What’s On This December at Wolverhampton Arts Centre: Festive treats & vibes

What’s On This December at Wolverhampton Arts Centre

It’s the season of twinkling lights & last-minute lists and Wolverhampton Arts Centre is dialling up the warmth with a December line-up full of festive charm and live performances.

Whether you’re a sucker for traditional carols by candlelight, or more into your melodeon-fuelled folk with a side of mince pies, there’s something special waiting behind the metaphorical advent door. Let’s unwrap a few of the highlights…

Folk, Firelight & Winter Wonder

This one’s for the folk lovers and the secretly emotional. Winter Wonderband is a chamber folk quartet like no other with Saul Rose on melodeon (Faustus, War Horse), Maclaine Colston on hammered dulcimer, Beth Porter on cello, and Jennifer Crook on harp and guitar.

Expect festive and winter-themed songs, some traditional, some original, all gorgeously arranged. Their sound is delicate yet powerful, like snowfall on old rooftops. Their debut album Joy Illimited (a nod to unbounded joy) lands in November, and this live show is set to be a spine-tingling festive gem.

Carols, Candles & a Touch of Channel 4 Stardust

You may have spotted him on Channel 4’s The Piano, but now Wolverhampton-born pianist Matthew James Richards returns home for an evening of festive magic under flickering candlelight.

He’ll take you on a seasonal journey through familiar Christmas favourites wrapped up with live piano, soft lighting, and free treats. Yes, your ticket includes a warming hot drink and a mince pie.

Swing into the Season

If your December needs a bit more swagger, Andrew Bourn’s ‘A Swingin’ Christmas!’ (19 Dec) brings the cool. With nods to Sinatra, Bublé and a cheeky twist of Olly Murs, this show’s got festive charisma in spades. If you want something big, bold and utterly Christmassy, this is the one.

Rock, Legends & a Bit of Jazz for Balance

We’ve also got a visit from rock royalty with Mark Stanway’s Kingdom of Madness (5 Dec), celebrating the ex-Magnum eras with not one but two epic sets. And then Frick It: Let’s Rock! (17 Dec) cranks up the amps for a younger crowd (or those who still mosh in their minds).

Jazz lovers, meanwhile, can catch Mark Lockheart & John Parricelli (18 Dec)…two Loose Tubes legends in a duo that’s anything but background music.

Stories by the Fire (Metaphorically)

It’s not all music either. For something a little gentler (though no less powerful), Peter Chand’s Festive Story Bazaar (21 Dec) is back for its fifth year. World-class storytelling, warming tales from many cultures, and that rare chance to just listen for a while.

And for a Laugh…

Because it wouldn’t be December without a bit of chaos, COBO: Comedy Shutdown lands on 14 Dec with a rescheduled Black History Month special. Expect a brilliant mix of comics, sharp observations, and that slightly tipsy December crowd energy.

Whether you’re here for the carols, the crackling stories or just the company, December at Wolverhampton Arts Centre is all about warmth, wonder and a good night out.

Book early. Bring friends. Wear something with a bit of sparkle!