The Carnival Band: Scandal, Sensation and Sweet Musick

Welcome to the tabloid world of the 17th century ballad – murder, sex, revenge, heroism and true love. Tales of roguish soldiers, glamorous royals, feisty women, brutal husbands, ghosts and dragons are set to the most hummable tunes from a golden age of English music. This exuberant and full-blooded performance of early music is fused with traditional folk and world influences and features shawm, curtal and cittern mixed with drums, guitar and bass.

This concert marks the national launch of a three-year project commissioned by the Queen's University Belfast to make recordings of 100 of the most popular ballards of the 17th century.

For more details, and to book tickets, visit the events page at the National Centre for Early Music.