Folk legend John Kirkpatrick returns to Westcote Village Hall on Saturday, November 1

John will present a full kitbag of songs from the two World Wars with his usual panache and energy, his powerful voice supported by sparkling squeezebox playing. As you would expect, there will be popular hits of the day; songs designed to keep the spirits high, to raise a smile, share a chorus and provide a moment's respite from the horrors on every side and find the heart to keep going. Alongside these popular songs, John will also give an airing to some of the songs sung by the service personnel on the Front Line; familiar tunes wedded to new words, conjured up far from home by an army of ordinary folk doing their best to be good soldiers.

This is a heart-warming show, with occasional poignant moments, celebrating the comradeship and spirit that allowed previous generations to Keep Smiling Through. The backdrop to John's concert will be an archive display of photographs, medal cards, war diaries and other documents illustrating the brief lives of the six men from Westcote who died in the First World War.

John is one of the most prolific musicians on the English folk scene and has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso. He performs solo, in duos, acoustic groups and electric bands and has been a member of The Albion Country Band, The Richard Thompson Band, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Band of Hope and many more. John Kirkpatrick was Radio Two Folk Awards 'Musician of the Year' in 2010.

Tickets for TUNES FROM THE TRENCHES are £10 each (including a drink on arrival) and can be booked by ringing 01993 831196.