints. Step out of time as the ancient languages of Britain and Ireland are heard over powerful drones and traditional instruments.

We are welcoming Olivia for two shows this year - 1730 and 1900 on Friday 12 December 2025. Each performance will last approximately 1 hour. Tickets £12. Please book via the booking button.

Access information

Lighting: Light levels are low. This event will be by candlelight.

Temperature: The building is over 800 years old and temperatures inside are usually lower than those outside. Please wrap up warmly!

Seating: Sight lines vary and seating is allocated on arrival. If sitting in the historic box pews, you may be required to share with others. Blankets are available on request, but you are welcome to bring your own blankets and cushions for your comfort.

Toilets: There is one toilet in the building. The facilities can only be accessed by speaking to our stewards. There are three steps up and the office where it is located may be locked. The cubical has handrail support and a changing table, but no bins. Please take rubbish away with you. The facilities can be reached by those requiring step free entry via an external door. There are alternative toilets in The Old White Swan pub nextdoor.

Access: Floors are uneven throughout. The building is wheelchair accessible save for St James' and the Sunken Chapel which have steps that may be slippery, but this should not impact your enjoyment of this event. There is a ramp with handrail inside the main door. We are usually able to accommodate at least one wheelchair user (and maybe more depending on ability to transfer into a pew seat). If you have access needs, we would recommend that you visit the venue in advance to discuss the best possible seating arrangement for you. Please email york@thecct.org.uk with any questions or to arrange a visit. This address only monitored from time to time so please allow time for a response.