Alexandra Burke, winner of the fifth season of X Factor and one of its most successful artists ever, selling over one million copies of her debut single, has been added to the star-studded bill for SKY ONE and SKY ARTS’ Christmas concert at the iconic Royal Albert Hall on Thursday, December 7, 2017.
Tickets are available through the Royal Albert Hall Box Office, 020 7589 8212 or can be booked online from www.royalalberthall.com/tickets.
Some of the biggest names in pop are lined up to perform their favourite Christmas hits, old and new, at this festive celebration. Each performance will be caught on camera for a magical Christmas special to be broadcast on SKY ONE and SKY ARTS over the Christmas period.
Hosted by comedian, musical star and singer Jason Manford, the show will see an array of artists performing contemporary Christmas classics including Alexander Armstrong, Fleur East, HollyJohnson, Jona Lewie, Marc Almond, Melanie C, Nadine Coyle, Ricky Wilson, Shakin’ Stevens, Tom Chaplin and The Vamps plus more acts to be announced.
Adds Jason Manford: “I simply could not believe it when I was asked to host this extravaganza. I adore Christmas and I love Christmas music so to be on a bill which is essentially “Now That’sWhat I Call Christmas” Live is a dream come true! Shakey, Jona Lewie and Holly Johnson are as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus himself and the rest of the bill is unbelievable. It’s an honour to not only be hosting but to be singing a few Christmas hits myself with our fabulous orchestra.”
The musical director for the event is acclaimed singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt, who will lead his band, The Merry Pranksters. Harcourt is also putting together a choir and an orchestra especially for the event, which will be accompanied by the award-winning string quartet Dirty Pretty Strings. The emphasis will be on Christmas classics that everyone knows, loves and can sing along to. In addition there will be surprises in the form of unusual covers and collaborations.
London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall provides its own magic to the evening. The great London concert venue will be transformed into a rock ‘n’ roll winter wonderland, complete with snowflakes, Christmas trees and sparkles aplenty. Reflecting the old-meets-new theme of the concert, the set and décor will mix the traditions of Christmases past with the flamboyance and fun of today’s festive season. It’s sure to be a truly memorable and not so Silent Night!