B:Festive Christmas Programme at Town Hall and Symphony Hall

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Posted 2023-11-19 by Tony Collins ⇒ follow

Fri 01 Dec 2023 - Sun 31 Dec 2023

The magic of Christmas will be firmly in evidence at two Birmingham music venues throughout the whole of December. The B:Music charity which operates both the Town Hall and Symphony Hall in Birmingham city centre has unveiled its sack of Christmas goodies for people of all ages to enjoy. Whether it’s sparkling seasonal songs, festive family fun or the most magical of movies on your wish list this Christmas, it is all available on the city's two world-famous stages. So, where better to 'B:Festive' and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with your loved ones!

There is literally something for everyone, with traditional Christmas carols, laugh-out-loud comedy, dazzling dance, famous films, and live music galore, And, to cap the year off in style, Symphony Hall provides two New Year's Eve shows on December 31. For family fun look no further than a double helping of The Snowman. Firstly, on December 17, Toscana Strings: The Snowman and The Nutcracker sees both family favourites brought to life through music and dance in the form of string quartet Toscana Strings and former Birmingham Royal Ballet soloist Laura Tye. Then, on December 23, watch two of the best-loved animated films, The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, with accompaniment from a live orchestra. Other magical Christmas favourites receiving the live orchestra treatment include Disney’s much-loved musical comedy, The Muppet Christmas Carol and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The Snowman is everyone's seasonal favourite

Another family favourite sees Timothy Pope, his dad, and his trusty Telescope embark on a thrilling quest to find the elusive Shark. Inspired by the books of Nick Sharratt, enjoy a fresh, festive twist on the widely acclaimed touring production of Oh No! Shark In the Snow! from December 27 to 31.

Elsewhere on the festive line-up, Strictly Come Dancing’s celebrated couple, Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec, bring their show Dancing in a Winter Wonderland to Symphony Hall, combining world-class choreography, fabulous costumes, and amazing sets with the greatest hits of Christmas.

If you like comedy, B:Music is providing a bundle of laughs starting with rising TikTok/ Instagram star Kevin James Thornton on December 1, and continuing with LadBaby: Live, Laugh, Love – Live (Dec 17). And five comedians for the price of one sees headliner David O’Doherty (8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown) joined by Scottish comedy queen Fern Brady, viral sensation Josh Pugh, fast-rising newcomer Kyrah Gray and phenomenal Jen Brister as host of Live at Christmas (December 13).

Jools Holland brings his orchestra and special guests

Musical treats come in all shapes and sizes, from carols and classical concerts to pop and folk singers such as Roachford, Sophie Ellis-Bexter and Kate Rusby, while Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra perform on December 15 and 16 with the bonus of outstanding vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall. And closing out both the Christmas programme and the year itself sees two shows on the same day at Symphony Hall. Firstly, the London Concert Orchestra with conductor Anthony Inglis perform the annual New Year’s Eve Gala in the afternoon, before DJ Gary Davies sees in 2024 in style as he brings BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 80s: The Live Tour to Birmingham for a special celebration featuring guests Carole Decker (T’Pau), Deniece Pearson (Five Star) and Toyah Willcox.