At this time of year, people come together to sing songs rooted in Britain’s rich vernacular tradition, and are as at home in the local pub or village hall as they are in church Britain’s churches will soon open their doors to the familiar cycle of Christmas services, and their congregations will be looking forward to singing the standard carols. But hundreds of other ancient carols will also be getting an airing in local pubs and village halls, continuing a folk tradition with deep roots in national history. With cultural and social bonds now under pressure, some enthusiasts think parish churches should be showing greater interest. “It’s often suggested these lesser-known folk carols are too rough-edged to be sung in churches, but this isn’t true,” sa