Christmas carol singing must be saved, say former Archbishop of Canterbury and music stars

Carol singing must be saved for Christmas, a former Archbishop of Canterbury and a host of  music stars have warned, amid pleas for the Government to rescue "a fundamental part of UK culture".

A new think tank called Out to Perform – backed by high-profile religious and musical figures – delivered a letter to Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, on Tuesday, urging the Government to permit socially-distanced outdoor carol singing in all tiers in all tiers of the new system when lockdown ends next week.

The letter was endorsed by well-known names including BAFTA and Olivier winning actress Imelda Staunton, presenter and former chorister Aled Jones, cellist Julian Lloyd Webber and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

Former culture minister Lord Vaizey, ex-Lord Mayor of London Sir Andrew Parmley and consultant ENT surgeon and Covid researcher Declan Costello have also added their names to the petition.

The Rt Rev Williams said: "People love carol singing for at least two reasons – they love the experience of singing familiar songs together, and they especially love songs that tell a story of hope, welcome and transformation.

"We all need to hear about these things and to make the vision our own, so let's make every opportunity for singing it out this year."

The think tank-commissioned research found that almost seven million UK adults take part in carol singing every year, and a further 31 million say carolling is a key element of Christmas. In addition, it found that charities raise an estimated £10 million each year.

In the House of Commons on Monday, Sir Edward Leigh, Conservative MP for Gainsborough, asked Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary: "Can you provide reassurance about Christmas carols? We don't want it to be just a holy night and we don't want it to be a silent night either."

Mr Hancock said he hoped that the reintroduction of restrictions that had previously been needed to keep people safe was not in place.

Mr Jones added: "Carol singing is so important for the emotional well-being of so many people at Christmas time.

"As we face a very unusual Christmas, with limited opportunities to celebrate, I very much hope that the Government is able to find a way to support people in making carol singing legal and safe, helping people find comfort in these extraordinary and difficult times."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, meanwhile urged people to return to church on Christmas Day, as social distancing rules are relaxed over the festive period.

Mr Welby said that people should not be put off physically attending worship on December 25, describing churches as "one of the safest places going at the moment".