“I think having live music performances at a train station is genius,” says singer-songwriter Cat Delphi, who performs live at St Pancras Station tonight, opening the musical programme that will run every evening from now until Christmas Day.
She’ll perform in the shadow of the world’s biggest soft toy Xmas tree, teetering high above the concourse at 14 metres high and constructed from over 2000 cuddly Disney creatures.
“We all witness the odd busker here and there, but to have a place where music lovers can congregate and brighten up their sometimes monotonous journeys, is so wonderful,” says Cat. “I hope that the laid back style in which I perform is something the commuters can get on board with tonight, and just give them that little bit of escapism before they continue with their hectic travels.”
Forthcoming highlights to look out for include gospel choir the Revelation Singers and the Drum Works collective, while there will be a Disney choir for everyone to join this Friday morning (4th) and a sing-a-long special of Disney classics around the station’s many pianos on the 12th.
LOCAL ADVERTISING
“I haven’t played on the pianos at St Pancras myself but I’m fascinated by all the different artists and people that play on them every day,” says Cat. “It’s an awesome way to discover hidden talent from all over the world. It gives everyone a platform, which is what music is about after all. I love that Jamie Cullum played a session there and the crowd went crazy for him.”
The free concourse gigs will raise money for various charities, including Youth Music, The Children’s Society, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Heart Research UK. Meanwhile the 2000 soft toys will find homes via KIDS, the leading charity supporting disabled children and their families.
We like the fact the giant tree spews forth an indoor snowstorm every few minutes too. And that there are the likes of Fortnum & Mason, Jo Malone, John Lewis and MAC Cosmetics under the same, Grade II-listed roof, without having to venture into the madness of the West End at all.
