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 A London Christmas 2007: Carols & Services
 
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Music has always been at the heart of a British Christmas and London typifies this tuneful fascination. Charitable singers gather on street corners, church congregations swell and concert halls welcome world-class performers. Get inside some of the city’s finest venues, including historical landmarks like Westminster Abbey and the Royal Albert Hall, or simply gather around the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and join the rest of London for a good old fashioned round of carols...
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A London Christmas 2007: Related Articles Traditional London Christmas Map Traditional London Christmas Guide (Printable Version) Sugar & Spice | Hotel Hideaways | Food & Flower Markets | Traditional Toys | Ice Skating | Festive Fairs | Shows & Pantos | Christmas Lights | Tinsel & Trimmings | Christmas Day & Boxing Day | Carols & Services | New Year | Fish & Fowl | Greens, Cheese & Delis   Cadogan Hall
5 Sloane Terrace, SW1X 9DQ 020 7730 4500 | Sloane Square Tube Tuesday 11th - Thursday 20th December 2007 Cadogan Hall is a good spot for a festive concert. The Byzantine-style former church has an appropriately Middle Eastern Christian feel, which combines with the always-impressive lights along King Street to give things a thoroughly seasonal feel. Here are some programme highlights and additional dates... Christmas at Cadogan with Kit and the Widow Wednesday 12th December 2007 "No carols. No mulled wine. No elves. Merry Christmas" A refreshing alternative to the season's traditional formats and tunes, lounge act, Kit and the Widow, offers a wry, funny, at times caustic, cabaret take on Christmas. A smattering of tunes, some tinkling of the ivories, a sprinkling of jokes and camp banter make up this evening's, "Christmas with an edge" entertainment. Date: Wednesday 12th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: £15-£28 Christmas Cracker Wednesday 19th December 2007 The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Nick Davies, perform a populist programme full of seasonal favorites, including Humperdinck's 'Hansel & Gretel Overture', Tchaikovsky's 'The Skaters' Waltz', 'Mary's Boy Child' and 'Winter Wonderland'. Vocalists Mary Carewe and Michael Dore lead the singing with the audience invited to join in at instances throughout. Date: Wednesday 19th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: £10-£35 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the Joyful Company of Singers Thursday 20th December 2007 Traditional Christmas songs from all over the world, including the Basque area, Czechoslovakia and France, and festive classical music, mix with some favourite English carols in this robust concert. A packed evening full of familiar tunes contrasted with some unusual additions, you're guaranteed to come out singing. Date: Thursday 20th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: £10-£35 Additional Dates: John Lewis Partnership Music Society's Annual Christmas Concert Tuesday 11th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Price: £5 (Adults), £3 (Children and Concs) Carols at Cadogan with The Bach Choir Friday 14th and Saturday 15th December 2007 Time: 19:30pm Friday 14th December | 11:00 (family concert) Saturday 15th December 2007. Price: £10-£30 Orchestra of the Kiev Academic Music Theatre: A Celebration Concert for Christmas Sunday 16th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Price: £12-£35 Orchestra of St John's 'Peter and the Wolf' and 'The Snowman' Monday 17th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Price: £15-£25 The King's Consort: Handel's 'Messiah' Tuesday 18th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Price: £12-£32 Cadogan Hall - Information  Christ Church (Spitalfields Winter Festival)
Christ Church, E1 6LY 020 7377 1362 | Liverpool Street Tube/Rail Wednesday 12th - Friday 21st December 2007 It's been an annual event for a long time now, but the Spitalfields Winter Festival is still going strong with a host of unique musical events which range from bell-ringing to gospel workshops, lunchtime concerts and carols to Medieval recitals and classical works. This varied programme of innovative music includes a musical and dramatic rendition of the adventures of Sinbad and 'Joglaresa' - an infectious programme of Medieval and traditional tunes guaranteed to get you in the Christmas mood. All concerts take place in and around the beautifully restored Christ Church in the heart of London's vibrant East End. Spitalfields Winter Festival Community Carol Service Tuesday 18th December 2007 Always one of the highlights of the Spitalfields Festival is the annual Community Carol Service, with pupils from local schools and organisations performing with habitual gusto a lively programme of readings, carols and instrumental recitals. This year youngsters from the Tower Hamlets Saturday Music Centre and Sir John Cass's Foundation School and Centre perform alongside the Sing Gospel Singers. A heart-warming, community event, the carol concert always attracts large, loyal crowds and plenty of good cheer. All proceeds go towards the Spitalfields Crypt Trust. Phone: 020 7377 1362 Date: Tuesday 18th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Pricing: Free Christ Church - Information  Ham House
