Durham Cathedral played host to a unique festive concert on Thursday as communities from across the region came together to witness a truly remarkable spectacle.
Carols of Light returned for only its second ever production, with Foundation of Light and Durham Cathedral coming together for the latest instalment, celebrating the work of the Foundation across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham.
On an evening which raised almost £100,000 with nearly 1000 guests in attendance, the memorable showpiece wouldn’t have been possible without Foundation of Light trustee and friend of the Foundation, Sir Tim Rice, who created the production and pulled together a phenomenal star-studded line-up.
The first Carols of Light was held in 2011 at the very same location to commemorate the Foundation’s tenth birthday and with that event still talked about to this day, the pressure was on to deliver another memorable show.
After a processional hymn by Durham Cathedral Choir kicked off proceedings, St Mary’s Primary School and Enter CIC took to the stage after West End music sensation Sir Tim Rice welcomed guests against the backdrop of the Cathedral’s stunning and famously unique stone vaulted ceiling.
Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri delivered a breathtaking duet performance before Rick Wakeman CBE paid tribute to close friend David Bowie, performing ‘Life on Mars’.
Alan Price was the next artist to perform as Kathryn Tickell embraced the Christmas programme, producing a festive masterclass with not one but two songs. Marty and Roxanne Wilde also stayed in theme, performing ‘Christmas Fantasia’ and ‘Christmas All Over the World’.
With Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Kristjaan Speakman, Jimmy Montgomery, Kevin Ball and Alex Bass all in attendance, it was fitting that an element of Sunderland AFC was added to the night’s proceedings. Well known among Sunderland supporters for producing the opening song on ‘Sunderland Til I Die’ Lake Poets singer and songwriter Marty Longstaff performed their Netflix hit, ‘Shipyards’ – much to the delight of all the Black Cats fans at Durham Cathedral.
BBC’s Jeff Brown, Lucy Winskell OBE, Foundation trustees George Clarke, Steve Cram CBE, Kate Adie CBE and Sunderland legend Ball were just some of the individuals who delivered a breathtaking reading. The final reading and blessing were delivered by Right Reverend Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham.
All proceeds are set to go to the official charity of Sunderland AFC with Foundation of Light Chairman, Sir Bob Murray, reflecting on the importance of events like the Carols of Light. He said: “Our work continues to support the most vulnerable in our society, bridging the gap between our communities and front-line services, which are subject to increasingly difficult challenges in the current economic climate.
“I would like to say a personal and very heartful thank you to everyone who joined us for the evening. The North East is a beautiful region, with incredible and generous people who stand together when it matters most.”
Foundation of Light would like to thank the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, for being the main sponsor of the evening as well as all the organisations and individuals who supported and partnered this very important event.
A group of students from the Foundation of Light’s scholarship and study programmes were given a unique opportunity to visit Japan thanks to funding from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.
Foundation of Light PFA Player Ambassador, Aji Alese, and teammate Jenson Seelt marked EFL Week of Action with a visit to the Beacon of Light.
Foundation of Light, Sunderland AFC’s official charity, is thrilled to announce defender Aji Alese as official PFA Player Ambassador.