International pop icon, Rick Astley, brought festive joy to St Luke’s and Christ Church in Chelsea, London, on Tuesday 9 December as he headlined the annual Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service, presented by OVO, delivering a feel-good finale packed with Christmas favourites and his iconic hit Never Gonna Give You Up.
The intimate evening of music and reflection, which also featured performances from Katie Melua, Matt Goss and Chloe Stroll, raised over £50,000 for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
Up and coming artist, Chloe Stroll, opened the Carol Service with an elegant performance of her current single, Home.
Accomplished singer songwriter, Katie Melua, enchanted the audience with her unmistakable vocals, performing her hits The Closest Thing to Crazy and Perfect World, before being joined by local school children from the Latymer Prep School for a beautiful rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Iconic singer songwriter and BRIT and BAFTA award winner, Matt Goss delivered a heartfelt set that blended festive nostalgia and classic songwriting, performing I’ll Be Home for Christmas and a powerful rendition of Carole King’s You’ve Got a Friend.
The night culminated in a joyful and charismatic headline set from Rick Astley, who led the audience through Winter Wonderland, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and The Christmas Song in his signature warm, soulful style. He closed the evening with a rousing sing-along to Never Gonna Give You Up.
Guest readers shared festive poetry and passages throughout the evening. Multi-award-winning songwriter, Cathy Dennis read A Visit from St. Nicholas By Clement-Clarke Moore, renowned Scottish actor, James Cosmo read Christmas Landscape by Laurie Lee and voice over artist, Simon Mattacks read Finding Christmas by Donna Ashworth.
The Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service is a cherished annual fundraising event and, since 1997, has raised millions of pounds to fund music therapy services for people facing life-limiting illness, disability or social isolation. Previous performers have included Kaiser Chiefs, Annie Lennox, Nile Rodgers, Emeli Sandé, Sir Rod Stewart, Katherine Jenkins and Robbie Williams.
Sandra Schembri, CEO, Nordoff and Robbins, said: “This year’s Carol Service was a wonderful reminder of the special moments that can happen when music becomes a focal point for connection. I’d like to extend a huge thanks to the artists and partners who gave their talent and time to help create such a joyous evening, and to everyone who filled the church with such warmth and generosity. As well as being a memorable festive celebration, the event directly helps our music therapists to reach more children and adults who rely on music to connect, communicate and express themselves. Every note sung and every chord played at the Carol Service helps to raise money for this vital work at a challenging time for charities, transforming more lives through the universal language of music.”
Rick Astley said: “I’m thrilled to have performed for Nordoff and Robbins at their Carol Service this year. I’ve supported this incredible charity for many years, and I’m constantly inspired by the way it uses music to bring joy and healing to people who need it most. This was a special night full of music, hope and community.”
Katie Melua said: “It’s a real honour to perform at the Nordoff and Robbins London Carol Service. I continue to be inspired by the way the charity’s music therapists use music to help people connect, communicate and find joy. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of this special evening whilst helping to raise money for this vitally important cause.”
Matt Goss said: “The Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service is a special moment in the festive calendar and I was so excited to be a part of it this year. It was a perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones, sing loudly and support an amazing charity. Music has a unique way of connecting us all, and the way Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapists break down barriers and give people the freedom to express themselves through music is truly remarkable. It really was a great night.”
Chloe Stroll said: “Performing at the Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service was such a meaningful moment for me. The atmosphere in the room, full of warmth and genuine community, was incredibly moving. Coming together in support of Nordoff and Robbins and their music therapy work, which helps people communicate, grow and feel truly seen, is extraordinary. I felt privileged to contribute to an evening that celebrated both the spirit of the season and the power of music to heal and connect.”
It’s not too late to offer festive support as this year, for the first time, Nordoff and Robbins has commissioned a range of music themed, sustainable organic cotton Christmas jumpers – four adult designs ranging from ‘Merry Riffmas’ to ‘Away in a Major’ and cute kids’ tops including ‘Little Drummer Joy’ and ‘Rockstar in the Making’. The full collection is available now at nordoff-and-robbins.teemill.com.
So far in 2025, Nordoff and Robbins has supported close to 12,000 people across more than 45,000 music therapy sessions, partnering with 315 organisations nationwide including schools, hospitals and care homes.
