Bastille Presents “&”, James Bay, and Birdy are amongst the names that have signed up for a one-off show this Christmas at London’s Royal Albert Hall to raise funds for Streets of London, enabling life-changing support for people who are homeless in London. The event will also see stripped back performances by the likes of Jake Bugg, Passenger, and Freya Ridings, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

The concert will be held on Friday 13th December, and will be the charity’s first live event since Ellie Goulding performed for them back in 2018.

Fans can sign up to www.streetsoflondon.org.uk mailing list for pre-sale access to tickets on Wednesday 2nd October ahead of tickets going on general sale on Friday 4th October via Ticketmaster or www.royalalberthall.com.

Bastille Presents “&” features Bastille frontman, Dan Smith performing alongside musicians from the forthcoming album, “&” (Ampersand). On the event Smith said, “I’m very happy to be joining this special fundraising event and playing at the beautiful Royal Albert Hall alongside a great bunch of artists, to help raise money for Streets of London and the important work they do, especially at this time of year when it’s so needed. “

“I was staggered to learn that one in 50 people in London (half of whom are children) are homeless and living in temporary accommodation. And last year, on average, 22 people every day became street homeless and slept rough for the first time. These are sobering statistics which just shouldn’t exist in 2024, and I think many of us look for ways to be helpful when hearing about the homelessness crisis. I hope this event helps highlights this cause and raises a load of money for the life changing work that Streets of London do.”

James Bay on his involvement: “The number of people sleeping rough in London has increased by 20% in the last year, to nearly 12,000 people a year. This is a shockingly high figure, so I’m delighted to be supporting Streets of London and their mission to get vital help for people who are homeless in the capital.”

Streets of London founder, Ian Steuart Fothringham explains the significance of the event: “With homelessness in London currently at a record high, we’re very grateful for the music industry’s enthusiastic support for Streets of London and its mission to provide more help to people experiencing homelessness. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the artists who have agreed to come and perform at this special show, as well as to everyone else – especially the team at Communion One – who have given their time and talents to help put together what will be a very special evening at the Royal Albert Hall.

“The money raised from the show will have a direct impact on the lives of people who are street homeless in the capital, helping to fund projects that offer life-changing help and support”

British folk artist Passenger added: “I’m so thrilled to be taking part in this year’s show. Having been a busker for many years homelessness is an issue that is close to my heart. It’s so nice to be able to be a part of something like this, and I can’t wait to see the other acts play too – what a line up!”

Freya Ridings: “Streets of London is such an incredible charity that I’ve always admired. I’m so grateful to be a part of this evening to raise monies and shine a light on the important life-changing work they’re doing. Everyone deserves a future – and by offering such support, they provide hope and an escape from the damaging effects of life on the streets.”

Streets of London will be running online prize draws via Crowdfunder as a tie-in with the show featuring exclusive prizes by big name acts. Further details to be announced in due course via their website – http://www.streetsoflondon.org.uk/

Since 2015, Streets of London has provided more than £1M of funding to projects offering vital support to people who are homeless in the capital, offering vital, immediate help to people sleeping rough, as well as longer-term specialist support that puts people on a stronger footing to escape the streets for good.

A special Streets of London “Sleep-Out” event takes place on Friday 18th October, where the charity asks people to give up their bed for one night to raise further important funds. Visit the website to see how to get involved.