Ham House, TW10 7RS 0870 428 8933 | Richmond Tube/Rail Sunday 9th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December 2007 Resting on the banks of the Thames in outlying Richmond, the Great Hall of Ham House's magnificent 17th-century building forms an atmospheric venue for this annual series of carol concerts. The afternoon performances are family-orientated festive fiestas with a visit from Santa and presents for the young ones. The later concerts ('Timeless Carols') are accompanied by more revelry, with mulled wine and mince pies on offer in the remarkable 17th-century orangery during the interval. The Kingston University Choir performs on Sunday 9th December, Mary Mogil and the Leon Singers entertain on Saturday 15th December, while the tones of Musica Divina directed by Simon Desbrulais fill the hall on the 16th. The programme covers a number of orations and showcase pieces, as well as the carols that everyone can join in with. Address: Ham Street, Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames, TW10 7RS Date: Sunday 9th, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December 2007 Time: Family Carol Concert: 15:00-16:30 Sun 9th, Sat 15th and Sun 16th Dec 2007 | Timeless Carols: 18:00-20:00 Sun 9th, Sat 15th and Sun 16th Dec 2007 Pricing: Family Carol Concert: £15 (Adults), £9 (Children). Timeless Carols: £22 Ham House - Information  Osterley Park
Osterley Park, TW7 4RB 020 8232 5050 | Osterley Tube Sundays 2nd, 9th and 16th December 2007 The yard of Osterley Park's still-working Tudor stables is packed full of good cheer on Sunday afternoons in December as guests gather together outside for traditional carol services. For an additional charge visitors can step inside the house itself to catch a glimpse of how Osterley would have prepared for Christmas in days gone by. Built in the 16th century, the house was completely revamped by Scottish architect Robert Adam two centuries later. The striking white pillar colonnade that fronts the house is just a taster of the fabulous neoclassical state rooms that exist inside. The house itself is set in 140 acres of gorgeous, verdant parkland complete with ornamental lakes and pleasure grounds. It's the perfect place to take a winter stroll and blow away all the cobwebs. Keep your eyes peeled for the ghost of a mysterious lady dressed in white rumoured to haunt the grounds. Venue: Osterley Park Address: Isleworth, Middlesex, TW7 4RB Phone: 020 8232 5050 Date: Sundays 2nd, 9th and 16th December 2007 Time: 12:30-15:30 (carols at 14:00 and 15:00) Pricing: Carol singing free. Entry to house £4.50 (Adults), £2 (Children), Free (Members) Nearest Station: Osterley Tube Osterley Park - Information  Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP 020 7589 8212 | South Kensington Tube Monday 10th - Monday 24th December 2007 One of the capital's most iconic music venues, this 19th-century concert hall is famed for offering a wide variety of entertainments. Its Christmas programme is no exception, with a range of concerts to suit most tastes from the King's College Choir to a raucous, audience-led singalong. Here are a few highlights followed by some more dates... White Christmas 2007 Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Saturday 15th December 2007 White Christmas offers up a familiar set of seasonal songs from 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' to 'A Winter Wonderland' and 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas'... A proper selection of old-time favourites, this'll have you swaying and singing in your seat before the first song has finished. Led by the London Concert Orchestra and the Capital Voices Choir and conducted by John Rigby, West End stars Jacinta Whyte and Gary Williams take on a range of solo performances. Another jolly, populist hit in the Royal Albert Hall's Christmas line-up. Date: Saturday 15th December 2007 Time: 13:30 & 16:45 Pricing: £11-£34 Christmas Carol Sing-Along 2007 Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Sunday 16th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd December 2007 Get involved and help raise the roof at this annual audience participation festive extravaganza. Every year an ebullient crowd is encouraged to join in and give their lungs a good workout as they belt their way through a stack of traditional, Christmas tunes. Accompanied by the London Concert Chorus and Orchestra and hosted by musical genius and 'Playschool' and 'Playaway' king, Jonathan Cohen, this is an informal, lighthearted event, which