Nostalgia, Nativities and the Nation’s Favourite Singing Teacher

twenty4sevenlifest
Sep 29
5 min read

James B Partridge on His Big Christmas Assembly Tour, Bringing School Songs Back, and Why Singing Should Never Be Judged

If you’ve ever belted out He's Got the Whole World in His Hands or swayed to Shine Jesus Shine under flickering hall lights, chances are James B Partridge has already found a place in your heart — and your memory. Known affectionately online as the “Kumbaya King”, James has turned his love for classic school assembly tunes into a nationwide phenomenon.

From Glastonbury crowds chanting hymns to viral TikToks unlocking forgotten musical memories, James is on a mission: to keep school song nostalgia alive and relevant — and his upcoming Big Christmas Assembly tour is the perfect way to do it.

Back to School (Sort Of)

We caught up with James just as he was putting the finishing touches on Christmas carol recordings — from his bedroom studio, no less.

“I’ve got the piano behind me, and I’ve been recording a little Christmas album,” he says cheerfully. “I’m annoying everyone around me by singing Little Donkey in September, but I love it!”

The joy is contagious. James has become a beloved figure for generations who remember singing hymns in assembly with a sort of chaotic affection. “There’s a core repertoire I always have to include,” he explains, “like Give Me Oil in My Lamp, This Little Light of Mine, and of course, Kumbaya. But I also mix in lesser-known gems, cheesy school disco pop — think S Club 7 or Atomic Kitten — and even a few TV theme tunes. It’s a full nostalgia trip.”

Rewinding the Tape

James doesn’t just speak to one generation — he’s mastered the art of making nostalgia cross-generational.

“I sometimes joke with the Gen Z crowd,” he laughs. “I’ll say, ‘We had these things called videotapes. They were plastic rectangles that played films. You had to rewind them!’” But it’s more than just retro references. “A lot of the assembly songs we sang have stuck around. Some schools still sing the same hymns today, so it really connects people.”

At his shows, it’s not uncommon to see parents, students, grandparents, and grumpy boyfriends alike belting out Lord of the Dance by the second chorus.

Check out the full interview over on YouTube - Link Below

Glastonbury Glory

One of James’s standout moments this year was his surprise success at Glastonbury.

“I honestly hustled my way in,” he admits. “I emailed them with my idea for a school assembly singalong show. I think they thought it was just too bizarre to ignore!” The gamble paid off — his set at the Theatre & Circus field attracted such a crowd, the field had to be closed off. “It was surreal. People were screaming Shine Jesus Shine at the top of their lungs. Even the BBC came to film it!”

From Classrooms to Concert Halls

James has taken his assembly singalong show everywhere from cocktail bars to full theatres, and adapting the show for different spaces has become part of the fun.

“In smaller comedy clubs, it can get rowdy. I’ve had to go into ‘strict teacher mode’ before — fingers on lips, all eyes on me,” he jokes. “But honestly, it all adds to the charm. Whether it’s 50 people or 500, it’s about bringing people together.”

🎄 The Big Christmas Assembly Tour

Starting in early November (yes, November), James is heading back on tour with a festive twist. “I know it’s early, but post-Halloween, I think we’re allowed to get a bit Christmassy!” he laughs.

The Big Christmas Assembly tour will bring audiences together for a warm, chaotic, and hilariously heartwarming celebration of all things Christmas and childhood. Think Jingle Bells, Ding Dong Merrily on High, and of course, some surprise classics chosen via a paper fortune teller — remember those?

“It’s all about joy,” says James. “People love to sing, and when they’re given permission to do it badly or brilliantly, they come alive. I see it at every show — someone gets dragged along, arms folded, then by song three, they’re waving their hands in the air like they’re back in Year 5.”

Beyond the Singalong

But there’s more to James than nostalgic tunes. He’s just finished writing a children’s book, available for pre-order now.

“It’s a story about a girl who discovers a land inside her piano,” he reveals. “It’s not directly tied to assemblies, but it still explores how music can unlock imagination.”

He’s also a passionate advocate for music education. “It’s often the first thing to get cut, but music supports everything — memory, motor skills, maths, emotional expression. It shouldn’t be seen as a luxury; it’s a necessity.”

Keeping the Music Alive (Even on TikTok)

With a strong social media following, particularly on TikTok, James has built a community of music lovers who bond over forgotten lyrics and shared memories.

“I post songs people haven’t heard since they were 7,” he says. “Sometimes they say, ‘I thought my teacher made this up!’ But no — it was real!”

James also hosts a podcast, Notes From School, where he explores the stories behind the songs and invites guests to share their own school music memories. “I'd love to have someone like Gary Barlow on,” he muses. “He’s written songs that are now sung in schools. It would be amazing to talk about how music connects generations.”

The Verdict?

James B Partridge isn’t just performing songs — he’s creating community. Whether it’s in a crowded theatre, a school hall, a Glastonbury field, or your TikTok feed, his work is rooted in joy, togetherness, and pure, unfiltered fun.

And yes, you’re allowed to mime. Just like in school.

Interview by Madeline Horton for 24Seven Lifestyle.

Catch James on his Big Christmas Assembly Tour – kicking off this November across the UK.

Tickets available at jamesbpartridge.com

Catch James B Partridge with THE BIG CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLY LIVE!

2-Nov-25 Nottingham Theatre Royal

3-Nov-25 Lancaster Grand Theatre

4-Nov-25 Glasgow Pavilion Theatre

6-Nov-25 Sheffield Memorial Hall

8-Nov-25 Swindon Meca

9-Nov-25 Frome Cheese & Grain

10-Nov-25 Southend Palace Theatre