The Christmas Orchestra to Perform XL Finale at Truro Cathedral

The Christmas Orchestra is returning home to Cornwall this month with what it describes as its biggest production yet. The ensemble will bring a festive XL spectacular to Truro Cathedral on Monday, 22nd December 2025.

A Cornwall Grown Orchestra Returns

The Christmas Orchestra has spent the past two years touring the UK, performing to more than 50,000 people across 41 locations. Its 16 members come from across Cornwall and include professional musicians who have performed with leading orchestras across the country.

They range from internationally toured trombonist Matt Harrison, who has performed with the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic, to Helston-born cellist Hannah Tooley, who regularly appears with orchestras around the UK and tours with Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics.

The group also includes musicians raised in Cornwall who trained at the Royal College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Royal Northern College of Music and Cambridge. They have worked with well known groups such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Glyndebourne Sinfonia, St Petersburg Classic Ballet, English National Ballet, London Contemporary Orchestra and London Concertante. Many have since returned to Cornwall to teach, create new performance opportunities and support new local talent.

A One Night Finale in Truro

After a completely sold out run in Cornwall last year and an even faster sell out this year, the orchestra is scaling up for its first XL show. The 2025 tour will finish with a one off finale in the heart of Truro.

Guests will arrive to a Yuletide drinks reception, mince pie in hand, before a two hour live concert arranged and conducted by Patrick Bailey of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance will feature Christmas favourites from Home Alone, Love Actually, The Nutcracker and The Polar Express, supported by full sound production and a lighting display. A Christmas disco will close the evening.

Matt Pooley, organiser of The Christmas Orchestra, said:
“For our first ever XL performance, it could only be Cornwall. After two years of sold out shows across the Duchy, we wanted to end the 2025 tour with something extraordinary. Truro Cathedral is the perfect backdrop for this expanded experience, and we can’t wait to bring this Cornish grown show home for one unforgettable night.”

Matt Harrison, Orchestral Manager and trombonist at The Christmas Orchestra, added:
“Sharing the Christmas spirit with communities across the UK over the past few years has been a real joy. Bringing this extended concert back to the magnificent Truro Cathedral feels especially meaningful, and we’re excited to transform the historic space into a nostalgic winter wonderland for the UK premiere of the mega Christmas Orchestra show!”

High Demand for 2025

Following a totally sold out tour in 2024 and with many dates for 2025 already selling out, demand for the Truro finale is expected to be high. This XL production is billed as the biggest and most magical Christmas Orchestra event so far.

Where? Truro Cathedral, TR1 2AF
When? Monday 22nd December 2025, 6pm to 10pm
How? Tickets from £25

For more information or to book tickets, visit The Christmas Orchestra website.