In the week commencing 6 December, the Inspire team ran a series of recitals, both in person and online, to spread some festive cheer to vulnerable members of the community in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. With two recitals planned for each day, a wide repertoire was on offer, from opera to musical theatre and Christmas carols. Artists included Siân Dickers, our wonderful Young Artist Countess Almaviva in the 2021 production of The Marriage of Figaro, who proved that you can still sing ‘Deck the halls with boughs of holly’ like a dream while wearing a facemask.

The Inspire Christmas Extravaganza culminated with a celebration of our continuing connection with Age UK RBKC at the charity’s Christmas dinner at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington. With nearly 100 participants present, our singers and pianist entertained the audience, finishing with a singalong of some well known festive songs. Feedback from staff and participants was wonderful, including one participant who told us that: ‘It’s been so hard to feel Christmassy this year, but coming here to the Age UK family and hearing your lovely singing has made me feel happy’.