[Press release and images provided by Doorstep Carols]

Britain’s Christmas Singalong; It’s a new Christmas tradition!

Doorstep Carols is back this year – and with an ever growing list of mega organisations jumping on board, it looks set to be Britain’s biggest ever carols singalong.

Carols on the doorstep brought people together in the midst of the pandemic last year. Broadcast on over 30 local radio stations, it led to wonderful scenes of families singing on doorsteps, sharing mulled wine over the fence with neighbours and children playing instruments in front gardens. An estimated 125,000 people took part, raising over £10,000 for MIND UK and local charities, with collections at street level.

This year, Doorstep Carols 2021 is a supercharged nationwide event, taking all of the street magic of last year across the country whilst also reaching out to those who are isolated. 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. Streets taking part are encouraged to use the opportunity to raise money for a charity of their choice.

A host of national organisations and celebrities are jumping on board as this event grows, supporting the British public in what is expected to become a record breaking singalong. Internationally renowned British conductor Suzi Digby and Sir Tim Rice are also backing the event.

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. Even the reindeers are joining in at Hoo Farm in Telford!

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.

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, is set to sing outside Great Ormond Street Hospital. The Rhythm Studio and Project Get Singing are also engaging communities and choirs across London and beyond.

Canterbury and Winchester Cathedrals are also involved as well as churches, choirs, hospices, schools and care homes across the UK, 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.

Visit www.doorstepcarols.co.uk for more information and to find out how to tune in, download the words and music and sing along on Wednesday, December 15th at 6pm!

For more details contact Katy Rink on 07701 048360. A selection of images from last year’s event are available via the Doorstep Carols picture gallery.