Christmas can be hard.

But ultimately humans are wonderful.

This is Martin Green’s journey through the festive season. Join the Ivor Novello-winning composer on a trip through the challenges and joys of winter, with an all-star cast of incredible musicians.

From ancient pagan rituals to a flashing lit-up Santa, Lighting The Dark takes a musical look at how we have got through the winter over the last thousand years.

Joining Martin on this voyage are Laura Jurd of Mercury Prize-shortlisted Dinosaur on the trumpet, and the leading storyteller of the new wave of Irish traditional musicians Ultan O’Brien on the fiddle.

Together they venture through folk and jazz, offering original takes on familiar Christmas songs — all woven with Martin and Ultan’s engaging storytelling.