* Did you hear about the veteran rock legend who agreed to play a Christmas gig in a small Oxford church to help fix its roof? As far as festive tales go it’s worthy of a Richard Curtis movie. But that’s exactly what is happening at the intimate St John the Evangelist in Iffley Road, which tonight hosts a gig by Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson. The multi-instrumentalist — best known for playing the flute, while balancing on one leg — plays accompanied by a clutch of special guests.

Since forming in 1968, ‘Tull have sold 60million albums and have among the greatest longevity of any act from the era. Tonight’s set will be drawn from his 30 studio and live albums and follows the presentation of a Prog God Award at this year’s Progressive Music Awards, recognising his pioneering influence on music. Proceeds will help fund repairs to the roof of the church, which is attached to St Stephen’s House. The show comes before what promises to be another productive year for Anderson, who will shortly be heading into the studio to record a new concept album (how’s that for a ‘70s throwback?), which is expected to be released around Easter.

The show is predictably sold-out, though fans who missed out this time will get another chance to see the folk-prog hero, when he returns to the New Theatre on May 4. Tickets are £28-£32 from 0844 871 3020 or online at gigantic. com/artist/ian-anderson.

* While most of us are focused on getting ready for Christmas, the music industry already has its sights on next summer, with festival organisers drip-feeding announcements surrounding their line-ups.

The latest announcement comes from Reading — which takes place just over the county boundary at Little John’s Farm, and which this week revealed it had secured punk-pop band Blink-182 as one of its three headliners. The ‘All The Small Things’ stars last played in 2010, and will be airing tunes from their new seventh album. Other names on the bill include Nottingham singer-songwriter Jake Bugg, British dance act Disclosure, indie-pop geniuses Metronomy, Southern Californian metalcore quintet Of Mice & Men, ‘Afterglow’ artist John Wilkinson, and grime- hip-hop-dubstep-drum and bass crew I am Legion. 2014 tickets are on sale at the 2013 price of £202.50, plus booking fee, until next month. A £50 deposit scheme is also in operation to help those of us who may be cash-strapped at this time of year.

Go to festivalrepublic.com