is traditionally full of atmosphere. This is always a staunchly populist "greatest hits" set, taking in anything from religious staples like 'O Come All Ye Faithful', to 'Rocking Around the Christmas Tree' and Bing Crosby's 'White Christmas'. Tickets for this London favourite are likely to sell out fast. Date: Sunday 16th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd December 2007 Time: Sun 16th at 14:30, Fri 21st at 14:30, Sat 22nd Dec at 13:30 & 16:45 Pricing: £11-£34.50 Messiah 2007 Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Sunday 16th December 2007 It's not really Christmas in London without a performance of Handel's 'Messiah' and the Royal Albert Hall is always pleased to oblige. This year the choral masterpiece is performed by 500 voices from three top choirs, along with soloists and the superb Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The Royal Albert Hall is a spectacular venue, a cathedral to the power of music, with one of the country's finest organs, and it is the perfect place for Handel's soaring redemptive hymn. Performers: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra | Goldsmiths Choral Union | Highgate Choral Society | English Concert Chorus | Maria Plazas - Soprano | Jean Rigby - Mezzo | Timothy Robinson - Tenor | Henry Waddington - Bass | Brian Wright - Conductor Date: Sunday 16th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: £11-£42.50 Royal Choral Society Christmas Carols Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Monday 17th December 2007 The Royal Choral Society brings a selection of traditional carols to the Royal Albert Hall this year. The programme includes, 'Once in Royal David's City', 'O Little Town of Bethlehem', 'Away in a Manger', 'The First Noel', 'God Rest You Merry Gentlemen', 'O Come, All Ye Faithful', and 'Hark! the Herald Angels Sing'. Conducted and introduced by Richard Cooke with John Birch (organ), the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Band of the Grenadier Guards and the London Concert Orchestra. Date: Monday 17th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: £11-£34.50 King's College Choir Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP Friday 21st December 2007 The world-famous choir of King's College Chapel presents what should be one of the best of this year's carols and classical music concerts. These concerts combine musical excellence and professionalism with a great deal of fun - the element of audience participation has a wonderful effect on the audience's appreciation of the music. From Vivaldi's 'Gloria' and Tchaikovsky's 'Waltz of the Flowers' to Rutter's 'Twelve Days of Christmas' and a special 150th anniversary tribute to Elgar, this year's programme promises something for all. Stephen Cleobury conducts the Philarmonia Orchestra and Chorus with Sarah-Jane Davies (soprano) and Laura Parfitt (alto). Date: Friday 21st December 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: £11-£42.50 Additional Dates: John Rutter's Christmas Celebration Monday 10th December 2007 Time: 15:00 & 19:30 Price: £10-£50 Clic Sergent Christmas Celebration Friday 14th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Price: £30-£50 Classic Carols Saturday 15th December 2007 Time: 20:00 Price: £11-£37.50 The BT Christmas Concert Tuesday 18th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Price: £11-£34.50 Christmas Classics Wednesday 19th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Price: £11-£37.50 Santa's Christmas Cracker Thursday 20th December 2007 Time: 14:30 Price: £11-£34.50 The Glory of Christmas Thursday 20th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Price: £11-£34.50 Carols by Candlelight Saturday 22nd December - Monday 24th (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: Sat 22nd 20:00, Sun 23rd 13:00, 16:30 & 20:00, Sat 24th (Christmas Eve) 14:30 & 19:00 Price: £11-£39.50 Royal Albert Hall - Information  Southbank Centre: Carols with Voicelab
Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX 0871 663 2501 | Waterloo Tube/Rail Friday 14th December 2007 One of a number of festive events taking in and around the Southbank Centre in December, this robust carol singalong promises to be an energetic raucous evening. With a set that can be described as "traditional with a twist", expect some old favourites mixed up with some unexpected additions. Decorated in suitably festive fashion by set designer and associate artist, Michael Vale, the Ballroom forms the venue for this fun, free, seasonal sing-song. Songsheets provided. Venue: Southbank Centre Address: Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Date: Friday 14th December 2007 Time: 18:30 Pricing: Free Southbank Centre - Information  Southwark Cathedral
