Virtual
Carol Card
Thank you for taking part in this years Virtual Carol Card project. This page holds all the information you’ll need to take part. This years song will be Somewhere Only We Know by Keane. The song was brought to the Christmas spotlight with Lily Allen’s version accompanying one of the famous John Lewis Christmas adverts, and we think it is a gentle song about remembering special places and people that make us feel safe, loved, and at home — just like Christmas does.
Below, you will find the lyrics, performance track, and backing track necessary to participate. We encourage schools to explore these resources and inspire students to express their unique voices through music.
Instructions for Learning the Song
Start by showing children this animated version. Musically, it is in the same key, it explores the lyrical themes beautifully and we hope this version gives some good ideas around any artwork (details further down) which schools might want to submit.
Familiarisation with the Performance Track
Begin by listening to the performance track of the song. Pay attention to how the lyrics flow and the overall melody.
Follow along with the lyrics, singing softly to get a feel for the rhythm and phrasing.
Practice as a Group
Once everyone is familiar with the song, gather as a group to practice singing together.
Start by singing along with the performance track, ensuring that everyone is comfortable with the lyrics and tune.
Performance Track
2. Transition to Backing Track (below)
As confidence increases, attempt to sing using just the backing track. This will encourage independence and enhance vocal blending within the group.
If any section proves too challenging, it is completely acceptable to revert to the performance track for support.
3. Recording
When the group feels ready, use the attached document to guide the recording process.
Ensure everyone understands the expectations for the recording, including how to set up and perform as a cohesive unit.
4. Final Review
After recording, review the playback together to discuss strengths and areas for improvement.
The final song and images need to be sent to robkitchen@gateshead.gov.uk by the 1st December 2025. There is no guarantee that recordings can be included if received after this date.
Backing Track
🎨 Art Activity: “Somewhere Only We Know” – Imagining a Special Place
As part of our virtual choir performance, we’d love you to create a piece of artwork inspired by the song “Somewhere Only We Know”. This song talks about a special place that makes us feel safe, calm, and happy — a place that might be real or imagined, shared with someone we care about, or just somewhere we go in our minds.
🎧 Listen carefully to the lyrics and think about:
A place that feels like home to you
Somewhere peaceful, magical, or full of memories
What you see, hear, or feel when you’re there
🖌️ Your task: Draw, paint, or collage your version of “somewhere only we know.” It could be:
A forest with a fallen tree (like in the song)
A quiet corner of your house
A dreamland full of stars and colours
A place you go with family or friends
Each school can submit 3 pieces of artwork to be included in the final virtual carol card film. Images should be in JPEG format and emailed to robkitchen@gateshead.gov.uk