Acclaimed singer-songwriters Chris While and Julie Matthews will bring more than 30 years of songs, harmonies and musical partnership to St Helen’s Church in Abingdon this October.
The award-winning duo will appear on Thursday 15 October as part of Music At The Unicorn’s autumn programme, with local singer-songwriter Adam Matthews opening the evening.
Doors open at 7pm, with the music beginning at 7.15pm.
At a glance
| Concert | Chris While and Julie Matthews, with support from Adam Matthews |
| Date | Thursday 15 October 2026 |
| Doors | 7pm |
| Music begins | 7.15pm |
| Venue | St Helen’s Church, St Helen’s Court, Abingdon-on-Thames, OX14 5BS |
| Promoter | Music At The Unicorn |
| Tickets | £18 in person; currently £19.80 online including booking fee |
| Age guidance | All ages; under-16s must be accompanied by an adult |
| Running time | Not published |
| Booking | Book through WeGotTickets |
More than 30 years of songs and close harmonies
Chris While and Julie Matthews have spent more than three decades building one of British folk music’s most enduring partnerships.
Their performances combine original songwriting with close vocal harmonies and a wide range of instruments.
While sings and plays guitar, banjo, dulcimer, bodhrán and percussion, while Matthews performs on vocals, piano, guitar, mandolin and bouzouki.
Their songs move between the political and the personal, drawing on social injustice, historical events, freedom, relationships and real lives.
The pair are generally placed within the folk and acoustic singer-songwriter tradition, although their working methods have always been notably independent.
They operate their own record label and publishing company, produce their own recordings and work from a studio in the Pennines, away from the London-centred music industry.
That autonomy has allowed them to develop their sound without chasing passing fashions, while retaining the humour, disagreement and contrasting personalities that form part of their live partnership.
A career spanning thousands of concerts
While and Matthews have performed more than 3,000 concerts, appeared on more than 100 albums and written hundreds of original songs.
Their work together includes 13 studio albums, two live albums and two collections.
Their 2024 record Days Like These marked 30 years of collaboration and brought together another collection of songs exploring the political, social and emotional subjects that have shaped their writing.
The duo have received ten nominations at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards across the Best Song, Best Duo and Best Live Act categories, winning Best Duo in 2009.
They have also toured extensively in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe. In 2018, they were named Artists of the Year at Australia’s Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Both musicians are involved in other established folk projects. They perform with Helen Watson and Miranda Sykes in Daphne’s Flight, while their annual St Agnes Fountain Christmas concerts also feature Fairport Convention’s Chris Leslie.
Chris While and Julie Matthews in numbers
| More than 30 years | Performing together |
| More than 3,000 | Live concerts |
| More than 100 | Albums on which they have appeared |
| 13 | Studio albums released as a duo |
| 10 | BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominations |
| 2009 | Won Best Duo at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards |
Local support from Adam Matthews
Local singer-songwriter Adam Matthews will open the Abingdon concert.
Music At The Unicorn was established to bring touring musicians to the town while also providing performance opportunities for local and emerging artists.
No extended biography or set details for Matthews have been published, but his support performance will begin as part of the music programme from 7.15pm.
Why Music At The Unicorn is at St Helen’s Church
The concert is presented by Music At The Unicorn, a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation which has promoted concerts in Abingdon for more than 15 years.
Its usual home is the 92-seat Unicorn Theatre within the historic Abingdon Abbey Buildings.
The Abbey Buildings are currently undergoing a major enhancement and conservation project intended to improve weatherproofing, heating and accessibility while protecting the medieval complex.
During the building phase, Music At The Unicorn has moved its concerts to St Helen’s Church. All of its remaining 2026 performances will take place there.
The church offers a larger setting while retaining the historic atmosphere and acoustics that have long formed part of the organisation’s concerts.
What should the event be called?
Music At The Unicorn remains the name of the concert promoter and series.
St Helen’s Church is the venue during the Abbey Buildings work.
The clearest first reference is:
“Music At The Unicorn presents Chris While and Julie Matthews at St Helen’s Church.”
Using “Music At The Unicorn At St Helen’s” as the full organisation name may confuse readers into thinking the group has been permanently renamed.
Tickets and booking information
General admission tickets cost £18 when purchased in person from Frend & Co at 29 Broad Street, Abingdon, OX14 3LH.
WeGotTickets currently lists a total online price of £19.80, comprising an £18 ticket and £1.80 booking fee.
An alternative TicketSource booking link is also available through the Music At The Unicorn website.
No separate door price has been published. Anyone planning to attend should book in advance rather than assuming tickets will remain available on the evening.
The concert is open to all ages, but anyone under 16 must attend with an adult.
