Candlelit Carols with Kantos

This festive season, step in from the frosty air and join Kantos for a cosy evening of music by candlelight. 

Alongside traditional favourites, Kantos performs stunning contemporary carols, including the winner of our Carol Competition 2026, judged by Cecilia McDowall. We’ll raise the roof together with our congregational carols (descants encouraged!), accompanied by the outstanding organist, George Herbert. With the soft glow of candles, festive refreshments, and the breathtaking sound of Kantos, this promises to be the perfect way to kickstart your Christmas celebrations.

where & when

CHESTER | Thursday 3 December 19.30
St John the Baptist Church, Vicar's Lane, Chester CH1 1QX

MANCHESTER | Saturday 5 December 19.30
St Ann’s Church, St Ann Street, Manchester M2 7LF

The performance will last around 2 hours including an interval.

The Music

Trad. arr. Robert Lucas Pearsall In dulci jubilo 
John Tavener The Lamb 
John Rutter Christmas Lullaby      
Matthew Coleridge Adam Lay Ybounden 
Dan Forrest See Amid the Winter’s Snow
Kantos Carol Competition Winner 2026 
Irving Berlin arr. Jonathan Rathbone White Christmas 
Morten Lauridsen O Magnum Mysterium 
Michael Head The Little Road to Bethlehem 
Trad. arr. Ellie Slorach Carol of the Bells 
Trad. arr. Suzzie Vango Gaudete
Anna Disley-Simpson Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Jamie W. Hall Balulalow 
Yshani Perinpanayagam In Bethlehem Above
Meredith Willson arr. Alexander L’Estrange It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas 

Plus congregational favourites:

Once in Royal David’s City
O Little Town of Bethlehem 
Silent Night 
O Come, All Ye Faithful    
Hark! The Herald-Angels Sing   

the artists

Conductor Ellie Slorach
Organ George Herbert