Family Christmas concerts that don’t break the bank this festive season

The cost of Christmas can mount up for many families but at The People’s Orchestra(TPO), we want everyone to be able to enjoy the festive joy that music can bring.

Our musicians and singers across TPO including in The People’s Show Choirs(TPSC) and Rusty Players’ orchestras, are busy rehearsing Christmas songs ready for a season of performances, some of which are free.

Even the larger Something Magical Christmas Charity Concerts across London, Birmingham and Cardiff have ticket prices that start at £14 and range up to a top price of £25.50.

That can save pounds for music lovers or those wanting a night out to get in the spirit of the season when compared with professional orchestral Christmas shows and similar, where tickets can cost as much as £60 each.

As a national charity that aims to help people through the benefits that music can bring, we know only too well how performing or even coming together to listen to live carols and tunes can boost happiness, along with reducing stress and social isolation.

Expect some surprises too from our amateur performers as they love to perform modern pop hits and movie soundtracks from films including Wicked and Star Wars, alongside festive favourites. Something Magical concerts this year include music from timeless favourite A Muppet’s Christmas Carol and the track Feliz Navidad.

The popularity of TPO shows, despite being made up of amateurs, has led to an additional concert being added in Birmingham this year.

Here are ways that people of all ages can get to hear our members in the run up to Christmas.

Free 2025 festive concerts to enjoy

Rusty’s Carmarthen will perform at the Carmarthen Christmas Light Switch On and Reindeer Day in Wales at the town’s Guildhall Square from 11am on November 22.

The People’s Show Choir for Malvern will perform at Community Action Christmas Fayre at Leigh and Bransford Memorial Hall in Malvern, Worcestershire, from 10am on November 29.

Something Magical Christmas Charity Concerts 2025

Members of The People’s Orchestra and The People’s Show Choir perform a two-hour concert at the following:

• Annual festive concert at Birmingham Town Hall in Birmingham city centre from 4pm on Saturday December 6th. Tickets cost from £19 to £25.50. Book tickets here at B:Music.

• Special Christmas concert added to the festive season at Elgar Concert Hall in Bramall Music Building at the University of Birmingham campus in Edgbaston, Birmingham, from 4pm on Saturday December 13. Tickets cost from £16.96 to £21.50. See more and book tickets at Eventbrite here.

• Festive concert in London with The People’s Orchestra and The People’s Show Choir singers from Brackley, Wimbledon, Woodford Green and York performing at Duke’s Hall at The Royal Academy of Music from 4pm on Sunday December 14. Tickets cost from £16.96 to £21. Information and tickets are on Eventbrite here.

• Christmas concert in Wales featuring The Rusty Players Orchestras for Barry Island and Carmarthen, The People’s Show Choir singers from Cardiff and Newport and The People’s Orchestra. It takes place at Dora Stoutzker Hall in Cardiff from 4pm on Saturday December 20. Tickets cost from £15 to £21. See more and get tickets at the booking website here.

Reaction to TPO’s previous Christmas concerts and performances have been overwhelmingly positive with audiences raving about it helping them get in the festive spirits and brighten their mood. “A real treat” and “amazing” were among the feedback of those leaving the show.

Christmas presents with a difference

The TPO family also provides inspiration for Christmas presents with a difference.

If there’s someone in your life who loves to sing, has got rusty at playing an instrument or enjoys music, how about the gift of membership to take part in A People’s Show Choir near them or TPO or Rusty Players orchestras?

There’s a two week trial but the gift allowing your loved one to play or sing more could be life-changing for them. Find out more about each of the ensembles here.

Another gift option is the TPO Community Lottery, where the price of a ticket will also go towards our community work. That could be helping struggling families or supporting an older person who has been forgotten to mentoring a young person and developing their skills to help them get back into work.

A ticket cost £10 and there are exciting monthly prizes to be won. Find out more here