Christmas Cathedral charity concert... at the double

AS the bells ring for the season of goodwill, Coventry will come together to celebrate Christmas and raise money for a good cause.

Coventry Cathedral Chorus and the Coventry & Warwickshire Youth Orchestra are joining forces with the Coventry and Warwickshire Business Board to raise money for the NSPCC with not one - but two festive charity Christmas concerts, on Saturday, December 16.

The Coventry & Warwickshire Business Board, which raises funds in aid of the NSPCC, is hoping to top last year’s attendance numbers and attract more than 1,200 people to the two events.

Whether it’s an afternoon of festive music or an evening of Christmas-filled entertainment, there will be something the whole family can enjoy.

The afternoon festivities will run from 3pm, when Jaguar Land Rover Band, one of the finest brass bands in the UK, will be delivering classical sounds to kick off the Christmas celebrations.

The traditional evening concert will begin at 6pm when Coventry & Warwickshire Youth Orchestra will be joined by The Drama Academy in an exclusive festive performance.

Both events, which are sponsored by Askews and the Coventry Telegraph, will see Coventry Cathedral Chorus grace the stage with their choral harmonies.

The Business Board is one of the most successful in the country and in the last 21 years has raised in excess of £2.8 million to protect vulnerable children in the local area. Les Ratcliffe, Chairman of Coventry & Warwickshire Business Board, said: “The event has been very successful since the launch two years ago, and we want it to keep growing into something successful and exciting for everyone. “Christmas is all about giving something back to others – we want everyone to keep getting involved so that we can raise even more money for local children who need it most. “I have been involved with the charity for more than 20 years and we are all extremely proud of all the amazing work that has been done through a wide range of similar events. Christmas is such a delightful time. Everyone is in high spirits and it is the perfect opportunity to bring a community together and really get into the Christmas spirit.”

Paul Leddington Wright, musical director of the concert, said: “We are so excited to present these sparkling Christmas celebrations that will bring the whole community together.

“This is the third year we’re teaming up with Coventry & Warwickshire Business Board with hopes of raising money to support the work of the NSPCC and the work they do for vulnerable children in our city and beyond.

Tickets for the event are priced at £15 for adults, £7.50 for children and £13 for concessions. Family tickets are also available, priced at £40. Tickets are available in advance from www.ticketweb.co.uk . Alternatively they can be purchased by ringing 0844 477 1000.

Christmas is all about giving something back to others... we want everyone to keep getting involved. Les Ratcliffe