Nile Rodgers to host virtual Nordoff Robbins Carol Service

For the first time ever, the much-loved Nordoff Robins Carol Service is going virtual.

Photo Credit: JM Enternational

The Stars Come Out To Sing At Christmas fundraiser, hosted by Nile Rodgers, is on Tuesday 15th December. It will feature Christmas carols, festive messages and musical performances.

With a star-studded lineup including the likes of Sir Cliff Richard, Florence Welch, Freya Ridings and One Republic; it's not a night to be missed.

Speaking about the event, 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."

He added: "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."

Also, on the bill are Simple Minds, Rebecca Ferguson and One Republic plus a festive message from BBC Young Musician award-winning Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and many more to be announced.

With all proceeds going to Nordoff Robbins - UK's largest independent music therapy charity - viewers at home will be invited to donate at any point of the virtual concert.

Viewers will be able to enjoy star performances from all over the globe from the comfort of their own homes.

The Carol Service will even feature a choir filmed from St. Luke’s Church in Chelsea.

Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff Robbins, said: "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.”

She added: "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 on Tuesday 15th December at 7pm GMT via carols.nordoff-robbins.org.uk