We are delighted to be gearing up for our 36th Christmas Festival taking place between the 14th-23rd December, with Stephen Layton resuming his role as Artistic Director . The nine-day Festival of choral excellence is crowned by appearances from world renowned ensembles including the Tallis Scholars, Polyphony, Ex Cathedra, and the collegiate choirs of Trinity College Cambridge, Christ Church Oxford, and Clare College Cambridge.

Christmas carols and festive favourites old and new take centre stage in performances from exemplary singers of all genres, including National Youth Music Theatre, London Choral Sinfonia, City of London Choir and the Boys of the Schola Cantorum of The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School.

With this year marking first full seasonal Festival at St John’s Smith Square since its new merger partnership with Southbank Sinfonia was announced in April 2021, Co-Director Richard Heason commented: “After all the enormous challenges of the past year, I am thrilled that choral singing is back for Christmas, one of the crowning jewels of our calendar. Joining together in carols or hearing the staples of the Christmas season – whether sacred or secular – is one of our country’s most important festive traditions, and after this joy was bitterly cut short last year we are overjoyed to be welcoming back so many ensembles, award-winning and amateur alike. We understand many may be hesitant to return to packed venues and we are currently maintaining a reduced 60% venue capacity so our audiences can enjoy the Christmas season safely.”

Our 36th Christmas Festival truly has something for everybody so do check out our ‘What’s On’ page for more information and to book tickets: https://www.sjss.org.uk/whats-on

We will also be selling mulled wine, mince pies and our very own Christmas cards at the Footstool Café so be sure to join us for a dose of festive spirit- see you there!