The Coventry Carolers

The Coventry Carolers of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair are a group of singers who have come from towns and villages over the British Isles and all social classes. We have joined together to celebrate the songs of the Christmas season on the streets and in the gathering places of London this Christmas Eve.

Under our Director “Dr Strong” we bring to you four-part harmony singing of songs - some that may be familiar to you, going back many many years in these Isles and others that have come to our shores more recently from as far afield as Germany, Poland and the American Colonies.

Who we are and where you can hear us

When we are not transported into the mid-19th century London of Charles Dickens, we are also a nonprofit Corporation registered with the California Secretary of State. We are incorporated as a 501c3 with the IRS. We are a public benefit corporation with the goal to advance the public education and appreciation of historical music.

We sing for the joy of singing together and the chance to fulfill our organization’s purpose. We sing "a cappella", without accompaniment, for the most part. We have a repertoire of about 90 carols and seasonal songs that were in circulation in the 19th century.

We perform in full Dickensian costume at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair as we have done for decades. Our Group typically performs four or five times during the course of the day at different venues around the Fair. Times are published in the daily program. 

Here's our YouTube Channel of carols we recorded remotely through the pandemic - and a playlist on YouTube of our performances at prior Dickens Fairs.

How to join us

As a Volunteer for Coventry Carolers we ask that you attend our rehearsals. We practice singing together and the period-correct arrangements our Director has assembled and created. Practicing throughout the year allows us to make the most beautiful sound for our audiences. In 2026 the remaining rehearsals take place at the Cow Palace during Workshops (Nov 7, 8, and 14, plus dress rehearsal on Nov 15) starting after 10 am and going to about 4pm. You would most likely be accepted as a member for the 2027 season at this point. You can join us any time starting when we begin rehearsals in March. We practice every few months until October and November, when rehearsals are more frequent.

Don’t worry if you don’t know any Christmas Carols or you don’t have lots of experience singing in choirs - our Director, Bob, is a brilliant teacher and you will be able to learn from the others around you too. We don’t have auditions! All are welcome to come and learn the music with us.  

To perform at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair also requires that you meet the requirements to be a Participant, which includes taking Workshops and obtaining or making an approved costume. We can help you with your costume during project days or loan you costume pieces for your first year.

Contact information

For more information please reach out to our team at coventrycarolersofcalifornia@gmail.com.