How to get to St Helen’s Church
Planning your visit
| Venue | St Helen’s Church |
| Address | St Helen’s Court, Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, OX14 5BS |
| Setting | Beside the River Thames, close to the centre of Abingdon |
| Nearest public car park | West St Helen Street car park, OX14 5BU |
| Parking charges | Charging hours are currently 8am–6pm from Monday to Saturday; check the signs on arrival |
| EV charging | Available at West St Helen Street car park |
| From Oxford by bus | Service 6 links Oxford and Abingdon via Kennington and Radley up to every 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday; X2 services also connect Oxford and Abingdon |
| From Didcot by bus | X2 services run through Abingdon; check the evening timetable before travelling |
| Church telephone | 01235 520144 |
| Venue information | Visit the St Helen’s Church website |
Parking immediately outside the church is extremely limited and subject to restrictions.
Visitors should not park on the double yellow lines, as the space is needed for emergency access.
West St Helen Street is the closest council car park and includes Blue Badge spaces and EV charging points. Charter multi-storey and Rye Farm provide alternatives if it is full.
Anyone travelling by bus should check the final service home before the concert, particularly as no published finishing time is available.
Accessibility at St Helen’s Church
The church lists a ramp, an accessible toilet and a hearing loop among its facilities.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
Visitors with a specific seating or access requirement should contact the organiser or church before booking so suitable arrangements can be discussed.
The historic church is accessible at its principal public level, although the bell tower is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
Remaining Music At The Unicorn concerts in 2026
| Date | Headline act | Support | Advance ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 15 October | Chris While and Julie Matthews | Adam Matthews | £18 |
| Thursday 5 November | Gilmore & Roberts | Rob Clamp | £15 |
| Thursday 3 December | Janice Burns & Jon Doran | Wednesday’s Wolves | £15 |
Doors open at 7pm and music begins at 7.15pm for all three concerts. Each takes place at St Helen’s Church.
Chris While and Julie Matthews full autumn 2026 tour dates
The dates below are the complete October tour currently published by the duo. Booking links and any later changes can be found through the official While and Matthews tour page.
| Date | Town or city | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 1 October | Bury | The Met |
| Friday 2 October | Otley | Otley Courthouse |
| Saturday 3 October | Barton-upon-Humber | Ropery Hall |
| Sunday 4 October | Cockermouth | The Kirkgate |
| Tuesday 6 October | Birmingham | Kitchen Garden Café |
| Wednesday 7 October | Sheffield | The Greystones |
| Thursday 8 October | Chester | St Mary’s Creative Space |
| Friday 9 October | New Mills | Spring Bank Arts Centre |
| Saturday 10 October | Newport, Shropshire | Church Aston Village Hall |
| Sunday 11 October | Hitchin | Hitchin Folk Club |
| Tuesday 13 October | Worcester | Huntingdon Hall |
| Wednesday 14 October | Marlborough | Marlborough Town Hall |
| Thursday 15 October | Abingdon-on-Thames | St Helen’s Church |
| Friday 16 October | Otford, near Sevenoaks | Otford Memorial Hall |
| Saturday 17 October | Portsmouth | The Square Tower |
| Sunday 18 October | Upwood | Upwood Village Hall |
| Monday 19 October | Nettlebed | Nettlebed Village Club |
| Tuesday 20 October | Bretforton | The Fleece Inn Barn |
| Thursday 22 October | New Milton | Forest Arts Centre |
| Friday 23 October | Dorchester | Dorchester Arts |
| Saturday 24 October | Ipplepen | Ipplepen Village Hall |
| Thursday 29 October | Biddulph | St Lawrence’s Church |
| Friday 30 October | Hartlepool | St George’s Venue |
| Saturday 31 October | Lazonby | Lazonby Village Hall |
Tour dates and venues can change. Check the artist’s official tour page or individual venue before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
When are Chris While and Julie Matthews playing in Abingdon?
The concert takes place on Thursday 15 October 2026.
Where is the concert?
It is at St Helen’s Church beside the River Thames in central Abingdon.
Is the organiser now called Music At The Unicorn At St Helen’s?
No. Music At The Unicorn remains the promoter and concert-series name. St Helen’s Church is its current venue while work takes place at the Abingdon Abbey Buildings.
What time does the music begin?
Doors open at 7pm and the first music begins at 7.15pm.
Who is the support act?
Local singer-songwriter Adam Matthews will open the evening.
How much are tickets?
Tickets cost £18 from Frend & Co in Broad Street. WeGotTickets currently charges £19.80 online, including its booking fee.
Can children attend?
Yes. The event is listed for all ages, although anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
What kind of music do While and Matthews perform?
Their work combines folk, acoustic and singer-songwriter traditions, with close vocal harmonies and songs covering political, social, historical and personal subjects.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
St Helen’s lists a ramp and accessible toilet. Visitors who need a particular seating arrangement should contact the organiser in advance.
Where can tickets be booked?
Tickets are available through WeGotTickets, with an alternative TicketSource link on the Music At The Unicorn website.
