The Polyphony Down the Pub Christmas Special Comes But Once a Year (Christmas 2019)

The legendary Christmas Special of London’s Favourite Night of Renaissance Motets & Booze!™ is back!

For many people Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without the Polyphony Down the Pub Christmas Special, so join us for some beautiful seasonal motets and chorales - and the odd pint of beer!

***Please note that we'll be collecting for local good causes on the night, with a particapation donation of £5 from every singer; non-singers are welcome to contribute whatever amount they wish***

Please also read the FAQs below before registering.

FAQs

I'm confused; the event listing says the ticket is both free and £5 on the door - so which is it?

As we're not set up on Eventbrite to collect fees, the event is listed as free but we are most definitely going to ask you for £5 on the door as it's all for charidee - so please don't book unless you're happy to pay.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Over 18s only, please. Not because it's rude (although to be fair some of our madrigals can be a bit racy) but because it's in a pub.

Do I need to be able to read music to take part?

You do need to be a confident sight singer to get the most out of the evening. However, anyone who just wants to come along to listen and socialise is also very welcome to book a non-singing space.

Do you provide print-outs of the scores?

No, only the links to the scores, which will be e-mailed to you 48 hours in advance via the e-mail account with which you registered. You need to print out the pages yourself or better yet, save them to a tablet and do the planet a favour.

Is this one of those events where you sing Christmas carols in a pub?

No, we'll be focusing on the seasonal riches from the 16th Century - so much more interesting than your standard Victorian Christmas fare!

My voice section appears to be sold out; why is that and can I just book in under another section?

Some voices appear to be extremely attracted to the idea of drinking while singing (yes, altos, we are indeed looking at you), which means that they get booked up first. However, it's really important that we keep the right balance of voices on the night so please do not book another voice part or a non-singing space if your voice section is not available.

Instead, join the waiting list; we'll do our best to find you a space nearer the time.

How does the waiting list work?

If your voice part is sold out, you can register on the waiting list but you must state whether you want a soprano, alto, tenor, bass or non-singing spot after your surname; if you don't you won't be able to take a space if/when it becomes available. The waiting list is limited to 10 names; once it's full it will show as 'sold out' and no more names can be added.

Please note: joining the waiting list does not guarantee you a place at the session.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

The private room at the Horse and Stables is on the first floor with no lift and so regrettably the event is not suitable for people who are unable to use stairs. Please also note that the lighting in the venue is quite dim so please bring a pen-torch if you are concerned.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Tube, rail, bus, bicycle, on foot - see polyphonydownthepub.com or tfl.gov.uk for details.

Where can I find out more?

See https://polyphonydownthepub.com/about/ for all the answers you could ever wish for.