A sell-out crowd gathered at Ely Cathedral on 6th December for the highly anticipated Festival of Carols, which raised over £26,000 for local charities.
The festive concert featured stunning performances by renowned mezzo-soprano Karen England, best known as one half of the international singing duo, The Opera Babes, and for her performances at major venues such as the LA Opera House alongside Placido Domingo and for singing at several royal events for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The evening’s programme included a selection of beloved Christmas classics, with Karen England delivering breathtaking renditions of O Holy Night and I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas, which captivated the audience throughout. The concert culminated in a stirring performance of Hark the Herald, which featured the Girl Choristers and Lower Voices of Ely Cathedral Choir, accompanied by the renowned Prime Brass, a brass ensemble based in Cambridge.
In addition to the musical performances, the event included readings from a range of distinguished figures. BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Dotty McCloud and Matthew Jones, CEO of East Anglian Air Ambulance. All contributed to the evening’s moving and reflective atmosphere. Guests also enjoyed a pre-concert champagne and canapé reception in the historic 14th-century Lady Chapel, adding a touch of elegance to the evening.
This year’s Festival of Carols marked the 9th staging of the bi-annual concert, which is organised by the Cambridgeshire Freemasons. Bill Dastur, head of Freemasonry in Cambridgeshire, expressed his gratitude to the Cathedral Dean, The Very Reverend Mark Bonney, and the Chapter for their support of the event, noting,
“We are deeply grateful to the Cathedral, as well as to our generous sponsors—Rathbones, The One Group, Carter Jonas, G’s, and Staploe Solicitors LLP—whose contributions have been instrumental in making this event such a success.”
The evening benefited two charitable causes: The East Anglian Air Ambulance and the Ely Cathedral Trust. Matthew Jones, CEO of East Anglian Air Ambulance, expressed his appreciation for the support, saying,
“It is a privilege to join you in this stunning venue of Ely Cathedral for a wonderful evening of carols to mark the festive season. I am grateful to the Cambridgeshire Freemasons for bringing the local community together and for choosing to support East Anglian Air Ambulance, alongside Ely Cathedral Trust, at tonight’s event”.
The Festival of Carols was not only a celebration of the Christmas spirit but also a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the impact of supporting local charities. The £25,000 raised will go directly toward sustaining the essential work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Ely Cathedral Trust in the coming year.
