‘We provide a soundtrack to Christmas’

Paul Sharman, The Salvation Army's director of music and creative arts, shares why playing carols matters so much – and how a band’s presence brings hope.

Many people feel that it is not truly Christmas until they hear carols played by a Salvation Army brass band. Throughout December, these groups of musicians can be found bringing Christmas cheer in town and city centres, railway stations and hospitals.

‘For more than a century, The Salvation Army has provided a soundtrack to Christmas,’ says Paul Sharman, the church and charity’s director of music and creative arts. ‘That consistency means that songs such as “Away in a Manger” haven’t changed much since the 1920s.

'That familiarity evokes emotion. You see it everywhere. People stop, record the band on their phones and say: “That was lovely. It took me back.”’

In its early years, Salvation Army carolling began on Boxing Day – that is, after Christmas had officially started on 25 December. Each band played in its own town. 

Over time, the carolling schedule expanded to include more days – eventually even Christmas Day itself – and bands would perform in residential areas, often under the glow of lampposts, bringing festive music to the community.

The Salvation Army tradition of carolling continues to evolve.

‘When I joined the band, we had a carol book full of traditional pieces of music – the most adventurous one was probably “Jingle Bells”,’ says Paul. ‘Now it’s completely different. We’ve got a book that includes everything from “Hark! the Herald” to Mariah Carey and Slade. It means we can play songs that everyone can recognise.’

Through his time playing in Salvation Army bands, Paul has noticed the effect that music can have.

‘Music is powerful on its own, but at Christmas it touches emotions even more,’ he says. ‘Hearing a Salvation Army band can stir memories that go back years, and that connection matters.’

But carolling is about more than just the music. Accompanying the band as they play are collectors, who have a role that goes far beyond taking donations. They’re there to connect with the public.

‘Those conversations are just as important as the music,’ Paul says. ‘People often share stories of past links to the church or memories of hearing the band, and having those moment really matters. Our visibility at Christmas helps us share what the season is truly about.’

The Salvation Army’s longstanding Christmas presence has led to its bands becoming much sought after at this time of year. Today, they are invited to play not only in town centres and stations but also on TV shows and even in the Houses of Parliament.

‘The Salvation Army band has become something people associate with Christmas,’ says Paul. ‘It gives that feeling of the season. You see it everywhere, from EastEnders and Emmerdale to Bridget Jones’s Baby. That image of the band is almost integral to how people picture Christmas.

'For us, it’s an important time of year, because being out there and visible matters. Christmas gives us opportunities we might not get otherwise – playing at the Speaker’s carol service in Parliament, the Trafalgar Square tree lighting, even events at No 10 Downing Street.

‘Music opens doors, starts conversations and helps The Salvation Army share its message.’ That message is all-important.

‘When we play carols, we’re hoping people understand what Christmas is really about,’ Paul says. ‘Often, we’re in a commercial setting, such as outside a shop, and maybe some see it as a quaint old tradition. 

'But for us, it’s about helping people make that connection with the true meaning of Christmas: love and Jesus coming as a baby. When they hear “Away in a Manger”, I hope that’s what they think of.

‘We want our music to spread joy – to make people smile and be happy – but also to spark conversations. Sometimes people ask about The Salvation Army, about Christmas, and why we’re collecting money. Then we can explain the work we do and how those donations help.

‘I think it all honours God because we’re sharing the message of Christmas – through music and through conversations that might not happen otherwise. 

‘Ultimately, The Salvation Army wants to help people understand that Jesus came into the world for us all. If we can do that through our music, that’s what matters.’