THE Oxford Waits is a contemporary band who play period music in authentic costume.

The group, who are due to perform Worcester’s Huntingdon Hall on Friday, December 18, take their name from a real-life band of musicians, known as 'waits' who flourished in Oxford during the 17th century and played throughout the tumultuous English Civil War era.

Their duties included playing instruments at night, waking the townsfolk on dark winter mornings by playing under their windows, welcoming royal visitors, and leading the mayor's procession on civic occasions.

The modern day Oxford Waits use an array of ancient instruments, from the hurdy-gurdy to the shawm. They perform street ballads, dance tunes, airs and rounds as well as readings from diarists and poets.

For tickets to see them in Worcester call the Worcester Live box office on 01905 611427 or visit worcesterlive.co.uk.