The 2024 Christmas Festival opens with the baroque specialists Spiritato (Friday 6th) celebrating music inspired by the wealthy and highly fashionable Royal Court of Sweden, and closes with folk artists Awake Arise sharing their Christmas Show for our Times celebrating the riches of winter, reflecting upon the hope and resilience in music and song that can bring us joy in the darkest season.

Early music artists returning to the York stage include Siglo de Oro (Saturday 7th), Solomon’s Knot (Sunday 8th), Stile Antico (Thursday 12th) and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists Ensemble Augelletti (Friday 13th) and we are delighted to welcome classical guitarist Sean Shibe as he presents a new programme alongside folk fiddle player Aidan O’Rourke – exploring together the music of Dowland, Johnson, O’Rourke and Cage (Monday 9th).

With festival highlights shining a light on Platform Artists from Italy, Belgium and the UK; a choral workshop for all presented by Robert Hollingworth, director of I Fagiolini, and a return of the ever-popular Green Matthews ‘Gaudete!’ – we can promise something for all in this year’s winter festival.