Seasonal opening hours will apply on:
Tuesday 24 December 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 25 December CLOSED
Tuesday 31 December 10am - 3pm
On all other dates our normal opening hours (10am - 4pm) will apply.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, joy and festive cheer. Alongside en masse performances from our very own Arboretum Audience Choir (that’s you!), the evening’s programme will feature uplifting seasonal renditions from special guests including Arboretum Associate Partner Black Voices, Aliyah Wiggins, Lichfield Gospel Choir and the Reggae Choir. We’ll also be welcoming our wonderful Talent in the Ranks performers and our poet-in-residence Dan Simpson to the stage.
So, get ready to warm up your vocal cords... because whether you’re a seasoned singer, or just like to hum along, your voice will help make this a night to remember!
Our Christmas Carol Concert will take place outdoors under our twinkling trees in Heroes’ Square. Your ticket price includes a songbook.
Please ensure you check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Our doors will open from 5pm.
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Formed in 1987 by its Musical Director Carol Pemberton MBE, Black Voices have gained a reputation as Europe’s finest female a cappella quintet. They have performed in every continent and before royalty, sharing the stage with musical greats including many of their idols, Nina Simone, Ray Charles, Hugh Masekela, Wynton Marsalis and Miriam Makeba to name just a few.
Since 2023, Black Voices have worked alongside the National Memorial Arboretum as one of our Associate Partners. In this role they have worked with our team to develop inspiring programmes and events that use music and performance to tell important stories.
Aliyah is a singer songwriter from Birmingham who began her musical journey at just 10 years old. She has worked with several companies including Welsh National Opera as a vocal intern and Quench Arts. Over the years, she has developed her practice in music leading and has worked with groups of all ages including the Arboretum’s Talent in the Ranks performers in 2024.
Dan Simpson
Arboretum Poet-in-Residence Dan Simpson produces enaging and contemporay work that helps to tell the story of the Arboretum in a throughtful and responsive way. A former Canterbury Laureate, his previous residencies include Glastonbury Festival, Waterloo Station, National Trust Stowe, Imperial College London, and St Albans Cathedral.
Lichfield Gospel Choir is a captivating, joyful choir with over 100 members. Whilst their repertoire embraces African, gospel and soulful music they revel in taking on new challenges and sing everything from Nigerian lullabies to Primal Scream.
The Choir is led by their musical director Themba Mvula. Themba was shortlisted for the Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration Award for his work with the choir during the pandemic. He also conducted the specially formed choir for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
Combining a love of singing with a celebration of reggae music, the Reggae Choir made its debut in October 2019, when it formed as part of a tribute to mark 50 years of The Trojan Record Story. They have since performed alongside Gary Crosby’s Jazz Jamacia All Stars, Brinsley Forde and Noel McKoy and formed part of the mass choir performing at the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle in 2023.
Talent in the Ranks
Laura Kelly, Mike Lauchlan and Bethany Neame, three of our incredible Talent in the Ranks participants will be taking to the stage at our Christmas Carol Concert. Talent in the Ranks, a programme developed and produced by the Arboretum in collaboration with the Royal British Legion’s Armed Forces Engagement Team, engages serving personnel, veterans, and military families. The programme uses poetry, songwriting, and music, to explore themes close to the hearts of the participants, who have recently performed during the Arboretum's Armistice and Remembrance Sunday Services.
Our House Band will be led by the evening's musical director Noval Smith, a talented musical arranger and producer.
Yes, there is a charge of £4 per vehicle when booked in advance, or £6 on arrival. This cost supports the ongoing maintenance of the Arboretum, which is a registered charity.
Parking will be available in both Car Park A and Car Park B, which is just a three-minute walk along Croxall Road. Disabled bays are available in Car Park A, as well as a drop off/pick up point.
Parking tickets can be purchased on arrival to the Arboretum, but please be aware these will be charged at £6 rather than £4 advanced rate.
You will not be required to book separate parking tickets, unless you intend to leave the Arboretum and return later in the day for the event.
Yes, each car will require a parking ticket. Parking tickets can be purchased alongside your Christmas Carols tickets, or on the evening of your visit.
We ask that you still book your parking in advance online, using your NMA Friends code. Please ensure that you have your membership card ready to present to our parking attendants on the evening of the event.
There will be no ‘on the door’ ticket sales, however any remaining tickets will be available to purchase on our website until the evening of the event.
Once you have booked your tickets online you will be emailed an order confirmation.
You do not need to print this confirmation, but please ensure you are able to show an electronic copy upon arrival.
All visitors (including children under five years) must have their own valid ticket, which must be shown to staff to gain entry to the event. Children, under 16, must be accompanied by a responsible adult, aged 18+.
The Christmas Carols will begin at 6pm. We recommend arrival from 5pm. The event will be approximately 1h30m long.
The National Memorial Arboretum is located in Alrewas, Staffordshire, and is well signposted from the surrounding areas.
Please use the postcode DE13 7AR for satellite navigation systems. Detailed information about getting to the Arboretum can be found here.Christmas Carols is an outdoor event. Please ensure you have sufficient warm and waterproof clothing.
The event is taking place in Heroes’ Square, with level access from the car park through the Remembrance Centre, where toilet facilities including accessible cubicles and baby changing facilities are available, to the event area.
A limited number of wheelchairs and mobility scooters available to hire. To ensure availability, they should be booked in advance either online here or by calling 01283 245 100. We respectfully ask that a donation is made for the use of a manual wheelchair; a charge of £10 applies for the hire of an electric scooter. Payment will be taken at the time of booking.
Visitors with specific questions relating to accessibility can contact us on 01283 245 100 or email info@thenma.org.uk.
Accessible seating will be available.
Visitors with specific questions relating to accessibility can contact us on 01283 245 100 or email info@thenma.org.uk.
Due to the nature of our site and for the comfort of all our visitors, only working assistance dogs are permitted at Christmas Carols.
Male, female and disabled toilets as well as baby changing facilities are available in the Remembrance Centre. A member of our team will be able to advise you on the nearest restrooms available.
Our Restaurant will be open throughout the evening, serving a range of snacks, minced pies, festive hot chocolate and mulled wine. The Restaurant will close at 7pm.
The Coffee Shop will be closed during the Carols event.
The taking of images and film footage (all methods) for personal use is permitted at Christmas Carols event.
The National Memorial Arboretum reserves the right to photograph and film Illuminated Arboretum for use in, but not restricted to, printed marketing and promotional materials, digital communication channels including websites and social media, presentations and exhibitions. By entering the event, you give permission for your likeness to be recorded through video and still photography. Visitors are advised that media outlets may be on site during the event.
Christmas Carols takes place in Heroes’ Square. Visitors won't be able to visit the wider Arboretum as part of the event.
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