For the fifth year we have travelled into our capital to one of my favourite buildings, that of the Grade II listed building of The Albert Hall found in south London. Here we all wear our Christmas hats and partake in what is essentially a giant karaoke of Christmas favourites. We are also royally entertained by a professional choir, conductor, orchestra and professional singer. It's a concert and a sing along and it begins the Christmas spirit in a jolly way. Tickets are always booked in the summer to ensure good seats, despite the fact it holds 5272 seats sell fast. Each year I ask the children if we should miss it this year and I am greeted by a resounding 'We want to go, it's Christmas!!'
Albert Hall built in 1871 |
Albert Hall was originally going to be called Central Hall and was the vision of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. He wanted it to be the core for sharing science, art and culture but he died from typhoid in 1861. His collaborator, Henry Cole, began the idea again in his name and is one of London's most iconic amphi theatres. To find out more click here
The Albert Hall seat 5272 |
Such a great show and sing a long |
It's a Christmas show stopper |
The interval is a good time to have a tipple |
People decorate the boxes with lights and Christmas paraphernalia |
The acoustic mushrooms play a vital role as well as being aesthetically quite pleasing |
The mushrooms were added to the ceiling to remove the echo that occurred during performances. Originally there were more but it was later discovered not so many were needed. To find out more about the mushrooms click here
My favourite moments of the night are, singing the Twelve days of Christmas with added actions, watching the entire audience participate is quite something and of course watching the children in the audience stand up and sing Away in a Manage to a professional orchestra, pure magical moments. I am so glad my children wan to continue this tradition.
After the interval, all children are asked to stand and sing Away in a Manger. Several tears are shed at this point. |
♥ It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas ♥
What a wonderful tradition for your family. Albert Hall is BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteIt's a new tradition this was our fifth year and now seems a firm fixture Dee
DeleteI've only ever been to Albert Hall once and never during a holiday like this. What a treat to be part of this experience!
ReplyDeleteIt's an amazing experience full of joy. You can't fail to be uplifted Maureen
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