KEEP your New Year celebration going into 2020 with Banter - one of the best ceilidh bands in the UK - at Halsway manor this weekend.

Halsway Manor has dedicated its first weekend course of 2020 to the musicians that spend the Christmas season providing the music for our celebrations.

Members of the band Banter are coming to the Manor, just outside of Taunton, to be tutors in residence for a musicians workshop and while they are here will perform a Saturday night gig, which is open to the public.

For this one-off gig at Halsway Manor Banter will be joined by a very special guest for the evening – Phil Beer, the world-class, award-winning, multi-instrumentalist, singer and arranger, and founder of folk band legends Show of Hands.

Banter are Simon Care (melodeon, concertina and vocals), Nina Zella (keyboards and vocals) and Tim Walker (drums, percussion, brass and dance calling).

They are purveyors of English traditional music and incorporate influences of pop, jazz, soul and big band sounds. Banter generate a huge sound and have been described as the worlds smallest big band.

Drawing on influences such as The New Victory Dance Band, Flowers and Frolics, Banter’s modern take on traditional English dance music has been commended by the likes of Ashley Hutchings, John Spiers, Jack Rutter and Steve Knightley.

These musicians believe in having fun with music, and this gig is sure to be a lively start to your new year.

Halsway Manor, National Centre for Folk Arts, has been established as a Charity since 1965. Nestling at the foot of the Quantock Hills Halsway Manor provides a year-round programme of events and activities in traditional folk music, dance, song, storytelling, folklore and related arts and crafts.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £4 for students. To book visit halswaymanor.org.uk