With Christmas approaching, Birmingham Bach Choir head to the historic St. Alban’s Church, Birmingham, on Sunday 14 December 2025, for their annual free Nine Lessons and Carols.
The traditional afternoon service combines readings with carols – among them such firm seasonal favourites as Hark The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Y e faithful, Once In Royal David’s City and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Other suitably festive songs on the programme include John Rutter’s arrangement of the evocative 14th century German verse Quem Pastores Laudavere (Shepherds Left Their Flocks A-Straying); Herbert Howells’ vibrant ‘Song Of Mary’, Magnificat (Collegium Regale); and the lively contemporary carol, This Child of God, composed by the choir’s own Musical Director, Paul Spicer.
With visitors encouraged to join in for the well-known carols, it’s an afternoon event that evokes the true spirit of Christmas, as well as offering attendees a chance to hear one of the region’s most lauded choirs.
Situated in Highgate, close to Birmingham city centre, the Grade II* listed St. Alban’s is one of the city’s most impressive churches. Dating from the late 19th century, and in the Gothic Revival style, it’s notable for its stunning ornamental screens by Kate and Myra Bunce – artist siblings strongly associated with the Arts and Crafts and Pre-Raphaelite movements – as well as stained glass windows by Morris and Co and John Hardman and Co.
Philip Bellshaw, Chair of Birmingham Bach Choir, said: “Our traditional festive service is one of the highlights of our performance calendar, bringing together communities for a reflective and uplifting afternoon that gets to the heart of Christmas.
“Just a short distance from not only the bustling city centre, but also Digbeth and Balsall Heath, the event offers a relaxing escape from the festive bustle.”
◼ Birmingham Bach Choir: Nine Lessons And Carols, with organist Paul Carr, takes place on Sunday 14 December 2025 at St. Alban’s Church, Conybere Street, Highgate, Birmingham B12 0YH from 3.30pm. Admission is free (with a collection). No prior booking, required. For more information, see: www.birmingham.bachchoir.com
LISTINGS
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Sunday 14 December 2025
Birmingham Bach Choir: Nine Lessons and Carols
Join Birmingham Bach Choir for a traditional festive service, featuring a selection of much-loved carols.
St. Alban’s Church, Conybere Street, Highgate, Birmingham B12 0YH
3.30pm
Admission FREE (donations welcomed)
Details: birmingham.bachchoir.com
No booking required.
For all enquiries, please email: tickets@birmingham.bachchoir.com
Paul Spicer: conductor
Birmingham Bach Choir
Paul Carr: organist
ABOUT BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR
As one of the UK’s leading large chamber choirs, Birmingham Bach Choir has been contributing to the musical life of the West Midlands since 1919, making it one of the longest established musical groups in the area. Although the main focus is the Baroque period (especially JS Bach), the choir performs music spanning 600 years, including 20th and 21st century works, and has premiered many new choral works.
2019 was the choir’s centenary, a year which saw them make a series of special appearances, including a Gala Concert at Lichfield Cathedral and a performance for Royalty. Meanwhile, the 2022-2023 Season marked Conductor Paul Spicer’s 30th anniversary with the choir and included the first West Midlands performance of Rachmaninoff’s Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in Liturgical Slavonic in living memory.
Social Media:
facebook.com/Birmingham-Bach-Choir-307760255351/
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FORTHCOMING CONCERTS & ACTIVITIES
Saturday 31 January 2026
Come & Sing! Mendelssohn’s Hymn Of Praise
Selly Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham
Annual workshop, open to all choral singers
2pm-6pm
Saturday 14 March 2026
Sacred Music
Featuring pieces by Byrd, Gesauldo, Gibbons, Lotti, Phinot, Tallis & Victoria
St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham
ABOUT ST. ALBAN’S CHURCH
A Victorian Gothic masterpiece designed by architect John Loughborough Pearson, the Grade II* listed Parish Church of St. Alban the Martyr was opened in 1881.
For more details see: www.saintalban.co.uk