The committee that organised A Celebration of Christmas has announced that its inaugural carol service, which took place in Marlborough College Chapel on 19 December 2019, raised £53,500 for the Stroke Association.
The service was the charity’s single biggest fundraiser from an event outside London.
Over 600 people attended the service and enjoyed an evening of beautiful music, popular carols and festive readings from celebrity guests including Strictly Come Dancing star Viscountess Emma Weymouth and radio and television broadcaster Chris Tarrant.
The headline sponsor was Cazenove Capital – with 50 other organisations supporting the event. They ensured that every penny made from ticket sales went towards the work of the Stroke Association in Wiltshire. Tickets went on sale in October 2019 and sold out within 48 hours.
Due to the success of the 2019 service, the committee says that A Celebration of Christmas 2020 will take place on Monday, 21 December in Marlborough College Chapel.
Guests can register their interest to be notified when tickets go on sale through the event’s website.
Rachel Inglefield chairs A Celebration of Christmas: “The incredible amount raised is down to the generosity of all those people who were involved in the evening – our talented performers who gave up their time and immense talents, our generous corporate supporters and individual patrons and all those 600 guests who braved the high winds and rains to attend the service.”
Tom Allen heads the Oxford Office at Cazenove Capital: “We are delighted to have been the lead sponsor for the inaugural ‘A Celebration of Christmas’. It was a truly wonderful evening and we are so pleased to have been able to help the vital work of the Stroke Association to rebuild lives after stroke.”
Amy Spencer is Regional Fundraising Manager at the Stroke Association: “The event was organised by a committee of wonderful volunteers. Thanks to all their hard work, we can help people affected by stroke in Wiltshire get the very best care and support they need. “
“Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world and can happen to anyone – babies, children, new mothers, as well as older people. On behalf of the Stroke Association, thank you to everyone who supported A Celebration of Christmas.”
The committee would be delighted to hear from any local businesses who would like to support the 2020 service.
Main photo – L to R: Charly Cox (poet), Julian Lawson (Cazenove Capital), Viscountess Emma Weymouth (Strictly Come Dancing), soloist Tom Elwes (Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum), Carly Paoli (classical singer), Will Glennon (BBC Points West presenter), Juliet Bouverie (Chief Executive, Stroke Association), Martin Steven (author and former High Master of St Paul’s School & Manchester Grammar School), Rachel Inglefield (chair of organising committee), David Hempleman-Adams (adventurer)