This special record will remain on display until the end of December, offering visitors a chance to view the rare piece of memorabilia as part of their visit to Strawberry Field. Admission is included in the standard ticket price, which helps fund the Salvation Army’s Steps to Work programme, a charitable initiative designed to support young people with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment.

These pressings, created in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’, were distributed by Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon to 25 music charities and grassroots organisations across the UK. Each acetate was intended to raise funds through auctions or sales. The remaining 25 were sent to select record shops, including The Musical Box, which chose to lend their pressing to Strawberry Field for public viewing.

Paula Quinn, owner of The Musical Box, reflected on the honour of receiving the record: “It was a brilliant surprise and privilege to receive the gift of the vinyl from Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon. What better place to show it than where John Lennon used to play as a child?”

We are excited that a rare vinyl acetate of @johnlennon & @yokoono’s single, ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’ is on display in our exhibition.

The vinyl is on loan from @themusicalboxrs, who were gifted it by Yoko Ono & @seanonolennon.https://t.co/3d7z6Z34dE#HappyXmasVinyl pic.twitter.com/RRWSoehbZs

— Strawberry Field Liverpool (@strawberryfield) December 12, 2024

Originally written as a protest song against the Vietnam War, ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ was released in 1971 in the US and a year later in the UK. Lennon described his approach to the song’s political message as delivering it “with a little honey,” hoping to blend the message and the music as successfully as he did with his iconic album, ‘Imagine’. Since its release, it has become a Christmas staple, peaking in popularity following Lennon’s tragic death in 1980.

The song also serves as a culmination of Lennon and Ono’s activism in the late ’60s and early ’70s, including their famed “bed-ins for peace” and Bagism campaigns. The Salvation Army’s Kathy Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, highlighted this connection: “With Strawberry Field’s deep symbolic and historical connection to John Lennon… it feels only right that this piece of history should find a home in our exhibition at a time when so many long for war to end and peace to prevail.”

Funds from Strawberry Field’s ticket sales go toward maintaining the site and its gardens and supporting the Steps to Work programme, which has been running since 2018. This initiative provides one-to-one support for young people with a strong desire to enter the workforce but who face barriers such as neurodiversity or a lack of prior employment experience. Trainees are paired with a dedicated work coach and guided through a year-long journey to build confidence, learn new skills, and achieve personal job goals.

The exhibit at Strawberry Field reflects John Lennon’s enduring connection to Liverpool and his vision of a more peaceful world. Visitors can experience this piece of history while contributing to a programme that carries forward the spirit of optimism that defined Lennon’s later life.

For Beatles fans and newcomers alike, the display offers a powerful reminder of how music can inspire change through simple actions. Tickets are on sale here.

Watch “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – 1987 Version

Watch – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Version 2023, Performed at the Sphere in Las Vegas

Interestingly, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'”was not included in U2’s live/studio album Rattle and Hum, but the band did release a video of their captivating performance of the track from November 1987. Despite not being listed on the official setlist, U2 made sure to rehearse the song during soundcheck before the show, ensuring that their rendition would be flawless and memorable.

The surprise performance of this holiday classic came as U2 extended their residency at the Sphere, adding an impressive 11 extra dates to their already extensive run. With this addition, the band’s total number of shows at the Las Vegas venue now reaches an impressive 40. This residency has allowed U2 to captivate audiences night after night, showcasing their incredible talent and timeless music to fans from all over the world.

Tickets for the FINAL FOUR U2:UV Achtung Baby shows are on sale today, along with @vibeepresents VIP and Hotel packages. Visit https://t.co/KuHopvHH1u for more information. #U2UVSPHERE pic.twitter.com/Ky35gexGPP

— U2 (@U2) December 8, 2023

Listen to U2’s latest single “Atomic City” played at the Sphere, Las Vegas show 2023.

U2’s surprise rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'”not only delighted their fans but also showcased the band’s versatility and ability to breathe new life into beloved classics. It was a truly special moment for both the band and their dedicated audience, reminding everyone of the enduring power of U2’s music and their ability to create unforgettable live experiences.

NME recently gave U2’s inaugural performance at a lavish venue a glowing five-star review. The review praised the band’s captivating stage presence and musical talent, as well as the venue’s magnificence. The writer also expressed excitement for U2’s ongoing residency in the city, known for its vibrant music scene.

In other U2 news, bassist Adam Clayton revealed in late November that the band’s progress in producing new music relies on the recovery of drummer Larry Mullen Jr, who has temporarily taken a break for the first time in four decades to undergo surgery.

Meanwhile, frontman Bono reassured fans that the band’s upcoming album will be a “unreasonable guitar record” that may not conform to practical expectations. Previously, the singer had described the album as “noisy” and “uncompromising.”

