Live updates from Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army 2024

Jess Woolridge shares updates from backstage at the Royal Albert Hall for The Salvation Army's annual carol concert.

• You can watch a recording of tonight's concert on Sunday 8 December from 6pm on The Salvation Army’s YouTube channel.

10pm

And with a rousing rendition of ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’, accompanied by the International Staff Band and organ, the concert has come to an end. What an evening it’s been!

Don’t forget that you can join us on YouTube on Sunday at 6pm, or tune in to BBC Radio 4 from 7am on Christmas morning for the highlights.

We'll also have a full report on the concert and official photos from the night available soon here on salvationist.org.uk and in the 14 December issue of Salvationist magazine. 

In the meantime, visit salvationist.org.uk/christmas for articles, podcasts, videos, Bible studies and resources to help you reflect on Jesus’ everlasting light this Advent season.

Good night!

9.30pm

Following a lively rendition of 'This Little Light of Mine' by Una Voce and the Salvation Army Big Band, Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main shared a message that encouraged us to share the everlasting light of Jesus with others.

We also heard from Major John Stark, chaplain at Tŷ Gobaith Lifehouse in Cardiff, who shared more about the work of Lifehouses as we also mark 150 years of The Salvation Army in Wales. 

Over the past few months, we've been sharing prayers and inspiring stories here on salvationist.org.uk to celebrate the anniversary. Be sure to check out what the Wales Division has been up to!

9pm

Backstage, we’re asking people about their favourite Christmas carols. For Staff Songster Cheryl, it’s ‘The Stable Door’, while David from the Salvation Army Big Band loves ‘Away in a Manger’ and Major Kerry Coke (THQ) picks 'Silent Night’!

How about you? You can vote for your favourite Christmas carols in Salvationist Radio’s Christmas Top 10. 

We can hear the audience in joyful song, and it’s sounding amazing! Don’t forget that you can join in from the comfort of your own home this Sunday at 6pm at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo.

7.45pm

Major Jo Moir (THQ) has been busy filming behind the scenes with our special guests for the broadcast this Sunday (8 December) at 6pm.

Meanwhile, rehearsals have finished and the auditorium is starting to fill up. There is a buzz of excitement as we get ready for the 8pm start!

4.30pm

Hello from London! 

Welcome to live updates from Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army. I’m Jess and I’m the digital officer for salvationist.org.uk.

I’m backstage at the Royal Albert Hall, where the cast and crew of Celebrating Christmas with The Salvation Army are making their final preparations for the territory’s annual carol concert. 

If you can’t be with us in London tonight, don’t worry, you’ll be able to watch the concert on The Salvation Army’s YouTube channel this Sunday (8 December) from 6pm. 

Keep an eye on this page for behind-the-scenes photos and updates from performers, or follow facebook.com/SalvationistUKI for even more backstage content.