A deaf children's choir has pulled out of a Trafalgar Square Christmas carol service after officials banned the use of a public address system - and banned modern songs, such as Wham's 'Last Christmas'.
The Greater London Authority told the National Deaf Children's Society that it was putting the kybosh on modern music, despite the fact the choir had spent weeks practising.
The choir uses sign language to accompany festive carols which are played through the PA system.
But the Greater London Authority, which organises the event planned for 12 December, said this year that no PA will be allowed.
The GLA wants to make the service more traditional with no backing music or modern tunes.
Last year the choir raised £700 in an hour for deaf children with its appearance at the carol service.
Emma Watson, community and events executive at the the Islington-based charity, said: "The choir have been practising for weeks in their lunch hours and are incredibly disappointed, as it looks unlikely they will now be able to perform.
"Practising to sign along to songs takes a lot of time. It is simply not possible to learn a whole new song list by December."
A GLA spokesman said they got rid of the stage and PA to create 'a more traditional atmosphere' and encourage the audience to gather closer to the choirs taking part.