London Bridge, SE1 9DA 020 7367 6700 | London Bridge Tube / Rail Thursday 13th - Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Dating back to the 13th century Southwark Cathedral is the oldest Gothic church in the city and boasts a colourful history (look out for the monuments to Edmund Shakespeare - the Bard's brother - and playwright John Fletcher) which goes towards forming a fine setting for a series of atmospheric annual services and concerts. There are various carol concerts (almost every other day) and seasonal services on throughout the month but here are some highlights and a couple of notable dates for your diary... Celebrate Christmas with Goldsmiths Choral Union Thursday 20th December 2007 Regular performers at some of London's most high-profile classical music venues, the Goldsmiths Choral Union choir entertain with a mix of seasonal songs and readings at this family carol concert. Held in the auspicious surroundings of Southwark Cathedral the venue promises to match the standard of the singing. Audience members are encouraged to join in with this festive programme, conducted by Brian Wright. Date: Thursday 20th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: £15 (Adults), £5 (Children) Midnight Mass Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 The mother church for the Anglican Diocese of Southwark, the cathedral attracts a huge crowd each year for its Midnight Mass despite the parish being comparatively small in terms of residents. Make sure you arrive early, approach the cathedral via a walk along the river if you have time, and enjoy the build-up to this joyous celebration. Date: Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 23:30 - arrive early to secure a space Pricing: Free Additional Dates: Marie Curie Cancer Care Carol Concert[/venue[
Thursday 13th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Phone: 020 7599 7777 The Sinfonia Soi Orchestra from Finland Saturday 15th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Phone: 020 7237 1245 Cathedral Sing-In Monday 18th December 2007 Time: 12:45 Phone: 020 7367 6717 Cathedral Choir Concert Thursday 21st December 2007 Time: 19:30 Phone: 020 7367 6717 Cathedral Carol Service (*not suitable for children) Sunday 23rd December 2007 Time: 18:30 Phone: 020 7367 6717 Building the Crib Service Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 16:00 Phone: 020 7367 6700 Eucharist with Carols Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 9:00 Phone: 020 7367 6700 Choral Eucharist Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 11:00 Phone: 020 7367 6700 Southwark Cathedral - Information  St George's Cathedral
Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7HY 020 7928 5256 | Lambeth North Tube Wednesday 12th - Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 This friendly venue in south London has an atmosphere that is traditionally jovial with a real sense of celebration during many of its services - something which really comes to the forefront at Christmas. In the heart of multicultural London, St George's has a diverse, multicultural congregation and a special Christmas Day service in Spanish. See below for a couple of their major events and a list of seasonal services... A Celebration for Advent Sunday 16th December 2007 Renowned for its fine choral tradition St George's resident choir is often used for television and radio broadcasts. Displaying their talents via a range of carols and seasonal songs during this special Advent service, audience members are invited to join in with the celebration. Date: Sunday 16th December 2007 Time: 4pm Midnight Mass, Christmas Carols and Readings Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 The hub of south London's cosmopolitan, Roman Catholic community puts on one of London's most renowned Midnight Masses every year. The atmosphere here is traditionally jovial and there's a real sense of celebration and old fashioned cheer as carols echo up into the vaults. Renowned for its fine choral tradition the celebrations here were broadcast on the BBC in 2004 popularising this inspiring service and attracting thousands every year to welcome in Christmas Day with song and prayer. Date: Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 23:30 Pricing: Free Additional Dates: Catholic Children's Society Carol Service Wednesday 12th December 2007 Time: 16:00 Children's Crib Service Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 15:30 Vigil Mass of the Nativity Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 18:00 Mass with Carols Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 8:00 Family Mass with the Archbishop Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 10:00 Solemn Mass Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 11:30 Mass in Spanish Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 13:00 St George's - Information  St Martin-in-the-Fields
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ 020 7839 8362 | Charing Cross Tube / Rail]/venue]
