Kaiser Chiefs, OneRepublic, James Dean Bradfield, And More To Do Charity Stream

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For the first time, Nordoff Robbins Carol Service will be moving online, bringing Christmas into everyone’s homes and featuring appearances from across the world.

The stream is set to take place on the tonight (15th December) at 7pm GMT, and will be hosted by Nile Rodgers and will feature a star studded line up that will include:

Sir Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Sir Cliff Richard, Saving Grace feat. Robert Plant and Suzi Dian, Florence Welch, Nile Rodgers & Chic, OneRepublic, Kaiser Chiefs, Simple Minds, Rebecca Ferguson, Roger Daltrey, Jack Savoretti, Freya Ridings, Mica Paris, Alexis Ffrench, Friederike Krum, James Dean Bradfield from Manic Street Preachers, and Danny O’Donoghue from The Script.

All proceeds from the stream 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 stream will see the stars performing classic Christmas carols, sharing holiday messages, and bringing festive surprises along the way, while fans are encouraged to enjoy their own Christmas celebrations, and are invited to donate at any point during the show.

Speaking about Nordoff Robbins Nile Rodgers said “Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy is a charity close to my heart as I’ve witnessed the power of music firsthand. I’ve seen how music connects with people all over the world in a way that nothing else can so when I heard that Nordoff Robbins were taking their annual carol service online, I jumped at the chance to host the event and to bring along some of my closest musical friends to help spread some Christmas cheer.”

Adding “I know how hard this year has been for everyone, in particular charities. Because of the pandemic, Nordoff Robbins are expecting to lose much of their fundraising income. This means they are able to help less people, including children with autism who rely on music therapy for a sense of connection or those affected by life-limiting illnesses or disability – even though their services are needed now more than ever.”

The stars will be performing from where they are across the globe, including from their 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.

The CEO of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy, Sandra Schembri said “We are so thankful to everyone who is making this event reality – our funding partner, Hipgnosis Songs Fund, streaming partners LSEG and OpenExchange, as well as all the artists who are involved, you are helping to put on a magical evening of Christmas carols.”

This year Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy has been hit really hard. Our fundraising (pre-pandemic) has always been about bringing people together to celebrate the power of music. But we have simply not been able to do this in 2020.”

“Now we are expecting to lose around 75% of our fundraising income, contributing to a loss of income of almost £6million. This means we will be able to help less people with the power of music – even though our services are needed now more than ever.”

“However, it’s events like this, with the support of our partners, artists and everyone watching at home, that will help us continue to meet the needs of people with music as and where we can – whether online or face to face.”

The event will be available to watch tonight (Tuesday 15th December) at 7pm GMT via carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk