London's not short of carol concerts at this time of year, but one really stands out — because dogs are allowed into church for it.
Battersea's fundraising carol service brings together supporters of the world-famous animal home for the ulti-mutt festive event to kick off the howl-idays. Visitors are welcomed into the church with an un-fur-gettable canine guard of honour formed by some of Battersea's four-legged residents.
The dogs then stay in church while the service takes place (perhaps you'll share a pew with a shih tzu) listening to their humans raise the woof until all that carolling leaves them a little husky.
No confirmation yet on exactly which carols will be on this year's programme, but we'd hazard a guess at Bark The Herald Angels Sing featuring.
After the service you can indulge in a little re-tail therapy, with Christmas gifts from Battersea's fundraising shop on sale — for such a good cause, it's the leashed you could do. Mulled wine and mince pies are also available for human attendees.
One thing to note — only Battersea's dogs are allowed at the concert, so leave Fido and Rover at home.
Battersea Christmas Carol Concert takes place on the evenings of Thursday 2 and Friday 3 December 2021, at St Luke's & Christ Church in Chelsea. Tickets are £22-£32 and need to be booked in advance — and this event is so pup-ular is always sells out, so don't hang about.