In the first part of our Christmas carols special, we explored how the origins of carol singing are believed to lie in folk music. While we often associate Christmas carols primarily with church services today, it may be that historically the relationship worked the other way around: carolling began as a popular community practice that was only later incorporated into a Christian context.
To help untangle this history, we are digging deeper into these folk roots. In this episode, we speak with two guests embedded in the world of folk music. First, Mick speaks to Emma Waghorn, leader of the Kingston-upon-Thames folk choir, Pielarks.
Next, Mick chats with Jeff Dent. In 2005, Jeff co-founded Traditional Carols in London, a project where friends meet annually to sing in London pubs. Jeff shares how he was inspired by the traditional caroling villages around Sheffield. Throughout the episode, we’ll hear clips of Pielarks and various pub sessions. It is a striking reminder that caroling has a historic place in noisy, public spaces, and it’s a pleasure to hear how these singers cut through the crowd to capture the public’s attention. We begin with Emma Waghorn.
