If you’ve yet to experience what makes a Candlelight concert in London magical, hear it from the audience. This global series hosted at beautiful venues around the world offers music lovers a range of programmes that continue to grow. Fans commend its focus on classical music and are captivated by the thousands of candles flickering at each event. Read the latest concert reviews, and if that’s still not enough to convince you, discover plenty more reasons why you should attend Candlelight.
And if you’ve already snagged tickets to an upcoming candlelit show in the city, we’ve got some helpful tips to ensure you make the most of your Candlelight experience. Leave the atmosphere, music, and venue to the experts, but there are always a few things you can try to guarantee an unforgettable evening.
Candlelight reviews in London
Feedback is essential, and past attendees have been sharing their honest opinions. When exploring any Candlelight event, you’ll find reviews rating the performance—giving you the chance to see what others think of everything, from the skill of the musicians to the venue.
“The team working and organising the event were great & helpful in directing people to their seats.”—The Best of Bollywood and Tollywood on Strings, January 9
“What a great evening. Lovely venue and an amazing orchestra.”—A Tribute to Queen, September 13
“Very well run and a fabulous evening.”—Best of Bridgerton on Strings, December 28
“Amazing performance, we absolutely loved it and would definitely book again.”—A Tribute to Taylor Swift, August 16
Six more reasons to attend Candlelight
Hats off to the unbeatable atmosphere
A string quartet, pianist, or jazz band already sets a certain tone. Then, the setlist also plays a role in creating the mood. At a Candlelight concert, the performers and a mix of timeless and modern-day music are complemented by a sea of candles, silence, and a striking venue—whether it’s the ancient walls of a historic cathedral or the rustic wooden beams framing an old barn. The atmosphere is relaxing and ideal for letting the melodies soak in.
Check out London’s Candlelight venues here.
The musicians are top-class
Talented local musicians and seasoned professionals have performed thousands of concerts, from New York to Cape Town. Whether they’re transforming Taylor Swift’s synth-pop tracks into classical compositions, reimagining electrifying and rebellious rock songs on strings, or capturing the full power of a sweeping violin concerto with a full-piece orchestra, they consistently hit all the right notes and captivate their audiences.
It’s a chance to see classical music shine
Candlelight loves to celebrate the greats of classical music, including Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. As the perfect introduction to a more intricate and layered genre, classical concerts become accessible through the Candlelight concert series. Listen to selections from The Sleeping Beauty and other famous ballets, for example, while watching ballerinas dance to every rich harmony, and discover renowned masterpieces in an informal setting. That’s not to say, however, that the experience won’t stir deep emotions in experts.
The concert series loves a bit of contemporary too
There are so many music genres that sound incredible in classical form, and based on the wide range of programmes to choose from, it’s clear that Candlelight understands this. When you’re in the mood for experiencing a blend of traditional classical beauty with contemporary styles like neo-soul, pop, R&B, Bollywood soundtracks, or iconic film scores, there’s a performance for that too—from Beyoncé’s danceable beats to the best of Joe Hisaishi.
Candlelight also shares stories behind the music
Part of the magnetic hold that music has over listeners is its ability to tell stories, often reflecting the lives of the artists behind the works. At these candlelit concerts, musicians embrace this storytelling aspect by creating a comprehensive tribute. They often include short intervals during the performance to provide guests with context about a specific song, share interesting facts, or tell a fascinating anecdote.
And it doesn’t shy away from a seasonal theme
Music ties any occasion together—wedding marches, birthday wishes, mournful pieces, Christmas carols, songs of the summer, and practically every other moment in life. Every season brings with it another reason or day to celebrate. So, for Valentine’s Day, keep an eye out for a loved-up Candlelight special; the most wonderful time of the year becomes even more magical with a festive concert, and Halloween gets even spookier with a setlist inspired by eerie keys and dissonant chords.
Whether you want to enjoy a seasonal Candlelight event with family, friends, your favourite person, or solo, typical performance times include both an earlier and a later show, so you can still have the kids tucked up in bed early or take on the night after the show.
FAQs
How long do Candlelight concerts last?
A Candlelight concert typically lasts between 60 and 65 minutes. Doors open up to 60 minutes prior to the performance, allowing audiences time to find their seats and settle in.
What is the dress code?
There is no strict dress code for Candlelight. Comfort is key but if there was to be an official guideline, dressy casual would fit the bill.
What is Candlelight Photo?
Also known as Snapshot by Candlelight, Candlelight Photo is an exclusive photography service for Candlelight attendees who have selected the option when purchasing their tickets. Also available for purchase at the venue, guests will have their photo taken in a specially selected spot at the venue, most often on stage in front of all of the candles, and be able to take it home with them.
All Upcoming Candlelight concerts in London
