MUSIC MAESTRO GARETH MALONE TO CONDUCT SHARD LIGHTS 2024
25 October 2024
NewsChoirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone OBE will conduct a special carol performance in the spire to officially switch on Shard Lights 2024 on the evening of 14th November.

The renowned choral teacher will be accompanied by a six-person choir as he conducts an extra-special Christmas performance of We Wish You a Merry Christmas – 78 floors up and located within the exposed spire of The Shard. At 867 feet above sea level, it’s believed to be the highest ever carol recital performed atop a building.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas was chosen as the lead song after research* found it to be the nation’s favourite Christmas carol.

From 14th November to New Year’s Eve, The Shard will be illuminating the nation’s favourite Christmas carols every evening from 5.30pm till midnight. The captivating light display, visible from over 40 miles away, will treat viewers across London to four 15-minute festive light sequences every hour, with each sequence inspired by We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and Deck the Halls.
Lighting up the top 20-storeys of The Shard with 575 LED light units and using updated energy-efficient LED lighting, Shard Lights is an annual feature of the London skyline.
“I’ve performed in some legendary music venues across London and cities all over the world, but I’ve never done a performance at almost 1,000 feet – so it’s a privilege to be part of this unique musical collaboration, despite not having a natural head for heights."Gareth MaloneChoirmaster & Broadcaster

Gareth went on to say:
“My conducting will inspire an intricate light show, and as we sing the lights will be seen all over London. Performing with my hand-picked choir on top of The Shard is definitely one of the most memorable performances of my life.”
“Christmas is truly a time where singing can bring so many people together, and to lead a performance of the nation’s favourite carol from such an iconic stage – literally from the top of the UK – is an excellent way to kick off the festive season.”
Stay tuned for further #ShardLights news.
*Source: Research conducted of 2,094 18+ UK residents, September 2024.