The Oxford Waits at the old Abbey Buildings, Abingdon (photo Ed Nix)

Left to right: Ian Giles, Edwin Pritchard, Caroline Butler, Jon Fletcher & Tim Healey. 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

'Terrific entertainment’ Brian Kay, BBC Radio 3

LINE-UP

Tim Healey - Narrator, vocals, shawm, recorders

Caroline Butler - Vocals, violin

Ian Giles - Vocals, hurdy gurdy, percussion

Edwin Pritchard - Vocals, violin, nyckelharpa, hammered dulcimer, 

Jon Fletcher - Vocals, lute, cittern

The Oxford Waits take their name from a real-life band of city musicians, known as 'waits,' who flourished in Oxford during the 17th century. Performers appear in period costume, and concerts are enlivened by street ballads, dance tunes, airs and rounds as well as readings from diarists and poets. Superb singing voices are matched by specialist skills in an array of period instruments.

The Oxford Waits have performed at a wealth of festivals, churches, theatres and arts centres, as well as featuring on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4. In 2006 they performed before her Majesty the Queen at the Royal Opening of Oxford Castle.

BOOKINGS TEL 01865 249194

Special offer for local associations!

The Oxford Waits often provide entertainment  at social gatherings for historical societies, U3As, WIs and other organisations. A special HALF PRICE rate applies for such societies. Midweek bookings preferred - ring Tim for further details on 01865 249194

‘The evening was a huge success - the Oxford Waits were absolutely brilliant!’ Diana Hughes, Sibfords History Society (February 2025)

We play for dances too!

'Thank you for coming and playing for us, we had a wonderful time. I've heard such lovely feedback from the dancers about your session.’

Kit at the Inter-Varsity Folk Dance Festival Exeter, 2023