Once In Royal David’s City

1.15PM, RADIO 4

No one in the choir knows who will take the opening solo for A Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols until the red light goes on in King’s College Chapel, signalling the start of the service. Then, the musical director points at a chorister, who sends the opening verse of Once In Royal David’s City up into the rafters of the Chapel – and around the world. Here, former choristers talk about this special moment, and you can hear this year’s soloist starting the Festival – which aired live yesterday – at 2pm on Radio 3.