Music at the Unicorn has built a reputation in Abingdon for bringing stellar musical talent to the Unicorn Theatre, and with the start of 2025, the volunteer-led non-profit performance venue have a jam-packed year ahead of them. Daily Info sat down with their chairman Mike Ward to discuss this year's line-up and what audiences can expect from it.
Daily Info: What's Music at the Unicorn all about?
Mike Ward: Abingdon has the Unicorn theatre built within its Medieval Abbey Buildings. The acoustics are brilliant and the atmosphere is unsurpassed. For over 15 years we have been bringing amazing musicians to this fantastic venue.
DI: What can audiences expect from this year's line-up?
MW: In 2025 we present a mixture of superb singer/songwriters, multi-talented multi- instrumentalists and barnstorming bands.
DI: Is there a particularly genre Music at the Unicorn programmes?
MW: We programme brilliant musicians, across multiple genres. There are elements of traditional music from the Uk and Ireland, plus Americana from across the pond, but the majority of artists write and perform their own songs.
DI: What are some of the highlights for this year's line-up?
MW: This year we have folk/rock royalty with Phil Beer (Show of Hands) and Peter Knight and John Spiers (Bellowhead) alongside the next generation of talent with Sound of Sirens and Roswell.
DI: How does the organisation support up-and-coming musicians?
MW: We give lots of singer/songwriters their first ever paid gig, with our support slot. First time performers have ranged in age between 12 and 62.
DI: Can you sum up the year ahead for MUA in three words?
MW: Wonderful Live Music.
The full Music at the Unicorn line-up can be found on their website.