On Wednesday 15th December, Winchester Cathedral will join with the nation in support of this year’s Doorstep Carols, an initiative that brought people onto their doorsteps to sing collectively in the midst of the pandemic, last Christmas.
Members of the Winchester Cathedral Chamber Choir, the Winchester Military Wives Choir and Winchester A Cappella will perform a selection of Christmas carols on the community stage, located at the centre of the Christmas Market from 6.00pm – 6.30pm as part of the sing along. The event will be broadcast on BBC Radio Solent, covering Hants, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, to bring people together to sing in their communities but to also provide a musical connection for people who are isolated.
Andy Lumsden, Director of Music at Winchester Cathedral said, “Many were unable to celebrate Christmas in 2020, so this year will feel even more special. We are delighted to have a range of different choirs participate in Doorstep Carols, not only to support charities such as Trinity Winchester but also to bring communities together. It is the perfect opportunity for families, friends, individuals, neighbours and community groups to enjoy the experience of singing together”.
Last year, an estimated 125,000 people took part, raising over £10,000 for MIND UK and local charities. Doorstep Carols was broadcast on over 30 local radio stations, which led to wonderful scenes of families singing on doorsteps, sharing mulled wine over the fence with neighbours and children playing instruments in their front gardens.
With an ever growing list of organisations and celebrities, including internationally renowned British conductor Suzi Digby and Sir Tim Rice, getting involved, this year looks set to be Britain’s biggest ever carols sing along. More than 30 local BBC radio stations (and BBC Sounds), will again, broadcast the pre-recorded backing tracks to well-known carols and Christmas songs so that the nation can sing in unison.
Doorstep Carols organiser Katy Rink, who came up with the idea, said: “Last year we saw wonderful scenes up and down the country, with people having a good time with their neighbours. We’re delighted that local BBC Radio is on board again this year so that people can join in wherever they are. It’s about celebrating the joy of singing together – sharing the experience and strengthening communities. It’s so simple and absolutely free.”
The ‘epicentre’ event will be in Shrewsbury, where Doorstep Carols originated, with Carols in the Square hosted by BBC Radio Shropshire, linking with doorsteps and other hub events across the country. In Birmingham, Ex Cathedra’s Academy of Vocal Music will be singing in St Paul’s Square in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. The Singing Medicine team will lead the carol singing with staff and families at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. In addition, Trafalgar Square is booked for a massed Doorstep Carols singalong with Popchoir, and The Spread a Smile Choir, made up of patients, their siblings and friends, which is set to sing outside Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Churches, choirs, hospices, schools and care homes across the UK will also take part, and the Military Wives Choirs are linking with the military engagement branch to enable overseas soldiers to sing with their loved ones at home for the first time in history.
Laura Booth, Artistic Planning & Engagement Manager for Military Wives Choirs, said: “The Military Wives Choirs are hugely proud to be taking part in Doorstep Carols 2021. With a network of nearly 2000 women in 72 choirs across the UK and internationally, we celebrate a love of singing and the power of shared experiences. Our network welcomes all women whose lives are currently impacted by their military connection, and many will spend Christmas away from their loved ones; Doorstep Carols will give the opportunity to not only share in a hugely uplifting musical experience, but also to feel that little bit closer to the loved ones they will be missing at this special time of year.”
Following the restrictions on collective music and performance during the pandemic, Doorstep Carols 2021 aims to underline the social and psychological benefits of singing together.
For more information and to find out how to tune in, download the words and music, and sing along on Wednesday 15th December at 6pm, visit www.doorstepcarols.co.uk
