Watch Big Issue vendor André bring his Christmas song to life with a London choir

A new Christmas song describing the experience of selling the Big Issue at Christmas, written by one of our vendors, was performed in a special street performance in Covent Garden this week (Tuesday 9 December).

On a street corner in Long Acre – the spot where Big Issue vendors buy their magazine stock – André Rostant (60) was joined by professional choir the Adam Street Singers for a special performance of his song, which has been chosen as the new Big Issue Christmas anthem.

André’s lyrics speak to the often gruelling and difficult experience of selling the Big Issue at Christmas, when footfall on Britain’s high streets is high but the weather often proves challenging.

Fortunately the rain held off for Rostant and the choir’s flashmob-style performance of the song, which attracted a big crowd of passersby. A half-an-hour set of classic Christmas tunes was followed with a reprise of the Big Issue Christmas Song to end.

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André Rostant said: “The Big Issue Christmas Song is a reflection on giving people company, giving people your time.

“There’s a genuine buzz about Christmas and about finding the Big Issue. But you do get ignored – well, nobody’s ignoring you, but people are ignoring the world around them.”

The song opens with an interaction between Rostant, singing a solo, and a fellow soloist who comes to buy a magazine. “People go by, don’t seem to notice me,” he sings, “but I saw you, and it made me smile.”

Jack Humphreys, acting marketing director at Big Issue, said: “We loved André’s song so much that we decided to name it the official Big Issue Christmas anthem for 2025. It speaks beautifully to the everyday reality of our vendors selling on the streets at Christmas – and it’s catchy, too! Listen, enjoy and remember to support our vendors over the festive season.”

The story of how he created the song is reported in this week’s Big Issue, on sale now from street vendors across the country.

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