A family-friendly Christmas concert with a 50-piece orchestra, festive favourites, storytelling, sing-along and a few surprises.

Recommended for ages 6+

Following our sell-out Christmas concert in 2025, the London Incidental Orchestra (LIO) is delighted to present Christmas Crackers! – a relaxed, family-friendly festive concert filled with live orchestral music, storytelling and Christmas cheer.

Join us on Sunday 13th December 2026 at the beautiful and historic St Gabriel’s Church, Pimlico, for an afternoon of Christmas favourites, audience participation and orchestral magic. As our 2025 concert sold out, early booking is recommended.

Part concert, part Christmas celebration and part behind-the-scenes journey into the music, Christmas Crackers! brings orchestral music to life in a way that welcomes everyone.

Expect a festive selection box of music, from much-loved Christmas carols to sparkling Viennese waltzes and classical gems, with a few surprises along the way.

Wear your favourite Christmas jumper, enjoy a glass of mulled wine from the bar and join in with our Christmas carol sing-along - all while experiencing the magic of a live 50-piece orchestra.

During the interval, you’ll have the chance to meet our musicians, who’ll be on hand to chat about the music and introduce curious young concertgoers to the different instruments they play.

At an LIO concert, our conductor, Alex Conway, won’t just lead the music – he’ll bring it to life. Guiding you through the programme, he’ll reveal the stories, traditions and hidden meanings behind the pieces, demonstrate key moments and show you what to listen out for before the orchestra performs them in full.

We’ll also be running our ever-popular Audience Conductor Raffle. Buy a ticket on the night (in support of Mind UK) for the chance to take centre stage and conduct the orchestra yourself.

A donation from the evening will be made to Mind UK, working to make sure nobody has to face a mental health problem alone.

Who are the LIO?

The London Incidental Orchestra brings together musicians from across London and beyond, united by a love of making orchestral music accessible, engaging and fun.

Our players come from a wide range of backgrounds, including teachers, experienced amateur musicians, professional performers and graduates of leading music institutions, with members connected to organisations including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and Guildhall School of Music & Drama, as well as West End productions.

Classical music belongs to everyone.

Programme: To be announced.

What audiences have said

“A brilliant festive afternoon. Relaxed, engaging and full of Christmas spirit – we’ll definitely be back next year!” – Audience member, Carols & Classics

"The LIO gave the evening the energy of a comedy-set mixed with a live gig and a dash of a history lesson thrown in" – Audience member, Ultimate Beethoven Symphony

Conductor: Alexander Conway

Venue: St Gabriel’s Church, Warwick Square, Pimlico, London, SW1V 2AD

Date: Sunday 13th December 2026

Time: 2.30-4pm (doors open 2pm, including a 15-minute interval)

Tickets: Adults £14 | Under 16s £5 (booking fee applies)

Description supplied by the event organiser.