Star-studded carol concert launches festive season

11 December 2009

HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, Richard Briers CBE and BBC News presenter Jane Hill joined over 800 guests at our 28th annual Christmas Carol Concert on Wednesday 9 December.

Soprano Elin Manahan Thomas and ITV's Bill Neely added further glamour to the celebrations at Central Hall, Westminster.

Image right: Our host Jane Hill and Elin Manahan Thomas

A wonderful evening

Clare Chater, our Events Manager, comments on the evening:

"Guests including HRH The Duchess of Gloucester were treated to fantastic performances and readings.

"Richard Briers's poetry reading kept the audience laughing throughout and the evening made the perfect start to the festive season."

Elin Manahan Thomas wowed guests with numerous performances including a version of Ave Maria.

Elin has previously performed in the Vatican and appeared on Songs of Praise. She is renowned as one of Britain's leading young sopranos.

We were also delighted to welcome Roddy Lee as a special guest reader. Roddy is a committed supporter of the Parkinson's Disease Society and has helped to raise over £93,000 for us to date, participating in events such as Trek Nepal.

Other highlights included arrangements from the Wessex Male Choir and performances from the Crystal Palace Band and Sing for Joy, a choir made up of people with Parkinson's and related conditions.

We would like to thank everyone who joined us and helped to make this such a special occasion.

Image above: Elin Manahan Thomas supported by Wessex Male Choir and the Crystal Palace Band

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