WINCHESTER'S favourite bilingual songwriter is coming home for Christmas – but he's already spent plenty of time in living rooms.

Josh Savage has spent the past two months touring lounges and bedsits across Europe, travelling nearly 6,000 in a red hatchback.

He plays the biggest show of his career at Winchester Guildhall on Friday night to launch his new EP, Quatre Épines.

Sung entirely in French, the folksy record is inspired by Le Petit Prince, Savage's favourite book from his childhood in Paris.

The singer says he uses the "language of love" to cross the boundaries between England, where he was born, and France.

He promises a few surprises at this Christmas show, but has revealed he will be playing with a full band and orchestra.

"Playing with a band and orchestra is pretty special in itself because I normally play solo and I will play a few more French songs than usual," he said.

Support comes from Winchester folk duo Lilo's Wall and blues-electro oddball Richard Maule.

In the build-up to the show Savage has played 43 concerts in living rooms. He now holds the record for most performances with promoter Sofar Sounds, which puts on intimate concerts to bring artists closer to their fans.

Earlier this year Savage travelled to America to play 33 shows, including a showcase at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

On his travels he has supported artists including Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Catfish and the Bottlemen and John Hiatt.

And his last two EPs, Spaces and Mountains in Hurricanes, have earned acclaim from BBC 6 Music DJ Tom Robinson.

Doors open at 7.30pm on Friday December 11. Tickets are available for £8 in advance or £10 on the door. To book, or for more information, visit guildhallwinchester.co.uk. Tickets are also available from Winchester Tourist Information Centre, in the ground floor of the Guildhall.