The Nordoff Robbins Christmas Concert gets even bigger and better, with more fantastic names announced for the charity’s star-studded evening of Christmas carols, readings, festive messages and spectacular musical performances. Including performances from Sir Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Saving Grace featuring Robert Plant and Suzi Dian, Alexis Ffrench, Mica Paris and Friederike Krum, plus incredible readings by Bill Nighy, Lily James, Noma Dumezweni, Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE and Freddie Fox. ‘The Stars Come Out To Sing At Christmas’ is free to watch on Tuesday 15th December, via carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Now joining the already spectacular line-up is music giant Sir Rod Stewart, one of the best-selling artists of all time with ten Number 1 albums to his name, who will perform his version of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’; a classic song written in 1944 by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and introduced by Judy Garland.
Also the record-breaking Robbie Williams – the 18-time BRIT Award winner with multiple hit albums and singles, who recently released the deluxe version of his Number 1 album The Christmas Present.
More artists announced today are Saving Grace featuring renowned musicians Robert Plant and Suzi Dian, Classical-Soul pioneer and pianist Alexis Ffrench, UK’s Queen of Soul Mica Paris and award-winning Mezzo Soprano Friederike Krum.
Readings for 2020’s virtual service include the illustrious Bill Nighy, BAFTA and Golden Globe winner known for his roles in Love Actually, Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter, as well as fellow A-list actor Lily James, star of Cinderella, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and most recently, Rebecca. Also, Olivier award-winning actress Noma Dumezweni, Artistic Director of London’s Young Vic theatre and Casualty star Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE and thespian Freddie Fox, whose theatre credits include The Judas Kiss and Romeo and Juliet.
Sir Rod Stewart says: “The power of music is limitless and I’m proud to be a part of this year’s Carol Service. Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy’s work has been life-changing for so many – people with life limiting illnesses, disabilities and those who are vulnerable and isolated. I’ll be bringing holiday cheer on 15th December and if you can, give generously to ensure this important work continues.”
Robbie Williams adds: “I’m so excited to be performing at the Nordoff Robbins Carol Service this year. Please join me on Tuesday 15th December for some Christmas cheer, and help to raise vital funds for Nordoff Robbins music therapy.”
For the first time ever, the much-loved Nordoff Robbins Carol Service will be virtual, as they continue the legacy of this special event bringing family, friends and supporters together. Hosted by music’s most loved legend, Nile Rodgers, this years’ service will bring Christmas to you at home, with special appearances from a star-studded line-up across the world.
Artists already announced include Sir Cliff Richard, Roger Daltrey of The Who, Florence Welch, Jack Savoretti, OneRepublic, Freya Ridings, Kaiser Chiefs, James Dean Bradfield from Manic Street Preachers, Simple Minds, Rebecca Ferguson, and The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue. It’s an evening jam packed with special appearances, including festive messages and readings from many special names, more still to come.
This year has been a challenge for everybody and so a host of the biggest stars are coming together to spread much needed Christmas cheer and raise valuable funds for Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, a charity that is important to every single artist involved. As they perform classic Christmas carols, share their holiday messages and bring some festive surprises along the way, viewers at home are encouraged to enjoy their own Christmas celebrations and most importantly, are invited to donate at any point during the virtual concert.
All proceeds will go to Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity, who are dedicated to enriching the lives of people affected by life limiting illness, isolation or disability through music.
The appearances will come from across the globe – including the stars’ homes, the famous Abbey Road Studios and in keeping with the traditional service from previous years, the choir will be filmed from St Luke’s Church in Chelsea.
This year’s incredible line up would not be possible without the hard work of the Hipgnosis Songs Fund and its CEO and Founder Merck Mercuriadis, who along with co-founder Nile Rodgers have worked tirelessly to rally many of the artists together for the special Christmas concert.
The event will be available to watch on Tuesday 15th December at 7pm GMT via carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk
