AUDIENCES are being invited to be transported back through the ages to enjoy a Christmas celebration in the world of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex.

The historic Barlow estate in Edgworth will welcome The Mellstock Band this Friday for an uproarious evening of dance, drink and good natured misbehaviour ­— along with sobering admonitions from puritans, parsons and angels ­— reminiscent of the jovial seasonal festivities found in many a Wessex village.

The show represents a unique opportunity to see the band, who rarely play outside the South West, as they bring their blend of traditional singing, instrumental music and spoken word.

In honour of the season the band have put together a new Christmas show which centres on dance traditions central to historic celebrations and often associated with drinking and singing.

They will be performing songs, tunes and tales inspired by Hardy’s fictional Wessex, wearing period costumes, and with a range of early and modern instruments.

Alongside the revelry will be carols dedicated to dancing, bellringing and cider, and the ‘Devil’s own tunes’, with parsons and preachers caught in the crossfire.

While poems from Dorset icons Hardy and William Barnes will truly create a Christmas atmosphere.

The show will be held at The Barlow in Bolton Road, Edgworth, from 8pm on December 13. Tickets priced £12.50 for adults and £10 for 18 and under are available from www.thebarlow.co.uk/whats-on.

There will also be a full bar and free parking.