Trafalgar Square carol singing 2025 terms and conditions

Please ensure that your group is ready to start at the scheduled time shown in your permissions letter. You will not be allowed to extend your allotted time. ,

Please note your 1-hour session includes time for set up and derig. Your session must finish at the end of your allotted time. It is recommended that you arrive no less than 15 minutes prior to your allocated start time.

The named and responsible person on Trafalgar Square for the duration of your slot must ensure that they liaise with the Heritage Wardens (07920 509 796) on site upon arrival.

Please ensure you have a copy of your agreement with you as you may need to show this to the one of the Heritage Wardens on duty.

You will be required to sign in when you arrive and the Heritage Warden will run through a checklist of instructions with you. This will include relevant information about other activities on or near Trafalgar Square, safety information and what to do in the event of an emergency.

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 to the correct position.

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

To make the carol singing programme a more traditional experience, no PA system or stage will be provided by the Greater London Authority (GLA).

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

Groups may bring a keyboard, battery-powered amplifier or small acoustic ensemble to act as an accompaniment to the singers.

To achieve the best effect in the space it is recommended that choirs consist of a minimum of 30 singers.

Instruments, such as a keyboard, will need to be battery powered as there is no access to the mains power on the square. This must be limited to ensure that sound levels are kept to acceptable levels as a courtesy to the neighbours of Trafalgar Square.

The noise level will be monitored at all times, and you must follow any instructions or directions given by the Heritage Wardens or GLA Authorised Officers.

You may collect donations on behalf of a registered charity for the duration of your hour’s slot. Please note that the GLA has no means to guard or protect charity collection buckets and groups must make appropriate arrangements for collection and storage.

Any charity collection must be stated on your application form and agreed in advance.

Please note that collections may only take place on the main body or central staircase of Trafalgar Square, and that charities must be registered.

The number of charity collectors must be proportionate to the size of the performing group, for example 30 performers, no more than three collectors would be permitted, with the rule of one 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.

You must ensure that any leaflet, picture, or placard content is suitable for all users of the Square. Any content deemed upsetting or offensive must be removed immediately as per instructions from Heritage Wardens or GLA officers.

Placards, leaflets etc, must be removed from site at the end of your carol singing slot.

Failure to follow direction from Heritage Wardens may result in your session being cancelled early.

Parking and dropping 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 on the square.

The GLA will publicise the programme on London.gov.uk featuring the name of the choir, time slot and charities supported. This will include the proviso of ‘subject to change’. The GLA may also promote the universal event through other outlets.

Please notify the GLA immediately if you are no longer able to attend at your allocated time or if you are running late.

Notifying the GLA as soon as possible may enable unsuccessful applicants to be offered an opportunity to sing on the square. Failure to notify the GLA may result in the rejection of applications made by the group in future years.

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

In the event of cancellation or early termination, the GLA will not be held liable for any cost or losses (including charity collections) by the organisers or those taking part in the carol singing.

The group leader is responsible for the safety and welfare of their group while on the Square. Advise participants to dress appropriately for winter weather.

Children must be appropriately supervised when on the Square and accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Follow directions from Heritage Wardens regarding safety matters.

All users of Trafalgar Square are required to comply with the Trafalgar Square byelaws 2012.

A copy will also be displayed on the square.

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

The application deadline is Friday 7 November 2025. 

Applicants will be notified of their confirmed date by Friday 14 November 2025.