Christmas Carol Singalong Poem by Angela Wybrow

(Every Christmas, I go to the Christmas Carol Singalong at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Jonathan Cohen, and I wanted to capture the atmosphere of the event.)

I love going to the Royal Albert Hall for the Christmas Carol Sing-along.
It attracts a really large audience – some five thousand people strong.
Before the concert begins, there’s excited anticipation in the air,
And, there are plenty of cheerful, smiling faces, everywhere.

On stage, there’s a large orchestra and a smartly clad choir,
And there’s the promise of singing to your heart’s desire.
There’s well known Christmas songs old and new,
And all your favourite Christmas carols mixed in to.

Sometimes, just the orchestra get to do their thing,
And sometimes, just the choir stand up and sing.
There’s also a guest singer who sings a few songs,
But, with the majority of songs, we get to sing along.

On the pacier numbers, the choir move to the beat,
Clapping their hands together and shuffling their feet.
There’s usually a piano solo which requires nifty fingers.
I watch in total awe and my amazement always lingers.

They certainly look like they’re having great fun.
The festive cheer you experience there is second to none.
Everyone dons festive Santa hats during the second half,
And everyone looks like they’re having such a great laugh.

At some point, a Mexican wave usually begins,
And losing their inhibitions, everybody joins in.
There are often some shout-outs to people in the crowd,
And they respond with a wave and cheer very loud.

There’s a party spirit all round the Hall,
And everybody really is having a ball.
The whole concert is joyous and very fast paced
And is guaranteed to light up even the glummest face.

On stage, there are two huge Christmas trees, brightly lit.
Everything about this concert proves to be a massive hit.
Full of cheer, everyone claps and sings along in their seats.
Going to the concert makes my Christmas totally complete.

When the choir sings ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’, you know,
That the concert is drawing to a close and it will soon be time to go.
You leave the Hall feeling full of joy and Christmas cheer,
Ready to repeat this wonderful experience again next year.