Coldplay have announced plans to release a festive single called 'Christmas Lights'.

The track will be available to download on the iTunes music store from 8pm (GMT) on December 1.

In a handwritten note on their website, Coldplay said the song was “in the key of G”, while the sentence “We are doing the video right now” had been scribbled out.

They added: “Have a great Christmas and holidays.”

As previously reported, Coldplay are set to play two special festive shows in the UK next month for the homeless charity Crisis.

The band, who are recording a new album, are also set to appear at two European festivals next summer.

(by Jason Gregory)