- Duration: 2.5hrs
- Tickets: Standard - £21
- Details
- Parking & Access
Details
Moonrakers (Celtic harp, cello, fretted instruments, keyboard, whistles, female/male vocals), have brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences across the UK. They’ve been described as “startlingly talented” (Oxford Times), with five albums of “exquisite music “(BBC) and “truly wonderful” (Wycombe Festival) performances. Their latest album ‘Green to Gold’ has received glowing reviews in the music press (“The real deal”, The Living Tradition; “Uplifting, sensitively crafted songs and tunes” FATEA magazine), and their music also featured in the new BBC television drama ‘Beyond Paradise’. To see and hear more, go to www.moonrakers.net
After years of playing together on the Oxford session scene and in the folk clubs, The Oakstone Trio came together in 2022 for a gig at Oxford Folk Weekend.
Louis Thurman (melodeons, vocals), Mitch Keely (guitar, vocals), and Joshua Newman (fiddle, viola, vocals) combine a nuanced, improvisatory approach to tunes with energy and warmth, allowing seldom-heard melodies to escape old manuscripts and giving well-loved session tunes the space to find new directions. They pair new compositions with old tunes and solo ballads with harmony chorus songs. www.oakstonetrio.co.uk
Why See This Show?
Modern day folk enthusiasts will know that we’re way past the “finger in the ear” tropes of latter days. Moonrakers and The Oakstone Trio exemplify very contemporary approaches to roots music while retaining a respect for the timeless quality of the material. Moonrakers interject their own songs and tunes in the idiom, while the Oakstone Trio stretch the boundaries of traditional tunes. If you’ve not seen these two bands, you’re in for a treat – very much a highlight of the Oxford Folk Festival 2025 weekend.
What the Critics Say:
“Moonrakers present simultaneously timeless and startlingly contemporary…wonderful arrangements throughout, thoroughly engaging from start to finish.” Oz Hardwick, RnR Magazine, Oct 2023
“Moonrakers were our headline act on the Sunday. They gave us a dazzling mix of lyrics, catchy music and an array of instruments. A really tremendous end to the festival.” Dianne Rockett, St Neots Festival, June 2024.
“I was bowled over by the sound and sophisticated textures coming from The Oakstone Trio as they presented their Playford set at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Their arrangements are exceptional and totally absorbing.” Jon Bennett, November 2023
Parking & Access
Parking
There are a number of Blue Badge parking spaces nearby on Beaumont Street, and more on New Inn Hall Street and St Giles.
The closest car park is Gloucester Green Car Park, accessed via Gloucester Street.
If you have any questions or concerns, the City Council’s Access Officer can be reached at 01865 249811.
Getting here
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, but we need your help. Use ecoway, our sustainable travel planner, to see the most eco-friendly options for your journey to Old Fire Station, and plan a bespoke and flexible route. ecoway is easy to use and you’ll be kept up to date with any disruption or changes to your journey plan.
Car parks in Oxford Blue Badge information Public transport in OxfordAccess
Disabled patrons are eligible for one free companion ticket with their booking. To book this, contact the ticket office: tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or 01865 263990.
There are two entrances to the Old Fire Station: 40 George Street via the foyer, and on Gloucester Green via the shop. Both are step-free. If you are coming to a show, we ask that you use the George Street entrance, as the Gloucester Green entrance is not always open.
Events in the Theatre
There is level entry to the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the main Theatre (where most shows take place).
If you are a wheelchair user attending a sit-down show, space will be reserved for you. If you are attending a standing gig, please contact us (call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk) and we will talk with you about your needs.
Events in the Studio
There is level entry into the foyer of the Old Fire Station, and step-free access to the Studio.
Events in the Loft
There are six steps leading up to the Loft space, with no lift. If you would like to discuss this to find out more, please get in touch.
The Gallery
There is step-free access to the Gallery – level entry through the George Street entrance, and via lift from the Gloucester Green entrance.
Facilities
Accessible toilet
There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, accessible via platform lift. Other toilets are in the basement (accessible via lift).
Hearing assistance system
The Theatre is equipped with a hearing assistance system. If you have any questions about using it, please e-mail us at tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk or phone 01865 263980.
Assistance dogs
All types of assistance and guide dogs are welcome at the Old Fire Station. It would be great if you could let us know in advance if you will be bringing a working dog to any performances – just e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.
Strobe lighting
We will warn visitors on the website and in the foyer of the venue if a performance is going to contain strobe lighting. If lighting affects you, and you have any concerns, please call the ticket office on 01865 263990 or e-mail tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk.
Chairs in the theatre
Our chairs are a standard dining-chair size, measuring 40cm deep by 37cm wide, with a metal frame. Some have arms, and some do not. They are all joined together at the sides, to form rows. If this is likely to pose a problem for you, please email tickets@oldfirestation.org.uk and we can discuss how to make your visit more comfortable.