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
WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2026
Welcome the May!
Iffley Church Hall, 7pm
Tickets £15 from wegottickets
https://wegottickets.com/event/690426
SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2026
A 17th-century Christmas
Goring Village Hall, 7pm
Further details tbc
SATURDAY 12 DECEMBER 2026
A 17th-century Christmas
Holywell Music Room, Oxford 2pm
Further details tbc
'Terrific entertainment’ Brian Kay, BBC Radio 3
LINE-UP
Tim Healey - Narrator, vocals, shawm, recorders, bandora
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
