Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, is thrilled to announce that international pop icon Rick Astley will headline this year’s star-studded London Carol Service, presented by OVO. Joining Rick for this magical evening of music and reflection are renowned performer Matt Goss and acclaimed singer-songwriter Katie Melua.
Adding to the festive magic, multi-award-winning songwriter Cathy Dennis will deliver a special Christmas reading, while BAFTA-winning broadcasters and Nordoff and Robbins Music Ambassadors Carrie and David Grant will share moving reflections on the power of music to heal, connect and inspire.
The Nordoff and Robbins London Carol Service will take place on Tuesday 9 December at 7pm in the stunning St Luke’s & Christ Church, Chelsea – a 200-year-old venue that provides an intimate, atmospheric setting for this unforgettable night of music and storytelling.
Tickets are available now via Nordoff and Robbins, priced at £60, including a souvenir brochure, mulled wine and a mince pie.
Fresh from receiving the Outstanding Achievement in Music Award at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards, Rick Astley will bring his trademark warmth, humour and timeless voice to the Carol Service. With global hits including ‘Never Gonna Give You Up,’ ‘Together Forever’ and ‘Cry For Help,’ Rick’s career spans more than three decades, 40 million record sales, and countless sold-out tours.
After storming back to the top of the charts with 2016’s ‘50’ and earning acclaim for his recent albums ‘Beautiful Life’ and ‘Are We There Yet?’ (which reached No. 2 in the UK), Rick remains one of the UK’s most enduring performers. His headline appearance will bring festive joy and soulful energy to this year’s celebration.
One half of 80s phenomenon Bros, singer-songwriter Matt Goss remains one of Britain’s most magnetic entertainers. Crowned and still the youngest artist ever to headline Wembley Stadium, with hits including ‘When Will I Be Famous?’ and ‘I Owe You Nothing, over 16 million records sold and a record-breaking 11-year Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace; Matt’s BAFTA-winning documentary After the Screaming Stops cemented his reputation not only as a performer but as a cultural figure whose story transcends generations. He will be bringing his brand-new live show to audiences around the world in 2026. Matt’s powerful vocals and stage presence promise to make this year’s Carol Service an unforgettable celebration of music’s power to unite and inspire.
Katie Melua is one of the UK’s highest-selling female recording artists of all time. Originally from Tbilisi, Georgia, Katie moved to the UK at a young age where she studied at the acclaimed Brit School of Performing Arts. It is her extraordinary voice and ability to truly inhabit a song, that have been her trademark since first appearing on the music scene in 2003. An accomplished songwriter, composer, and arranger, Katie has released nine top 10 studio albums and is currently writing her tenth studio album. She has sold in excess of 11 million albums and received over 56 platinum awards.
Since 1997, the Nordoff and Robbins Carol Service has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund vital music therapy 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.
Each performance, reading and ticket sold helps Nordoff and Robbins reach more people through music therapy – from autistic children finding their voice, to adults with dementia reconnecting with loved ones.
Rick Astley said: “I’m thrilled to be performing once again for Nordoff and Robbins at their Carol Service. 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 will be a special night full of music, hope and community.”
Katie Melua said: “It’s a real honour to be invited to perform at the Nordoff and Robbins London Carol Service. I have supported this wonderful charity for many years now and continue to be inspired by the way its music therapists use music to help people connect, communicate and find joy in a turbulent world. I’m looking forward to 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’m so excited to be a part of it this year. It’s a perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones, sing as loud as you can 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’s going to be a great night.”
