*
banner

Looking for Christmas Concert inspiration — why not try The Pogues?

A classic festive song from The Pogues leads the PRS Charts as the most popular played on the radio in the last five years. So why not try a brass band version...?

tHE poGUES
  Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl led the faireytale in New York

If you are looking for some inspiration on how to fill up the spaces in Christmas Concert programmes this year, then a recent poll of the most played Christmas Songs heard on UK radio between 2012 and 2016 has been revealed by the Performing Rights Society for Music.

Shane MacGowen

The ranking includes both original and cover versions of each song — so if you want to add a few bob into the pocket of Shane MacGowan or boost the finances of Mariah Carey or the brilliant Roy Wood of Wizzard then there are some great ones to choose from — although as the list does come the PRS, make sure your arrangements are pukka.

if you want to add a few bob into the pocket of Shane MacGowan or boost the finances of Mariah Carey or the brilliant Roy Wood of Wizzard then there are some great ones to choose from4BR

Top 10:

1. Fairytale of New York (The Pogues)
2. All I Want For Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey)
3. Last Christmas (Wham!)
4. Do They Know It's Christmas (Band Aid)
5. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day (Wizzard)
6. Driving Home For Christmas (Chris Rea)
7. Stay Another Day (East 17)
8. Merry Xmas Everybody (Slade)
9. Merry Christmas Everyone (Shakin' Stevens)
10. Wonderful Christmastime (Paul McCartney)

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


York

Result: 2026 Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Wardle Community are the ultimate Heroes of the North as they claim the National title in York.


York Barbican

Result: 2026 First Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Marsden discover the source of a thunderous success in York.


York Barbican

Result: 2026 Second Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Harborough and Ben Smith have the courage of their musical convictions to claim the honours in York.


NYBBNI

National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland marks second mark

September 19 • The National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland has made its second public appearance in bringing the recent Enniskillen BrassFest to a close.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites percussion players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites BBb Bass players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites Euphonium players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd