Two Christmas classics from Benjamin Britten, in a candlelit concert with the St Margaret’s Choristers and Consort of Westminster Abbey

Join us for an atmospheric evening beside the Christmas Tree as the St Margaret’s Choristers and Consort usher in the festive season.

In A Ceremony of Carols, an exquisite collection of miniatures for treble voices and harp, Britten weaves scenes from the Christmas story into a delightful sequence of tableaux framed by a plainsong processional and recessional, by turns joyful, delicate, lyrical and dramatic.

The Choristers will then be joined by the St Margaret’s Consort in A Boy was Born, a virtuosic set of variations on an original theme for unaccompanied mixed choir and treble chorus.

50 years and a day after his death, the concert will be a moving tribute to Benjamin Britten, one of the most influential figures in 20th-centruy English music, showcasing two of his finest choral works.

The St Margaret’s Choristers, comprising 24 girls aged 11-17 drawn from schools across London, were formed in 2023 and have quickly established themselves as an integral part of the music of Westminster Abbey. Besides their regular contributions to worship in St Margaret’s Church and the Abbey, the Choristers have also given performances in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Central Hall, and with The English Concert in Westminster Abbey, and been heard on Classic FM. In August, they undertook their first tour, visiting Paris and singing in Notre Dame and La Madeleine. They will be joined in this concert by the full St Margaret’s Consort, the professional choir which provides the music for special services in the Parliamentary Church.

TICKETING information:

Concert venue location - This event takes place in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey. Enter at the main West door.

Access is via the West gate, at left of Westminster Abbey, the main public queue for visitors. Come up the path alongside the Abbey, you'll see St Margaret's Church at the top, enter at the main West door. The Marshal (red cloak) will guide you.

Timings - Doors will open 20 minutes before the concert at 18:10pm and the concert will begin at 18:30pm.

Unreserved seating - Tickets are all one price.

Queue outside - The Marshals and Beadles will admit people in order of arrival

Access and security - Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).

Security check on your arrival - Your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.

Attendee tickets for young people under the age of 18 are free when accompanied by a ticket holder (Recommend ages 9+)

Age suitability - This event is suitable for adults and young people over the age of 9.

Westminster City Card holders receive 50% discount - see the ‘Culture offers’ on the Westminster City Card scheme website for details.

This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey.

We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours. If you would like to look around the rest of the Abbey during your visit then we recommend you do so before you attend the Lunchtime Concert. This is to allow you enough time to see as much as possible.

The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. adult.programmes@westminster-abbey.org

Filming and photography Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted in St Margaret’s Church. See our photography policy for more information.

Description supplied by the event organiser.