I’m finding I can fly so high above with you ☃️ Our version of Walking in the Air is available on all streaming platforms now. Play this one LOUD! https://t.co/OrkiUputlr pic.twitter.com/7UEDeextdq

— mcfly (@mcflymusic) December 3, 2021

McFly consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Tom Fletcher, lead vocalist and lead guitarist Danny Jones, bassist Dougie Poynter and drummer Harry Judd. This is not the first time in which McFly have performed the track. In 2020 the band played a cover of the song during their Christmas With McFly special on 21st December. The cover was then made available via YouTube on the band’s channel.

The track begins with the instantly recognisable melody played on guitar; the vocals then begin soon after. The song remains delicate and atmospheric until a heavier influence kicks in. The new release’s rock sound has been perfectly matched with the canonised original’s magically intricate musicality. The track has been released on all streaming platforms and has been promoted by all band members across their social media pages.

The festive classic was written by composer Howard Blake and was featured in the 1982 animated film The Snowman. Since the film’s release, the song has become synonymous with Christmas and has since appeared in various TV advertisements. The song was famously re-released by Welsh chorister Aled Jones in 1985, the singer was 15 years old at the time and was recommended by Blake. The single achieved chart success and placed in the top five within the UK singles chart. Jones followed in the footsteps of original singer Peter Auty who sang on the 1982 release, both vocalists were choral singers.

The track has since become a festive go-to for many artists and has been featured on various albums. Cliff Richard covered the track in 2003 and included the song on his album Cliff at Christmas. West End Legend Elaine Paige also covered the track for her 1986 album Christmas. The festive favourite has been recorded and performed in various genres; Metal legends Iron Maiden covered the track during a performance on their tour in support of the 1986 album Somewhere in Time.  Symphonic metal group Nightwish also covered “Walking In The Air”, the Finnish band featured the cover on their 1998 album Oceanborn.

In other news, McFly have confirmed that they are working on the follow up to their 2020 album Young Dumb Thrills. Judd has revealed that the group are aiming for a rock-heavy sound by returning “Back to More guitar, drums and bass” and leaving behind the “Classic Pop” style.  He continued to add, “Young Dumb Thrills’ still had guitars and drums on it but there was programming and a bit of a different approach to recording. This time, from day one of writing and recording, we’ve had all our gear set up. So if Tom has brought in a song in the morning, we go straight into playing it as a band to get parts that way. We’ve been writing songs in that environment as well, and writing riffs.”

McFly UK tour

13/05/2022 – Pub In The Park 2022 – Marlow
03/06 – Wicksteed Park – Kettering
10/06 – Gloucester Park – Gloucester
11/06 – Pub In The Park 2022 – Warwick
03/07 – Waddeesdon Manor –  Aylesbury
08/07 – Lincolnshire Showground – Lincoln
17/07 – Chewton Glen Hotel And Spa – New Milton
13/08 – Doncaster Racecourse – Doncaster
03/09 – Imperial Recreation Ground – Exmouth

Click here to purchase tickets.

Click here to stream “Walking In The Air“

Rejoice! Bells End is BACK! Our mouthwatering, limited edition beer with our friends at @SignatureBrew returns just in time for Christmas: https://t.co/Q3ngmdX2Uv pic.twitter.com/PhGxg3dTBm

— The Darkness (@thedarkness) November 24, 2021

A press release has described the beer with the following statement, “a mouth-watering bitterness to carry you through the season. On pouring out the brew, you’ll find a clear, deep copper beer with a medium-low carbonation; on the nose is a little stone fruit, toffee and light, earthy hops and you’ll be greeted with wintery and wild, spicy blackcurrant fruitiness and a firm bitterness which balances the complex rich, sweet toffee flavours of the malt.”

The British rock group formed in Lowestoft in 2000 and consists of members frontman Justin Hawkins, guitarist Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain and drummer Rufus Tiger Taylor. The group became an instant hit with their top ten single “I Believe in A Thing Called Love”. The group’s beer is aptly named after their 2003 Christmas single, “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)”.  The track was released to compete within the race for the Christmas number One single and ultimately placed at number two.

Dan Hawkins has provided the following statement concerning the group’s venture, “The tasting session for Bells End went well, it was a big night, and we tried every ale that we could think of. We wanted a beer that’s punchy and drinkable at the same time. Signature Brew really know their stuff and captured exactly what we were after. Bells End has got a bit of oomph to it but it’s something you can drink in the run up to Christmas and throughout the whole season. It’s a very wintery beer, it’s perfect and we can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

Signature Brew has gained a reputation for its music-inspired beers such as Reverb, a New England IPA sold by the brewery. The award-winning brewery has also become renowned for its collaborations with popular musicians.  Signature Brew’s beverages and can be found at its many bars and venues which also incorporate the Brewery’s passion for live music. The Siba Brewery of the year 2021 winners currently have four venues and bars across London with a location in Wembley opening soon.

In celebration for the beer’s return, The Darkness and Signature Brew’s collaboration can now be bought as a special collector’s box. The Darkness Pub In A Box contains 8 cans of the award-winning craft beer including 4 cans of The Darkness’ Bell End Extra Seasonal Bitter, 1 can of Roadie All-Night IPA, 2 cans of Studio Lager and 1 can of Backstage IPA. The collector’s box also includes a miniature pint glass, traditional pub snacks, a beer mat, limited edition The Darkness artwork, a music quiz and specially created Spotify playlists curated by music journalists.

