AN ISLE of Wight musician is set to release a festive EP next week, and is poised to kick off Christmas with an intimate gig in Newport.

Back in 2021, Greg Barnes released his festive single, I feel Like Christmas, with fellow musician Tink Beadle.

It was recorded by the late Carl Perkins of Bad Cow Studios – one of the last projects he worked on before he died.

The following year, Greg decided to build upon the single, recording an acoustic version, as well as some covers of classic Christmas jingles.

The EP was recorded at Skinny Mammoth with Hungry Hound Productions and is finally ready for public consumption.

The launch event is fixed for Tuesday, December 5, at Strings Bar and Venue in Newport.

“I decided Strings would be the best place to debut the EP and kick off Christmas,” said Greg.

“Doors open 7pm, and joining the lineup will be my band, The Bears, Tink Beadle, and Southampton singer-songwriter Rob Clamp Music.

“Expect to get into the Christmas spirit!

“The EP includes some of my favourite Christmas covers, as well as my own song about that build-up to the big day, when you start to get into the Christmas mood.

“I love the festive period, and I always wanted to write my own song about Christmas so I can retire off the earnings.

“A lot of my favourite artists have released Christmas songs, or EPs, so I wanted to wanted to release my own music which reflects them, and that special time of year.”