Sunday 2nd - Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Situated right in the middle of the city you might imagine St Martin-in-the-Fields to be a somewhat impersonal venue, but actually with its "ever-open" door the parish has a surprisingly welcoming, community feel about it and no more so than at Christmas. In centuries past the congregation has enjoyed concerts from talents like Handel and Mozart. This December there are a range of new talents on show. Here are some musical highlights and special seasonal services... Christmas Four Seasons with Audience Carols Saturday 8th December 2007 Over the course of an early December eve, the London Musical Arts Ensemble weave a glorious blend of Vivaldi's masterpiece with Corelli's Christmas Concerto, Pachelbel's Canon and Gigue and some traditional Christmas carols. The Ensemble has been stalwarts at St Martin's since 1992 and, with conductor John Landor still at the helm, this concert promises to be a combination of sing-a-long fun and fleet, fresh finesse. Date: Saturday 8th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Pricing: £7-£26 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Wednesday 19th December 2007 Relive the story of the Nativity with the help of readings, carols and choral music. A family service, this is bound to be a popular event, and deservedly so for the choir here are excellent and the location and setting next to none. Pop over to the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square afterwards for some more festive cheer. Date: Wednesday 19th December 2007 Time: 18:30 Additional Dates: Advent Carol Service Sunday 2nd December 2007 Time: 18:30 Advent Taize Sunday 9th December 2007 Time: 18:30 Community Carols Tuesday 11th December 2007 Time: 18:30 Evening Prayer with Carols Sunday 23rd December 2007 Time: 17:00 Crib Family Service Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 14:30 Parish Carol Service Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 18:30 Midnight Mass Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 23:30 Christmas Day Eucharist Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 10:30 St Martin-in-the-Fields - Information  St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Churchyard, EC4M 8AD 020 7236 4128 | St Paul's Tube Saturday 8th - Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Built by Sir Christopher Wren after the fire, St Paul's is viewed by many as the spiritual home of Great Britain. It's also a very popular place to experience the more traditional side of Christmas. This year, to meet demand, St Paul's is hosting a series of concerts throughout the month of December peaking with the excessively popular Midnight Mass service and carol concert. The cathedral's great dome which dominates much of the City fills with the sound of the Cathedral Choir for a large part of the month and most special services and concerts are free and available to all. See below for some highlight events and a list of dates for your diary... Messiah Wednesday 12th December 2007 Synonymous with Christmas, Handel's 'Messiah', performed by the Cathedral Choir and Chorus and the City of London Sinfonia in the imposing St Paul's Cathedral, has to be one of the highlights of the season. It's free to attend but you need to apply for tickets by writing to: Messiah Tickets, The Chapter House, London, EC4M 8AD. As you can imagine this is an unbelievably popular event so if you want to attend get your letter posted (with a SAE) as soon as you can. Date: Wednesday 12th December 2007 Time: 18:30 Price: Free but tickets required A Celebration of Christmas Wednesday 19th December 2007 Celebrity readers perform alongside the St Paul's Cathedral Choir and the City of London Sinfonia in this traditional concert of carols and narrated excerpts. It's free and everyone's welcome but space is limited so get there as early as you can to secure a seat in this formidable venue. Date: Wednesday 19th December 2007 Time: 18:30 Price: Free but space is limited Family Carols (Christingle) Saturday 22nd December 2007 A short-ish service to suit families, this is a traditional, friendly, pre-Christmas Day celebration with carols performed by the Cantate Youth Choir. Kids are positively encouraged to attend this special service during which Christingles (oranges wrapped in red ribbon and skewered with a lit candle and four cocktail sticks laden with sweets and fruit) are given out. Symbolising the world, the light of Jesus, the love of Christ and the four seasons, Christingles are rarely seen in seasonal services so this one in St Paul's offers a unique chance for families to explore another custom associated with this festive season. Date: Saturday 22nd December 2007 Time: 13:00 Additional Dates: Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten Saturday 8th December 2007 Time: 17:00 Price: Free and unticketed Sankta Lucia Carol Service Friday 14th December 2007 Time: 18:30
