Music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins has announced that pop duo Hue and Cry, along with chart-topping artist Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, will perform at its first ever Scottish Carol Service, presented by OVO, taking place at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church in Glasgow on Thursday, 11th December, from 6.30pm.
The charity, which supports people through the power of music, hopes to raise vital funds to deliver more of its transformational music therapy sessions across Scotland. The money raised will help people living with life-limiting illness, disability or social isolation to connect and communicate through music.
The event promises an evening of traditional carols, festive readings and live performances. Tickets are on sale now via Nordoff and Robbins, priced at £25, which includes a souvenir brochure, mulled wine and a mince pie.
Nordoff and Robbins already runs a popular annual carol service in London, which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support people living with dementia, learning difficulties, mental health issues and other complex needs. The new Scottish event will build on that success, giving supporters here a chance to enjoy live music while helping others.
Hue and Cry, who recently received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Scottish Music Awards, will perform a special stripped-back set. Formed in 1984, the duo shot to fame with hits like Labour of Love and Looking for Linda, selling over two million records worldwide.
Airdrie’s Nathan Evans, who went viral with his sea shanty success, will take to the stage with The Saint PHNX Band, the brothers from Uddingston behind anthemic hits such as Heather on the Hill and Highland Girl. Together they’ve become one of Scotland’s most exciting live acts, with a sell-out show at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro earlier this year.
Hue and Cry said: “We’re so excited to be performing at the first ever Scottish Carol Service for Nordoff and Robbins. This amazing charity has always had a strong presence in Scotland and we’re in awe of the way its music therapists use music to connect with people facing challenges across society.”
Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band added: “The Nordoff and Robbins Scottish Carol Service is going to be a great way to kick off the festive season and we can’t wait to play for our family, friends and fans. It’s a special night raising money for such a meaningful cause.”
Sandy Trappitt, Director of Fundraising at Nordoff and Robbins, said: “We are thrilled to bring our much-loved Carol Service to Scotland for the first time. Our music therapy work here is incredibly important to us, and we’re so grateful to Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans, Saint PHNX and OVO for helping us create a night of festive celebration that will raise vital funds for our work.”
In 2024, Nordoff and Robbins supported almost 9,000 people across Scotland, delivering more than 1,750 music therapy sessions alongside 70 partner organisations, including schools, hospitals and care homes.
The charity has also launched a new range of sustainable, music-themed Christmas jumpers, tote bags and children’s tops, available now at www.nordoff-and-robbins.teemill.com.
Headline image: (Left to Right) Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band