Stars come out for Carers Trust's magical Christmas carol concert
Stars Dame Imelda Staunton, Greg Wise, Angela Rippon and Joanna Gosling added extra sparkle to Carers Trust’s Christmas carol concert, joining hundreds of guests for a magical night of singing and festive readings.
The annual concert, held to support unpaid carers, was staged in the stunning St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, central London.
This year’s event was wonderfully compered by acclaimed actor Greg Wise. He introduced Dame Imelda Staunton, who treated the audience to a spellbinding reading of Merry Christmas by Louise May Alcott, while Angela Rippon memorably recited Donna Ashworth’s poem Finding Christmas. Broadcaster Joanna Gosling also entertained the concert with a New York newspaper's response to a girl who enquired whether Santa Claus exists.
The audience also enjoyed beautiful music and uplifting singing from the renowned Chandos Chamber Choir, while classical soprano Margaret Keys treated the crowd to a stirring rendition of I Dreamed A Dream.
The night ended on a poignant note, with a moving poem written by young carer Zipporah and powerful speech by Paolo, who described how his life changed after becoming a carer for his mum and the vital help he received from his local carer organisation.
Money raised by the concert is needed now more than ever as carers across the UK struggle with the cost of living. Around two-thirds of carers have had to cut back on paid work or give it up altogether because of their caring responsibilities, driving many into poverty.
Many rely on Carers Trust's vital network of local carer organisations, who provide vital advice, support and breaks to more than one million of the UK’s carers.
Carers Trust is hugely grateful to headline sponsor IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts for its generous sponsorship of the carol concert. IDILIQ is Europe’s largest operator of branded resort-based residences, where home comforts meet hotel luxuries. Their resorts are found in some of the most sought-after holiday destinations, including Tenerife, Costa del Sol, Florida and the UK.