Price: Tickets required. See www.swedish-church.org.uk[/venue] La Nativite du Seigneur by Oliver Messiaen (recital) Sunday 16th December 2007 Time: 18:00 Price: Free and unticketed Christmas Carol Service (sung by the Cathedral Choir) Sunday 23rd December and Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 16:00 Price: Free and unticketed Midnight Eucharist Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 23:30 Price: Free and unticketed Christmas Day Services Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Times: 8:00, 11:00 15:15 Price: Free and unticketed St Paul's - Information  St Paul's Church
Bedford Street, WC2E 9ED 020 7836 5221 | Covent Garden Tube Saturday 1st - Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 An attractive, Inigo Jones-designed church (c.1633) positioned right opposite Covent Garden's market and piazza, St Paul's forms a suitably atmospheric setting for a series of festive concerts and services this Christmas. Included below are a couple of highlights followed by some additional dates for your diary... Concordia Foundation Candlelit Christmas Concert Saturday 1st December 2007 A good smattering of traditional carols combined with familiar classical pieces capture the essence of Christmas over the ages in this family-oriented Christmas concert. Introduced by international soprano Gillian Humphrys and starring a number of accomplished young musicians and a mystery celebrity guest speaker, the accessible programme combines works from Purcell to Puccini, Handel to Saint Saens. All proceeds go to the Concordia Foundation. Phone: 020 7925 2545 Date: Saturday 1st December 2007 Time: 19:30 Price: £11 & £15 A Star for Christmas Wednesday 5th December 2007 Most familiarly referred to as 'The Actors' Church', Covent Garden's St Paul's is the ideal venue for this celebrity-filled, Christmas carol concert in aid of Help the Aged. Performing a range of seasonally-inspired solo songs, readings and group arrangements, a bevy of old-school thesps - from Lionel Blair to Liz Smith - do their bit for charity supported by the RADA Choir. This should be a fun evening, finished off with drinks and nibbles and the chance for a bit of schmoozing. Tickets are bound to sell fast so we recommend you book early. Phone: 020 7239 1922 Date: Wednesday 5th December 2007 Time: 18:30 Price: £25 Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight Sunday 16th December 2007 With a cast of professional actors performing readings from the King James Bible alongside costumed musicians this colourful, dramatised service should prove popular with families, locals and tourists alike. If you're planning on attending make sure you arrive early to get a space. Date: Sunday 16th December 2007 Time: 16:00 Price: Free Additional Dates: Christian Aid Advent Hope Carol Service Thursday 29th November 2007 Time: 19:30 Phone: 020 7523 2105 Price: £5 Prisoners' Education Trust Annual Advent Carol Service Monday 3rd December 2007 Time: 18:30 Phone: 020 8848 7760 Price: £12.50 Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert Saturday 8th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Price: Free Advent Carol Service with The Choir of St Paul's Church Sunday 9th December 2007 Time: 18:00 Price: Free Vasari Singers and the Musicians Benevolent Fund Christmas Carol Concert Friday 14th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Price: TBA Camerata Santa Dorotea Christmas Concert Saturday 15th December 2007 Time: 19:30 Price: TBA Covent Garden Community Association Christmas Carols Monday 17th December 2007 Time: 18:30 Price: Free The Food Chain Christmas Carol Service Tuesday 18th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Price: Free Christmas Concert by The Knack Singers Thursday 20th December 2007 Time: 13:00 Price: Free Parish Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday 23rd December 2007 Time: 11:00 The Midnight Mass of Christmas Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 23:30 Parish Mass for Christmas Day Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 11:00 St Paul's - Information  Sutton House
Sutton House, E9 6JQ 0870 428 8933 | Hackney Central Rail Saturday 15th December 2007 East London's oldest private house presents a pair of carol concerts on the middle Saturday of December; one an evening concert, the other a cheerful, family sing-song affair. After the evening concert in the house's glorious Wenlock Barn, guests are invited to take a look around the rest of this marvellously preserved, 16th-century building. Sutton House was built in 1535 for Sir Rafe Sadleir, Principal Secretary of State for Henry VII, and has seen many alterations throughout its near half-millennium history. Inside, the original oak panelling, painted staircase, carved fireplaces and Jacobean paintings are a feast for the eyes, not to mention the mural left by squatters during the 1980s. Sing away and then experience some of London's rich past, warm your hands around a piping glass of mulled wine and usher in the festive spirit. Venue: Sutton House Address: 2 & 4 Homerton High Street, Hackney, E9 6JQ Date: Saturday 15th December 2007 Time: 17:00-18:30 (Family Concert), 19:30-21:00 (Evening Concert) Pricing: £6.00 (Adults), £3.50 (Children) Sutton