A mix of local talent will be putting on two afternoons of music in the run up to Christmas.

The two dates on the St Albans Charter Market were offered to local musicians who felt they had been snubbed when the district council opted to use a company to run the entertainment at the Christmas Market.

The company, Meraki, offered to hold a miniature festival at the Christmas Market in Vintry Garden to showcase an event they will be holding at the Herts Showground next spring. There was no cost to the council but it meant that local acts who had been expecting to perform there as they had in previous years were left out in the cold.

This Saturday (17) at the Clock Tower, the programme will include stalwart of the local folk scene. Julian Mount, Bricket Wood Community Choir singing festive songs and Abbie Gathard who will provide rootsy acoustic pop.

Bluesy chanteuse Li-Li will close the afternoon and Bill Johnson will be the guest host.

Next Wednesday, December 21, Ollie Bannister will be performing popular covers whilst Hidden Jules will demonstrate their brand of alt-acoustica outside Ladbrokes in St Peter’s Street.

They will be joined by the massed ukulele sound of Katie’s Jumping Fleas and Holly Graham performing ballads with seasonal treats.

Both gigs will run from midday to 4pm.