The group gathered onstage – who were between 90 and 99 years old – had seen a lot of Christmases. But this last Christmas proved to be one for the record books (and photo albums).
As part of a 17-strong choir averaging an incredible 94 years of age between them, the Prime Timers Choir broke the record title for the oldest choir on 19 December 2024, in a festive record attempt organized by Runwood Homes in Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK. The charming choir kicked off their concert at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom with a guest appearance by legendary singer Tony Christie, who led the carolers in “Amarillo” and “Silent Night.” The nonagenarians then took over the show with three songs themselves, such as the classic Jingle Bells, and their “Christmas Through the Years.” “Here we are with a song to sing, and a story to be told,” the song begins, “It’s Christmastime and we all believe we can never be too old.”
“When they first talked about it in the home, I first thought, ‘well, do I want to be a part of the oldest anything!’” said choir member Chris Righton, 91 years old, “And then when I heard them practising, I thought, well I do love to sing, so I decided to come along and I enjoy it! It’s been good fun.” The crowd was filled with happy and emotional supporters taking proud photos of their loved ones singing their hearts out onstage, in a sentimental reverse of when parents take pictures of their children at their Christmas concerts.
Also filling the room were the caretakers and staff from the seven care homes in Warwickshire run by Runwood Homes, from which the choir was assembled. For many of them, this event was a culmination of years of care and attention for their residents, over half of which are diagnosed with dementia. The choir was the vision of Jasmine Kessey, Deputy Home Manager at Lower Meadow in Stratford, with the support of Paul Gaskell, Runwood Homes’ Head of Dementia Services, and they said their mission was to create the world’s oldest choir and celebrate the profound joy that music brings to care home communities.
“One thing that people always say is that they might forget your name, they might forget your face, but they never forget how you made them feel,” said Kessey. And singing is particularly beneficial for those suffering from dementia. Sarah Metcalfe, Managing Director at Music for Dementia, which supported this record attempt, said: “Singing is proven to lift your mood and improve lung health, and music can help manage dementia symptoms like anxiety – all while making friends and getting out of the house.” The concert was closed by remarks from host and actress Sian Reeves, before Guinness World Records Adjudicator Carl Saville announced the big news – the choir officially broke the record title, and were presented with their certificate.
The announcement was met with huge cheers from the crowd, and the choir was thrilled to accept the award, with a representative of their group saying: “Few of us at any age get to have any attempt at your world records – leave alone at 90 [years] or more. So this really is quite something.” These sweet carolers spent the rest of the night enjoying the festivities and speaking with press from BBC, ITV, and Channel 5 – truly giving them a taste of fame at their accomplished age.
