A stellar line-up came together for Save the Children’s annual Christmas Tree Sessions gig on Thursday night at London’s iconic Union Chapel.
Music fans were treated to sets from former Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, indie rock bands Lanterns on the Lake and The Moons, jazz and soul musician Will Heard as well as the Modfather Paul Weller, who performed a select number of his classic tracks. Musician and Save the Children’s ambassador Myleene Klass took to the stage alongside Tim Burgess from The Charlatans, who appeared as a surprise guest on the night, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson closed the show with the iconic ballad The Power of Love.
Caitlin Moran arrives at Save the Children’s Christmas Tree Sessions
The evening was curated and hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Lauren Laverne, who interspersed music sets with Christmas readings from writer and journalist Caitlin Moran and comedians Chris Addison, Dom Joly and Peter Serafinowicz.
Myleene Klass and Tim Burgess arrive at the Union Chapel in north London
There was also music from the fabulous London Metropolitan Orchestra. Directed by Andy Brown the troupe has recorded countless film scores, as well as played with Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, U2 and the Pet Shop Boys.
Some of the acts – as well as many of the audience members – were wearing their favourite festive sweaters to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day which is on Friday 13th December.
Top radio host Lauren Laverne commented: “Gaz Coombes and Paul Weller were brilliant live and it’s not often you get the chance to see such big names like Holly Johnson singing classics like The Power of Love in such an intimate venue. Save the Children’s Christmas Tree Sessions was a great night, for a great cause and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did!”
Caitlin Moran arrives at Save the Children’s Christmas Tree Sessions
Catilin’s outfit was hilarious and lived up to our expectations of the author! Paul Weller was thrilled to be taking part in the event, “What a pleasure to be on stage tonight performing a few tracks with the orchestra for Save the Children9. What a great cause and let’s hope lots of money is raised”
Paul wasn’t the only one soaking up the atmosphere, Gaz Coombes also expressed his appreciation, “Thanks Save the Children for inviting me to be part of this night – electric atmosphere and a great crowd!”
Frankie Goes to Hollywood were part of the finale, Holly Johnson voiced her thoughts on the performance, “What an honour to close this show for such an important cause. Save the Children are doing amazing work and I’m proud to be able to play a part in helping them to save lives.”
All proceeds from the night went to Save the Children’s Syria Crisis Appeal, which is helping give millions of children food, clean water, medicine and clothing. This Christmas, more than 1million Syrian children will be living in refugee camps or temporary accommodation, miles from their home. Many have lost or been separated from members of their family. Your help can make all the difference.
