Carrie Grant on virtual Christmas singalongs

While it may come as no surprise that 71 per cent of Brits are planning for smaller gatherings this Christmas, new research from Barclays reveals festive cheer is well and truly alive, as over half (53 per cent) are making plans to ensure this year’s celebrations are more special than ever.

A quarter (24 per cent) of people intend to play favourite festive carols whilst on video calls with family, a third (33 per cent) will be gathering around their devices as a way to share in the annual re-telling of family stories and over a quarter (27 per cent) plan to pick up their phones first thing to enjoy a virtual toast with a Bucks Fizz on Christmas morning.

The research – by Barclays Digital Eagles – unveiled the UK’s favourite Christmas songs; Jingle Bells and Silent Night were voted the top carols, and Wham’s Last Christmas and Do They Know it’s Christmas by Band Aid were named as the top festive songs.

Inspired by the findings, Barclays Digital Eagles recruited celebrity vocal coach, Carrie Grant, to lead the Care Home Choir, to celebrate the residents new-found virtual skills. Residents of Southampton care home Springfield House, perform a heartwarming rendition of Jingle Bells alongside Carrie, in a virtual video Christmas card for family and friends.

Aston spoke to Carrie Grant, singing coach and TV presenter and Liam Mitchell from Barclays Digital Eagle to talk about the initiative where, and how it’s improving the lives of residents at the care home. 

Image by Matt Botsford on Unsplash