Trafalgar Square carol singing 2026 terms and conditions

Please be ready to begin at the time stated in your permission letter. Sessions cannot be extended beyond the allocated slot.

Your 1-hour booking includes both set-up and pack-down time, and all activities must be completed within your allocated period. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your start time.

The named and responsible person must report to the Heritage Wardens (07920 509 796) upon arrival and present a copy of the Hire Agreement.

All groups must sign in and attend a brief induction covering site activities, safety information, and emergency procedures.

You will be required to position your group in front of the Christmas tree facing north towards the National Gallery. The Heritage Wardens will be able to direct you.

Please note that public access through the Square should not be restricted by your group.

To maintain a traditional experience, no stage or public announcement (PA) system is provided or permitted.

Choirs are permitted to bring a small musical ensemble to accompany their singing.

Any electronic instruments, such as keyboards, must be battery-powered, as mains electricity is not available.

Sound levels must remain reasonable and comply with any instructions issued by Heritage Wardens or Greater London Authority (GLA) Authorised Officers.

Any charity collection must be declared on your application form and the charity must be registered.

Collections are only permitted on the main Square and/or central staircase.

The number of charity collectors must be proportionate to the size of the performing group, for example 30 performers, no more than 3 collectors would be permitted, with the rule of 1 collector for every 10 participating carol singers.

Charity collectors must not act in an over-assertive manner or cause harassment to members of the public on the Square.

All materials, including placards and leaflets, must be appropriate for the public. Any content deemed upsetting or offensive must be removed immediately as per instructions from Heritage Wardens or GLA officers.

All materials and waste must be removed from site at the end of the session. Failure to comply with instructions may result in the session being terminated early.

Parking and vehicle drop-off is not permitted on Trafalgar Square.

Performers are expected to make their own travel and parking arrangements, and any equipment or instruments must be carried into position onto the Square.

The GLA will publicise the programme on London.gov.uk featuring the name of the choir, time slot and charities supported, subject to change.

Additional promotion may also take place through other channels.

If you can no longer attend or expect to arrive late, please notify the GLA as soon as possible.

Notifying the GLA as soon as possible may enable unsuccessful applicants to be offered an opportunity to sing on the Square.

Failure to provide notice may affect future applications.

The GLA reserves the right to cancel or end a session early for any reason. Reasons could include threats to the security, safety and welfare of the carol singers or members of the public.

The GLA accepts no liability for any associated costs, losses, or missed charitable donations.

The group leader is responsible for the safety and welfare of their group while on the Square.

Attendees should dress appropriately for winter conditions.

Children must be supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult.

All safety instructions issued by Heritage Wardens must be followed.

The GLA aims to offer a performance slot to as many applicants as possible during the December programme.

Due to high demand, applicants are encouraged to provide first, second, and third-choice dates and times. Each choir will be allocated a maximum of one slot for the season to allow others to have the opportunity to sing in Trafalgar Square.

All participants must comply with the Trafalgar Square byelaws 2012.

A copy is provided with the agreement, displayed on the Square and is available online: Trafalgar Square Byelaws 2012 (PDF).

Please complete our carol singing application form to apply for a slot.

We will accept carol Singing applications from Thursday 27 August 2026 until all the slots have been filled or application deadline, whichever comes first. The application deadline this year is Friday 6 November 2026.

We will notify applicants of their confirmed date by Friday 13 November 2026.