The Royal Hospital Chelsea kickstarts the festive season with the annual Stirring of the Christmas Pudding

The festive season has well and truly begun as we held our annual Stirring of the Christmas Pudding today. 

A much-loved tradition that dates back over 80 years, Chelsea Pensioners and staff gathered in the Great Hall to mix this year’s Christmas pudding. The Chelsea Pensioners and staff take it in turns to add ingredients into a giant mixing bowl which the catering team then prepare for all Chelsea Pensioners to enjoy over the Christmas period.

It is an impressive mixture, starting with 2.8kg of flour and includes 70 eggs, 4.75kg of apples and a generous serving of brandy, sherry, and port. 

The Chelsea Pensioners singing group welcomed everyone into the Great Hall with a selection of Christmas tunes followed by the blessing of the ingredients. To celebrate all the ingredients being added, everyone joined in singing some Christmas songs and Carols including a rendition of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and 12 Days of Christmas to close the event. 

The Stirring of the Christmas Pudding is a joyous occasion for all involved and reflects the Royal Hospital’s ethos of community and camaraderie by encouraging Pensioners and staff to come together to celebrate the festivities.