Ssssh! the secret is out! The Christmas party at Riffs Bar has three precious gifts to unwrap, Bateleurs, Grubby Jack and Out of Time.

The bar in Greatfield near Hook is hosting the Secret Chord Christmas shindig from 7pm on Saturday.

The stars on the top of the Christmas tree are the Bateleurs, who have had an exciting year, performing at the same gig as The Rolling Stones, releasing their second album and winning praise from Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason.

Daryl Ball and Sean Amor are the Bateleur’s main songwriters. They are joined in the band by Chris Mac on drums, Anna Wall on fiddle and Nick Wall on bass.

Back in the summer the band had a dream come true playing at the world famous Glastonbury festival, which also had Mumford and Sons, The Arctic Monkeys, Dizzee Rascal and Jake Bugg performing as well as the Stones.

Daryl said: “We performed at the Packhorse Fair in Somerset, and that is where we were approached and swapped details, but we didn’t hear anything so we thought we wouldn’t be performing. So when we got the confirmation we were over the moon.’’ Their second album, A Travelling Band, was released the day after Glastonbury and is proving another hit. The band will be playing tracks from the album at the Christmas gig.

Also jingling bells for Christmas are Out Of Time, recent winners of Cirencester’s Got Talent competition, who only got together earlier this year. The guys are session musicians and songwriters, as well as being part of the backing band for Smith and Jones who appeared on The Voice UK.

Swindon folk trio Grubby Jack will also be adding their festive might to the musical feast with a mix of Irish and European music.

For more details about Secret Chord or the Christmas party call 01793 778304.

– Flicky Harrison