What is Carols by candlelight?

Carols by Candlelight is an annual concert held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, United Kingdom, in support of the homeless charity Crisis. The concert features an array of famous British and international artists performing a variety of carols and popular Christmas songs, as well as readings and prayers. It is one of the most popular and long-running Christmas concerts in the world, with the first event taking place in 1973.

The concert is filmed and aired on BBC One on Christmas Eve, and has been broadcast to over 100 countries around the world. Additionally, the concert has been released on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray over the years. It is also available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.

Carols by Candlelight has featured a wide range of performers over the years, including some of the biggest names in music, such as Elton John, Cliff Richard, Kylie Minogue, and Leona Lewis. The concert has also featured readings from celebrities, including Emma Thompson, Judi Dench, and Stephen Fry.

Proceeds from the concert go towards Crisis, a charity that works to end homelessness in the UK. Since 1973, Carols by Candlelight has raised over £20 million for Crisis.