This week I’m starting Christmas with a rather harmonious BANG by doing one of the most festive things possible. 

Last week we put up our tree and decorated the living room with glittery decorations and a barrage of baubles*. My housemates and me now spend each morning cracking open our advent calendars, and basking in the twinkling glow of the fairy lights on the tree, whilst eating breakfast. It could be 6am, but those blinking tree lights still get switched on!! Priorities and all that…

Anyway, back to other things that fill me with joy. 

Remember that scene in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet, where the choirboy sings? “Brother and sister together we’ll make it through…” It still sends shivers down my spine now. I think that whatever you do or don’t believe in, there’s nothing like the sound of a live choir to stir you emotionally and get you in the mood for Christmas.

On Thursday 10th December, If you haven’t yet made any festive plans, come and enjoy the VSO volunteers christmas concert, and hear stories about their incredible work in developing countries.

When: Thursday 10th of December 2015 @ 7:30pm

Where: Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, London

Price: From £15 to £75 (All the proceeds raised on the night go towards VSO’s programmes to end poverty in Africa and Asia.)

Tickets: www.vsointernational.org/christmas-concert

Buy your tickets now and join the likes of Hugh Grant, and actress Juliet Stevenson, (‘Truly Madly Deeply’, ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ and ‘The Politician’s Wife’) as celebrity readers.

Singers on the night include Grammy Award winning African singer-songwriter, Angélique Kidjo, and Mary-Jess Leaverland who has recorded songs on the Downton Abbey album, and performed worldwide after winning X Factor in China.

The City of London Choir will provide the choral backdrop under the baton of conductor Hilary Davan Wetton, who has been involved in all 20 of VSO’s concerts. Inner Voices, a chamber choir comprising students from inner city state schools in London will also perform and accompany Ms. Kidjo.  VSO’s patron, HRH the Princess Royal, will also be in attendance.

“Hugh Grant is well known and loved for his many movie roles including the Christmas classic Love Actually so it’s great to have him join the programme for this special 20th Anniversary Carol Concert.  Over the years it has become a ‘must do’ for anyone looking for a special moment in their Christmas season. 

There is also a pre-concert drinks reception from 6pm in the Library at Methodist Central Hall where guests can mingle with celebrities, VSO returned volunteers and staff.  An auction will also take place on the night.

Tickets can be booked online via Ticketsource or by calling the box office on 0333 666 3366. For further details about the concert, please visit www.vsointernational.org/christmas-concert

The event is sponsored exclusively by VSO’s long term partner, the NASUWT - the largest teachers’ union in the UK.  

Photography © Lucie Kerley

*It appears I have a bit of an obsession with fancy Christmas decs…  Set me loose in the likes of Anthropologie, Graham and Green or Liberty’s and I’ll be in my element… for hours… shopping for Christmas decorations.