This Christmas, lift your voice for Syrians and join us on Monday 1 December for our spectacular annual candlelit carol service in the heart of London.
Following the fall of Assad’s regime last December, Syria has entered a new chapter –— one filled with renewed hope, but still marked by deep challenges and fragility.
At Action Syria, we are committed to stepping up and standing with Syrians through this next chapter. Action Syria Carols brings together music, community, and compassion to help turn that renewed hope into real, lasting change.
Proceeds from the service will support trusted Syrian-led organisations who can respond fast, adapt to changing needs, and provide lasting support for Syrian communities.
We are delighted that this year’s candlelit service will feature celebrated UK and Syrian musicians – Poppy Ackroyd and Maya Youssef – as well as choirs from St Barts and a local school.
Maya Youssef, hailed as the ‘queen of the qanun’, a 78-stringed Middle Eastern zither, began her musical journey in Damascus at age nine, defying expectations to master this instrument. Now based in the UK, her music blends Arabic classical traditions with jazz, Western classical, and Latin styles.
For Maya, playing is a life- and hope-affirming act — an antidote to destruction and conflict. Her albums, Syrian Dreams and Finding Home, earned international acclaim, numerous awards, and performances at the BBC Proms and WOMAD.
Poppy Ackroyd is an award-winning composer from London. Classically trained on violin and piano, she makes music by manipulating and multi-tracking sounds from these two instruments.
Poppy has released four albums, receiving acclaim from the likes of The Times, Clash Magazine, The Independent, and Composer Magazine. Recently, Poppy and filmmaker Ainslie Henderson won a ‘Best Animation’ BAFTA for their collaboration ‘Stems’, and Poppy’s music has also been used by the New York City Ballet.
Every note played, every carol sung and every candle lit helps provide education, healthcare, and emergency support to Syrian families working toward a brighter future.
More than just a concert, it’s a night to stand in solidarity, to be inspired, and to make a difference. Tickets are now on sale.
Keeping supporters clued up on our work is important to us. Sign up to keep up to date with where the funds go and the impact they have, and how you can support us.
