Having read Groovy's post mentioning that she will be out carolling at weekends in the run-up to Christmas I thought it would be good to start a thread to see what sort of playing bands do, and how effective you find it.
I've listed a few options as a poll, but realise that many bands will be involved in several of these, so it is more as a starting point for discussion.
For ourselves, we find we are doing less and less street carolling as we are asked to take on more and more other events, including a Civic Carol Service, our local Children's Hospice and visits to clubs, as well as our Christmas presentation (four performances over the weekend of the 20/21st) which involve us in extra rehearsals etc.
We spend one Saturday playing at Sloane Square, splitting the money with the local Centre, who provide us with refreshments throughout the day, and we usually have two evenings inside one of the local supermarkets. On Christmas Eve we visit a couple of old people's homes, take part in a local street party (weather permitting!) and finish up playing at a couple of clubs. On Christmas morning itself, a small group of us spend the morning at Basildon Hospital, which is normally well-received.
I've listed a few options as a poll, but realise that many bands will be involved in several of these, so it is more as a starting point for discussion.
For ourselves, we find we are doing less and less street carolling as we are asked to take on more and more other events, including a Civic Carol Service, our local Children's Hospice and visits to clubs, as well as our Christmas presentation (four performances over the weekend of the 20/21st) which involve us in extra rehearsals etc.
We spend one Saturday playing at Sloane Square, splitting the money with the local Centre, who provide us with refreshments throughout the day, and we usually have two evenings inside one of the local supermarkets. On Christmas Eve we visit a couple of old people's homes, take part in a local street party (weather permitting!) and finish up playing at a couple of clubs. On Christmas morning itself, a small group of us spend the morning at Basildon Hospital, which is normally well-received.