Tickets now on sale for the annual Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service

26 September 2024 - Press release

 

• This year's Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service takes place on Tuesday 10^th December from 7pm at St Luke's Church, Chelsea
• Superstar performers, hosts and celebrity readers to be announced soon
• Get tickets at nordoff-robbins.org.uk/carols

 

Nordoff and Robbins, the UK's largest music therapy charity, has announced that tickets are now on sale for its annual Carol Service on Tuesday 10^th December at St Luke's Church in London's Chelsea, with superstar performers, hosts and celebrity readers to be announced in the coming weeks for what is set to be a true highlight of the festive season.

Tickets are available from the Nordoff and Robbins website, priced at £60 each, including a souvenir brochure, mulled wine and mince pie. Premium tickets sold out during last week's pre-sale to those who had signed up for early access to tickets.

Alongside high-profile performances, attendees will have the opportunity to sing along to an array of traditional carols in a spectacular church setting.

With a unique approach shaped by more than 60 years of practice, Nordoff and Robbins' trained music therapists harness the power of music to help break through barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation, creating space for people to express themselves and find connection in society. Its work can be transformative, from an adult with dementia reconnecting with family, to autistic children finding their voice.

In 2023, indie rock legends Kaiser Chiefs and revered singer, songwriter, pianist and cellist Ayanna Witter Johnson performed at the unique carol service, which raised over £100,000 for the charity. The evening was hosted by Beverley Knight MBE and Joe Stilgoe, and featured readings from actor Ronni Ancona and BAFTA award-winning broadcasters, Carrie and David Grant.

Previous years have seen performances from the likes of Nile Rodgers and Chic, Emeli Sandé, Sir Rod Stewart, and Imelda May, and readings from Bill Nighy, Dame Eileen Atkins, Rory Bremner and Josette Simon OBE.

Money raised through the Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service can go towards helping people like Ruby. 16 years old, Ruby has an amazing sense of humour and loves to bake, listen to music and play her bass. She is also autistic and has ADHD, and lives with a complexity of mental health issues. In 2022 at only 14 years old, she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act due to suicide attempts, self-harm and unpredictable behaviour. Ruby's mum, Bev, referred her to music therapy with Nordoff and Robbins.

Music therapy helped Ruby start to believe in herself. Now, she continues to grow her skills on the bass, supported by a local recording studio who provide a space for young people to develop their musical talents. The support and nurture that Ruby received in her music therapy sessions, her mum Bev says, was vital in getting her to this point.

Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins, said: "We are thrilled that the Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service is returning once again to St Luke's Church. With costs increasing across the board and the demand for our services now higher than ever, money raised through this wonderful event will be vital in helping us to continue delivering music therapy to those in need nationwide. We look forward to welcoming guests to join us for a festive evening of song and celebration, all in aid of music therapy."

Nordoff and Robbins will also be hosting its first ever Carol Service in Scotland this year, on Thursday 12^th December at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church, with more details to be announced soon.