Mass doorstep carolling set to lift the nation’s spirits this Christmas

BRITAIN-NORWAY-CHRISTMAS TREE
A carol singer in London
AFP via Getty Images

Thousands of Londoners are hoping to bring some festive cheer to the capital’s streets this Christmas despite tier restrictions by singing on their doorsteps.

Budding performers are expected to take part in the Carols on the Doorstep initiative on December 16 - which encourages households to stand at their doors, in their porches or at their windows and sing songs to raise money in for charity.

It was inspired by the Clap For Our Carers initiative of the first pandemic wave.

Carols on the Doorstep started as a small event in Shropshire - but now singers from as far away as Australia and Canada are set to take part.  

On December 16, local radio stations - including BBC Radio London - across the country will broadcast backing music from 6-7pm so participants are all singing from the same hymn sheet.  

Carols singers at St Paul’s Cathedral 
Getty Images

Organisers are asking for all those involved to donate at least £2 to the mental health charity Mind.

Under Tier 2 restrictions, which are currently in place in London, outdoor caroling is allowed and audiences may join in with singing.  

Rose Bannatyne, the community director of venue Blackheath Halls in south east London, is encouraging her choir members and their neighbours to take part.  

She said: “I think this is a wonderful initiative to get people to unite together after the second lockdown and come together and celebrate some festivities. It is heartening to see how people have adapted and continue despite everything that is going on.”

Olivia Kilmartin, from Hackney, is also organising a sing-a-long. “We live on a terrace with a wide range of ages from people in their 60s and 70s to toddlers and young families. We are really looking forward to taking part in Doorstep Carols, I think these community events really lift everyone’s spirits.”

Katy Rink, editor of My Shrewsbury Magazine, who came up with the idea.  said: “We are determined to make this a special night for everyone involved – and also for elderly and vulnerable people who may be self-isolating, but who will be able to hear the music in their street and watch from their windows. 

"We’re asking everyone to throw themselves into this – make mulled wine, bake some treats, get the kids playing instruments, banging saucepans – sing your heart out on the doorstep! We could certainly all do with cheering up this year.”

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