A special gala concert marks a homecoming for folk legend Ralph McTell when he returns to Banbury next week. The show at St Mary's Church on Horsefair is part of McTell's UK autumn tour. Forever associated with the million-selling Streets of London, the songwriter has won over thousands of fans and the respect of fellow musicians in a career that spans four decades. He was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
The Guardian said: ". . . (McTell's) songs are universal, hitting the spot by telling your personal story - yours and everyone's."
At the gala he will be singing some of his well-known songs and reading from his widely-acclaimed two-volume autobiography - As Far As I Can Tell. The first half will include personal anecdotes and songs which reflect and illustrate his childhood and teens.
McTell is looking forward to the gig.
"I've always loved playing in Banbury," he says, "because I have a long family association with the town. I spent many happy childhood holidays in Banbury and my uncle was a bellringer at St Mary's."
He and his brother used to stay with his uncle and aunt and their grandparents in the town. Banbury and North Oxfordshire would figure later in his life through a long friendship with members of Fairport Convention, and he often appears at the annual reunion at Cropredy. The location inspired him to pen the Civil War ballad Red And Gold which has become a staple of the band's repertoire.
At the end of the show on Thursday, Ralph will meet concert-goers for a chat and to sign CDs.
Tickets and booking information are available from Banbury Tourist Information Office, call 01295 259855, or book online at www.smartermusic.net
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