When the Guildhall Sings: Christmas with Kingfisher Chorale

Last night, Christmas arrived in Leicester in the way it often does best - through music.

The first of Kingfisher Chorale’s three Christmas concerts took place in Leicester's mediaeval Guildhall. Outside, the city moved at its usual 21st century pace; inside we were creating a different world. No frantic Christmas shopping here!

A couple of hours before the doors opened, the fire was roaring in the grate, the wine was mulling, and we were carefully rehearsing another superb programme of delightful Christmas music, old and new.

Leicester Guildhall is one of the oldest surviving civic buildings in the country. For more than six centuries, people have crossed its threshold, gathering for ceremony, debate, celebration and music.

To sing here is to step briefly into a long continuum of lives that have filled this space. It's an amazing heritage to be part of.

Here you see Harvey (on the right) rehearsing the gorgeous baritone solo in The Three Kings by Peter Cornelius, the piece that gives the concert its name.

For Kingfisher Chorale, the connection runs deep. These Christmas concerts have been part of the Guildhall’s festive life for around thirty years.

Over that time, the singers and programmes have changed, but the essence has remained the same: voices coming together in this remarkable building to mark the season with wonderful choral music.

Before the audience arrived there was of course the rehearsal - so much care and attention goes into the performance. It's very hard work, but so worth the effort.

Here Sally is preparing her solo in John Rutter’s I Wonder as I Wander.

As the 8pm drew closer, the atmosphere shifted. The fire was tended, the doors opened, and the eager audience rushed to take their seats. Some of them coming to hear us for the time, others have been coming to our Christmas concerts for decades!

Then came that familiar pause - standing together, ready to process onto the stage - that moment of anticipation and adrenalin.

Then the concert began. Music old and new. Heart-warming readings - some beautiful, others hilarious.

The audience reaction at the end of the concert said everything. It was a strong, joyful opening night.

There are two further performances at Leicester Guildhall, on 19 December and 23 December at 8pm.

If you would like to experience this thirty-year tradition, and an evening of Christmas music in one of Leicester’s most historic spaces, there are still a few tickets available. Book here.

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas, and a happy 2026,

from everyone at

Kingfisher Chorale