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Stars gather for the PDS Carol Concert 2008

12 December 2008

Richard Briers, Jane Asher, Phyllida Law, Bill Neely and Richard BriersOver 1,000 guests attended the 27th Parkinson's Disease Society Christmas Carol Concert at Central Hall, Westminster on Wednesday 10 December 2008.

Jane Asher, President of the PDS, hosted proceedings and was joined by PDS Honorary Vice President Richard Briers CBE, Michael Palin CBE, Bill Neely and Phyllida Law, who all gave readings.

Following her appearance on BBC Maestro, Jane Asher also assisted Rob Elliott, Musical Director of the Wessex Male Choir, in a rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas, where she orchestrated the audience's participation in the song.

As well as arrangements from the Wessex Male Choir, there were performances from the Crystal Palace Band and Sing for Joy, a choir for people with Parkinson's and related conditions.

The evening concluded with a mince pie and mulled wine reception.

Jane Asher, President of the Parkinson's Disease Society said:

"We had yet another extremely successful concert this year – perhaps the best ever – and our fantastic readers and musicians were as brilliant and entertaining as always.

"It was wonderful to see so many members and supporters in the enormous Central Hall in Westminster, and I'm much looking forward to a great year ahead for the PDS."

Steve Ford, Chief Executive of the Parkinson's Disease Society said:

"The PDS carol concert always provides us with a great way of celebrating the work done by everyone involved with the PDS at the end of the year.

"It was a fantastic evening, and I hope we can all look forward to an even more successful year as we approach our 40th Anniversary in 2009."