Carols In The City is a joyful celebration of the message and hope of Christmas which takes some of our best known timeless carols and brings them right up to date with soulful contemporary arrangements.

Carols In The City released in 2010, was produced by Nigel Hemming who developed the arrangements and assembled a team of talented local musicians and worship leaders from various church traditions.

Nigel writes:

Carols in the City is a fantastic Christmas celebration in Birmingham which we have been part of for the last seven years. A crowd of local churches take over the city centre on a Saturday in December and share God’s love with Christmas shoppers in loads of practical ways. We do free present wrapping and face painting, a tree of hope, sweet and balloon giveaways, refreshments and entertainment. Then, as it gets dark, several thousand people gather for an open air celebration led by a funky band and gospel choir. We’re thrilled that the city council partners with us and has helped with funding as the event has grown.

Over the years, we’ve developed a music style that is lively and easy to sing along with so that anyone can join in whatever their background. Our aim is that this recording captures some of the vibe of the event and allows anyone listening at home to celebrate the joy and hope of Christmas. We’ve also produced a resource site where anyone can download backing tracks and lead sheets in order to recreate these arrangements at their own Christmas events or services.

We’re excited to share the atmosphere of Carols in the City through this project.