Salvation Army brass bands bring Christmas joy to London
published on 5 Dec 2023
Christmas begins in earnest as The Salvation Army to help light up Trafalgar Square celebrations, and bring joy to London’s rail commuters.
It is the time of year when many shoppers, commuters and visitors in London are already groaning at the sound of Mariah Carey and Wham on repeat. But, without blowing our own trumpet, there is something about hearing a Salvation Army band playing Christmas carols that invokes feelings of comfort and joy and helps us to consider what Christmas means to us.
This week on 7 December, commuters at Paddington Station will be serenaded by The Salvation Army band on the concourse as they come in and out of the capital from 7.30am-9pm.
The Regent Hall Salvation Army band will play at the official Christmas Tree lights switch-on at Trafalgar Square on 7 December from 5.30-7.30pm.
Salvation Army Band leader, Paul Sharman, said:
“The Salvation Army is better known these days for giving support at Christmas to children who would otherwise go without a gift, to families who are struggling to put food on the table, or to people forced to sleep rough on the streets.
“But our church and charity has a rich musical tradition that started in 1878, and continues to thrive today. We’re absolutely thrilled to be invited to perform at Trafalgar Square again this year and look forward to bringing the joy of Christmas to thousands of people in London over the coming days.”
London rail station performances, which run from 7.30am until 9pm, include:
- 7 December – Paddington station
- 12 December – Charing Cross station
- 15 December – Victoria station
Out of public view, Salvation Army bands have also been invited to play in the Houses of Parliament in what is an annual Christmas tradition.
For more information about the history of music at The Salvation Army, visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/about-us/international-heritage-centre/virtual-heritage-centre/music