In other news, in support of their new album Motorheart, The Darkness have embarked on their UK tour. The band’s new album was released on 19th November 2021 and has so far sired four singles including its title track and “Jussy’s Girl”. The group began touring earlier this month with a performance in Brighton and will conclude the tour on 17th December at London’s O2 Empire Shepherds Bush.

The Darkness UK tour dates

26/11/2021 – The Hexagon – Reading
27/11 – The Great Hall – Cardiff
29/11  – The Great Hall – Exeter
30/11 – G Live – Guildford
02/12 – O2 Academy – Liverpool
03/12 – Manchester Academy – Manchester
04/12 – Bonus Arena – Hull
06/12 – The Victoria – Stoke-On-Trent
07/12 – O2 Academy – Bristol
09/12 – Barrowlands – Glasgow
10/12 – O2 Academy – Newcastle
11/12 – O2 Academy – Leeds
13/12 – Rock City – Nottingham
14/12 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
16/12 – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – London
17/12 – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – London

Click here to purchase tickets.

Click here to purchase The Darkness Beer.

26 years after its release, it looks like @MariahCarey's All I Want For Christmas Is You could finally reach Number 1 on the Official UK Singles Chart this week: https://t.co/NNS725nYwd

— Official Charts (@officialcharts) November 30, 2020

Streams of Christmas songs are on a surge this year as Official Charts confirm that their is almost a 44% increase compared with last year, as the nation wishes it’s troubles of 2020 away. The track is one of four festive favourites to enter the top 10 in this weeks official charts. Since 2007, when streaming and downloads were first introduced, the song has re-entered the charts every year leading up to Christmas. When first released in 1994, the song peaked at Number 2 having lost out to East 17’s ‘Stay Another Day,’ for the Number 1 spot. In last last few years the song has peaked at Number 2 in the UK, but we will find out on the Radio 1 show with Chris Moyles on Friday 4th December if it can claim it’s first ever Number 1 position.

On talking about the previous success of the track, Mariah said to Entertainment Weekly, “When it first came out, it was more of a gradual thing. It was popular, but it didn’t have what it has now. I feel like people have grown up with the song and it’s become a part of people’s lives in terms of the way they celebrate the holidays. That makes me feel really proud as someone that loves Christmas so much.” When asked about the writing and recording of the festive favourite, Mariah said to Entertainment Weekly, “I wrote the beginning and the middle on the keyboard in a little house in Upstate New York, in a room by myself. I just started thinking about all things Christmas and growing up as a kid that loves Christmas. I think that’s why it’s such a festive record.”

Mariah is set to release a new version of her song ‘Oh Santa’ this coming Friday 4th December, featuring Arianna Grande and Jennifer Hudson. The song will be played on ‘Apple TV + Special Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas’ which airs the same day. As well as the two stars on her latest single release, other guests will include Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Snoop Dogg and Jermaine Dupri.

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A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey)

With the streams being on a high increase, it now places the song a high contender for this years ‘Official Christmas Number 1.’ The race will kick off on December 18th and will be announced on BBC Radio 1 on 25th December with Katie Thistleton, which will then be aired on BBC ‘Top Of The Pops’ later on Christmas day. There is no doubt that the success of the song is felt globally as it reached Number 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 charts last year. The ‘Queen Of Christmas’ will be hoping for the same success in the UK charts this year, with the commemorative song that symbolises Christmas Pop Music.

Beginning with whimsical piano and the lyrics, “Two queens in a king-sized bed / There’s no mistletoe above our heads / But I’ll kiss you anyway / On Christmas day”, the song is undeniably cozy. Complete with bells, strings, and the singer’s warm, gentle vocals, it’s true to Girl In Red’s style and her fans are loving it.

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A post shared by girl in red (@girlinred)

The single premiered tonight on Future Sounds with Annie Mac, as she spoke to Girl In Red (real name Marie Ulven). Commenting on the current situation, the singer said, “I think people need some Christmas vibes this year – it’s gonna be a weird Christmas for a lot of people.”

Mac also pointed out that this is probably the first openly queer Christmas song to be released, which is surprising, but important for the music scene to have, as Ulven is very open about her sexuality through music.

The pair then discussed Ulven’s upcoming album ‘World In Red’, which is due for release in 2021 featuring ‘Two Queens in a King Sized Bed’. She revealed the mood and sound of the work in an interview with NME, saying, “There’s not a specific sound because every song documents a feeling I’ve had, and those feelings have all been very strong.”

However, she commented that “A lot of it is me saying, ‘I need to stop this shit, I’ve figured out what I’m doing and I know what’s not helping me to be a happy person’,” continuing, “It’s not talked about enough, you know, how hard it is to work on yourself. Self-care is about how you treat yourself. I definitely have a voice inside telling me that I suck and I hate myself, and I’m definitely confronting myself on this album.”