A fundraising campaign from Age Concern, backed by The Publican, means there are unlikely to be many Silent Nights in pubs this December.
Licensees countrywide are being invited to host their own carol singing evenings in the run-up to Christmas to support the campaign.
The charity wants pubs to pick one evening in late November or December to host a "Big Carol Night" party. It advises licensees to ask customers to pay £1 for a carol sheet to join the event, with all proceeds going to Age Concern.
Posters and publicity material are available from the charity now. It is also providing a press release template to enable pubs to tell their local media about their events.
Spirit Group and Mitchells & Butlers' Ember Inns division have already pledged to support the initiative.
Gordon Lishman, director-general of Age Concern Eng-land, said: "The festive season should be a happy time, but for many it is difficult and lonely.
"We are delighted to have the support of pubs such as Ember Inns and Spirit Group and hope that everyone will be inspired to take part. Although it is raising money for a serious issue, the Big Carol Night is a way to support your local community this winter."
Spirit Group said: "We thought this was a good idea to promote to our managers and a number have agreed to host a Big Carol Night. It is a great fit with our community pubs."
The initiative marks the fourth year of Age Concern's "Fight the Freeze" campaign to highlight the plight of the elderly during winter, although it is the first year it has been extended to pubs. Money raised will be used to distribute hot meals, hot water bottles, blankets and warm clothing to the elderly, and to support befriending schemes.
Get involved
Contact Age Concern on 0870 7605 205, or email bigcarolnight@ntl.world.com for further details.
Participating pubs will receive posters, 25 carol sheets, acollection box and a CD of Christmas carols.
The Publican says:
What better way to get your pub into the Christmas spirit than to host your own special festive night?
Hosting a "Big Carol Night" provides an ideal opportunity to raise money for a needy cause while placing your business at the heart of your community at the same time.All this at a negligible cost to your business.
The Publican is pledging its support and will be joining in the fun with a carol evening of its own. Why not do the same?