Sir Cliff to perform festive hits at home

SIR CLIFF Richard will perform his Christmas hits from his home as part of a digital carol service.

Nile Rodgers, inset, will host the event, taking place in aid of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy.

Stars will perform from their homes around the world, as well as Abbey Road Studios and St Luke’s Church in London. Other contributors include Florence Welch,

The Who’s Roger Daltrey, Kaiser Chiefs and Simple Minds.

Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity aims to enrich the lives of people affected by lifelimiting illness, isolation or disability, through music.

The Stars Come Out To Sing At Christmas, which will feature readings, performances and festive messages, is free to watch and audiences are invited to donate.

The music therapy charity is expecting to lose around 75 per cent of its fundraising income.

Rodgers said: “Nord off Robbins Music Therapy is a charity close to my heart as I’ve witnessed the power of music first- hand. I’ve seen how music connects with people all over the world in a way that nothing else can.

“So when I heard that Nordoff Robbins were taking their annual carol service online I jumped at the chance to host the event and to bring along some of my closest musical friends.”

He said that “Nordoff Robbins are expecting to lose much of their fundraising income” because of the pandemic.

“This means they are able to help less people including children with autism who rely on music therapy for a sense of connection or those affected by life- limiting illnesses or disability – even though their services are needed now more than ever,” he said.

Sir Cliff said he was “so excited to be performing” at the event, which will be streamed globally via carols. nordoff- robbins. org. uk on December 15 at 7pm.