House - Information  Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS Charing Cross Tube / Rail Monday 10th - Sunday 23rd December 2007 (*there are no carols on Tuesday 11th December) For over half a century Trafalgar Square has been adorned with a majestic Christmas tree - an annual gift from the people of Oslo, thanking Britain for support and friendship during World War Two. The evergreen - perhaps the most famous in the world - is an integral part of Christmas in London and is always a prime specimen, towering high alongside Nelson and decorated only with authentic white lights. Singing groups and passers-by join around the tree every evening to sing carols and soak up the Christmas cheer. On some evenings the angelic voices of the St Martin-in-the-Fields choir lead the tune. This is a wonderful spot to capture the spirit of Christmas. Venue: Trafalgar Square Date: Monday 10th - Sunday 23rd December 2007 (*there are no carols on Tuesday 11th December) Time: Daily 17:00-21:00 Pricing: Free Nearest Station: Charing Cross Tube / Rail Trafalgar Square - Information  Westminster Abbey
Parliament Square, SW1P 3PA 020 7222 5152 | Westminster Tube Sunday 2nd - Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Stunning Gothic architecture, the artistic talent that went into the statues, murals, paintings and tombs, and the fantastic stained glass, combine to make Westminster Abbey the most enduringly stunning of London’s churches and a treasure trove of royal history. An absolutely dazzling setting for Christmas worship and concerts, all are welcome to attend events and services at this iconic venue. Just make sure you either book your ticket or grab your seat as early as possible as they are VERY popular. Here are a couple of this year's highlights followed by a list of their special seasonal services... Classic FM Music Makers Charity Christmas Concert Thursday 13th December 2007 The setting of every coronation since 1066, Westminster Abbey doubles up as a fabulous venue for their annual Christmas charity concert. Conducted by James O'Donnell, the huge vaults of this stunning Gothic venue play host this year to the crystal clear sounds of The Choir of Westminster Abbey and organist Robert Quinney for a traditional programme of carols and seasonally-themed readings. One of the highlights of the evening, guest soloist, Welsh Baroque soprano Elin Manahan-Thomas, performs Handel's 'Rejoice Greatly' from 'Messiah', while Classic FM presenters Simon Bates, Jane Jones and Jamie Crick lead the readings. Phone: 0870 841 1111 Date: Thursday 13th December 2007 Time: 19:00 Pricing: £14-£28. Seat with no view £5. Midnight Mass at Westminster Abbey Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Pack inside one of London's most famous landmarks for an old-fashioned service to take you right through to Christmas Day. Westminster Abbey has been at the centre of royal and religious life in Britain since the time of William the Conqueror who was crowned here on Christmas Day 1066, following the successful Norman invasion of the British Isles. It's easy to lose sight of what Christmas is all about in the sea of commercialisation, but perched in the majestic history of the Abbey's nave will help remind you of the religious message. These awe-inspiring surroundings provide a striking backdrop for an evening of lessons and carols. Date: Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 23:30 (but it's best to arrive at least an hour early due to this event's massive popularity). Pricing: Free Special Seasonal Services: Advent Carols and Readings by Candlelight Sunday 2nd December 2007 Time: 16:00 A Christmas Meditation with Music & Readings Sunday 23rd December 2007 Time: 17:45pm Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 16:00 Christmas Day Festal Evensong Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 15:00 Westminster Abbey - Information  Westminster Cathedral: A Christmas Celebration
42 Francis Street, SW1P 1QW 020 7798 9096 | Victoria Tube / Rail Thursday 20th December 2007 With plain walls and simple candlelight juxtaposed against colourful mosaics and marbles, London's striking neo-Byzantine Roman Catholic cathedral provides an atmospheric backdrop for this festive musical celebration. Westminster Cathedral boasts one of the best young choirs in the capital (if not the country). Their performance at this annual event combined with impressive arrangements and the venue's excellent acoustics breathe new life to those old classics and make this one of the most popular Christmas concerts in the festive calendar. Additional Dates: Christmas Eve Services Monday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 2007 Time: 18:00 Vigil Mass and Carols for Families | 23:30 Vigil Mass and Carols Christmas Day Services Tuesday 25th December (Christmas Day) 2007 Time: 9:00 Mass with Carols | 12:00 midday Sung Mass with Carols Westminster Cathedral - Information |
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