Jamie Cullum, East 17’s Tony Mortimer, and Lemar to perform at our London Carol Service
Jamie Cullum, East 17’s Tony Mortimer, and Lemar set to perform at our London Carol Service
We’re delighted to announce the all-star line-up for our festive Carol Service on Tuesday 10 December 2024.
Our unforgettable and uplifting Carol Service has been raising funds for essential music therapy services for some of the most isolated and vulnerable people, including those experiencing mental health challenges, across the UK since 1997. Previous performers include Kaiser Chiefs, Sugababes, Nile Rodgers, Emeli Sandé, Sir Rod Stewart and Robbie Williams.
This year we’re thrilled to announce that Jamie Cullum, East 17’s Tony Mortimer, and Lemar will be taking to the stage. Headliner Jamie Cullum will bring his unique style of jazz-pop with a Christmas special performance. Renowned singer-songwriter Tony Mortimer will be celebrating 30 years of East 17’s iconic Christmas number one ‘Stay Another Day’ with a rare piano performance of the classic song, accompanied by singers from the Latymer Prep School Choir. Award-winning soul singer and songwriter Lemar completes the musical line up, bringing plenty of festive cheer to the stunning 300-year-old West London church.
Smooth Drive Home Radio presenter Angie Greaves will host the evening of classic carols, star performances and festive readings. Award-winning broadcasters Carrie and David Grant will share the importance of Nordoff and Robbins’ work, with actor Jemma Redgrave joining as a special guest reader.
About the performers
Jamie Cullum
With a career spanning over 20 years, Jamie Cullum has recorded nine studio albums, three compilation albums, one live album and twenty-four singles including his major label breakthrough, ‘Twentysomething’, and its follow up, ‘Catching Tales’. He won the Ivor Novello ‘Best Song Musically and Lyrically’ award for ‘The Age of Anxiety’ from his critically acclaimed album, ‘Taller’. His legendary live shows have seen him perform and work alongside artists as diverse as Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Herbie Hancock and IDLES – Jamie writing on the latter’s album ‘Ultra Mono’. In addition to his enduringly successful recording career, Jamie has also established himself as a multi-award-winning music broadcaster; his BBC Radio 2 jazz show recently celebrated its 14th year on air.
Jamie Cullum said: “I’m a long-term supporter of the wonderful work of Nordoff and Robbins. I was proud to present Jacob Collier with the Innovation award at the charity’s O2 Silver Clef Awards earlier this year, and I’m glad to continue to highlight the importance of music therapy. I know myself that music of all genres can soundtrack our lives – giving us joy or solace. Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year and St Luke’s church is a wonderful space, so I can’t wait to perform at this truly unique carol service.”
Tony Mortimer
Tony Mortimer founded one of the biggest boybands of the 90s, East 17, writing their biggest hit, Stay Another Day, in 1994. Loved by generations, this timeless Ivor Novello Award-winning track has become a staple of the festive season and its legacy is enormous. Written by Tony as a tribute to a life tragically cut short, the deeply personal song serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect, heal and comfort.
On the 30th anniversary of the song reaching Christmas number one, Tony has partnered with Nordoff and Robbins for its Christmas appeal to highlight the benefits of music therapy for young people living with mental health challenges – like 17-year-old Ruby, who found that music therapy gave her a safe space to express herself when she needed it most. ‘Stay Another Day’ will be released by London Records on a Limited Edition ‘ice clear’ 7”vinyl for the anniversary on Friday 13 December via east17.lnk.to, and the label will donate £1 of every sale to our work.
Tony Mortimer said: “Through this collaboration with Nordoff and Robbins, I really want to raise awareness of how music can offer hope, expression and healing to people everywhere. This 30-year anniversary is more than just a celebration of a song—it’s a call to remember the profound impact that music can have on our lives, particularly in moments of struggle. By raising money for life-changing music therapy, I’m also looking forward to making a difference to young people who are living with mental health problems. Together, we can ensure that the power of music continues to uplift and support those who need it.”
Lemar
Lemar is a multiple BRIT and MOBO award-winning singer-songwriter, record producer and actor. Lemar has become known as one of the best soul voices in the UK, releasing hit single ‘Dance (With U)’ and ‘If There’s Any Justice’ to international acclaim, along with 8 studio albums, three of which have gone platinum. Recently he has added acting to his repertoire, starring alongside Jamelia in the family film Little Darlings (2022) and popular Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023). This year, Lemar has brought his singing and acting talents to the West End as ‘Curtis Jackson’ in Sister Act the Musical opposite Beverley Knight and Alexandra Burke.
Lemar said: “I’m so looking forward to being part of such a fantastic festive celebration and supporting the work that Nordoff and Robbins’ amazing music therapists do. Music has been a constant in my life and I know that the melody of a song, the sound of a voice or the story of the lyrics can transport you to another place and help you through difficult times. Nordoff and Robbins brings music’s transformative power to the people who need it most, helping to reconnect a child with autism, a dad with dementia, or a young person rebuilding their lives after an accident. I’m proud to shine a light on the charity’s work and it’s going to be a really special night.”
About our work
Our trained music therapists work with children and adults with extreme life challenges, including mental health, physical injuries, disabilities and terminal illness. In 2023, Nordoff and Robbins music therapists held 49,129 therapy sessions reaching 13,776 individuals throughout the year. The charity also worked with 389 partner organisations such as schools, care homes and hospices to provide much needed music therapy. 117 of the charity’s 164 strong workforce are music therapists and 21 graduates from the Nordoff and Robbins Masters in Music Therapy were employed in 2023.
Our CEO, Sandra Schembri said: “Our joyful carol service always marks the start of the festive season, but of course music can empower us all year round. For our clients like 17-year-old Ruby, who has struggled with severe mental health problems since she was 14, music therapy can quite simply save lives. Ruby’s sessions with her music therapist Jered have helped her gain confidence – giving her a safe space to express herself without fear or judgements of society. People like Ruby and her Mum, Bev, are at the heart of everything we do – and thanks to the wonderful support from the artists who are helping us to raise money this year, we can deliver music therapy to more clients across the UK.”
How to get tickets
Our Carol Service will take place on Tuesday 10 December, 7pm, at St Luke’s Church in Chelsea, London SW3 6NH. Tickets are priced at £60, including a souvenir brochure, mulled wine, mince pie and plenty of opportunities to sing along to classic carols, with donations encouraged throughout the evening in support of our transformative work.