An exceptional new choir, made up of people experiencing homelessness and those working and volunteering on the frontlines supporting people in Wales, will be giving their first ever concert this year in Swansea – all in support of the charity Crisis.

All are welcome to this special evening of music, singing and readings.

When: 04 December 2025

Where: St James Church, 71 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 4QF

Time: 6pm - 8pm

Tickets: Free, with a suggested donation of £5. All donations appreciated 

To book tickets: Christmas Carol Service in South Wales 2025 | Crisis UK

After rehearsing hard for the last three months, the Crisis Choir for South Wales will perform “Lights Will Lead Me Home” by Lin Marsh and a special version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, which begins: “On the first day of Christmas Crisis gave to me, a mince pie and a cup of tea.”

The carol singing will be accompanied by music from members and associates of Swansea Philharmonia Orchestra. Those attending the concert will also be treated to performances by the community choir Cor Con Brio as well as readings from people with lived experience of homelessness, such as Archie.

Archie, who previously sought support from Crisis’ South Wales Skylight, and is now happily settled into a new home, will say:

“Those in this church, as I know, are aware of the knife-edge of the cold Welsh wind that cuts you to your spirit, trying to find solace on a night on the streets, the bleakness of temporary accommodation, and the lack of hope for a renewed tomorrow.

“To seek refuge is a fundamental part of the Christmas story, where Mary and Joseph, in peril, were offered shelter. This story of hardship, of being displaced and saved by friendly faces and strangers, still rings true across centuries because home is more than shelter, it is a place of safety, and as is said in Wales, a cwtch.

“I want to pay tribute to the supporting spirit of Wales and the community strength that is Swansea; to the staff and volunteers in Crisis Skylight, whose work is often felt but rarely seen, whose compassion saves lives – mine among them.

“May we continue this work of togetherness, to celebrate the power of kindness and a warm smile. Home is hope – may we continue to open doors.” 

Christmas can be an especially difficult time for people who are experiencing homelessness, as temperatures plummet and people can feel particularly lonely. In addition to its year-round services to support people to build a life beyond homelessness, the Crisis South Wales Skylight will also be providing festive hampers and fun Christmas events to support its members throughout the season.

All the money raised from the concert will support our vital work. Donating to Crisis can give someone the first day of a life out of homelessness.

Ashella Lewis, Director of the Crisis South Wales Skylight, said: “Our annual Christmas Carol concert is a great event to celebrate our wonderful supporters and volunteers who help people to build a life beyond homelessness, as well as to get into the festive spirit.

“This year’s concert will be such a treat. We’re so lucky to be joined by the very talented members and associates of Swansea Philharmonia Orchestra and Cor Con Brio choir and we can’t wait to hear from our new choir of Skylight staff, volunteers and people with lived experience of homelessness. After weeks of rehearsing, this will be their very first performance and it promises to be a good one!

“We’re also deeply privileged that former Crisis members are able to join us to share reflections on their journey with homelessness at this very pertinent time.

“The public is welcome to come along to this festive event – with all proceeds raised supporting our work to end homelessness here at Crisis.”

There will also be mince pies, a raffle and artisan gifts for sale, made by former Crisis member, Declan. Declan learned pyrography (decorating wood using burn marks) at the Crisis South Wales Skylight and is now running his own business, Unleashed Creations, with the help of a Crisis Changing Lives grant.

Tickets for the Christmas concert can be booked in advance here: Christmas Carol Service in South Wales 2025 | Crisis UK  Free, with a suggested donation of £5 on the night.

Crisis would like to extend a big thank you to St James Church for their invaluable help and support, and for making this very special venue available at no cost.