All the hundreds of supporters, performers, volunteers and sponsors who packed out the venue – turned the evening into a very special and memorable occasion.
The event, marking the start of the festive period, was ably compered by Stroud Times journalist Faye Hatcher and saw memorable performances from Elmbridge Primary School, Chalford Band and Rock Choir, with some old and new favourites featuring alongside traditional Christmas carols for the audience to sing along to.
Lit by candlelight
One highlight though, as always, was the sight of the cathedral lit by candlelight as the congregation sang ‘Silent Night’, an annual tradition that honours the lives of loved ones lost to meningitis and whose names are remembered on white ribbons on our Remembrance Tree displayed in the Cathedral. No one who was there to experience this will ever forget it.
We’re especially grateful to Susan Theodossiadis, who bravely spoke on the night about losing her son Alex to meningitis in 2020 for our Ribbon Appeal 2024. You can read more on his story here.
Highlight of the charity’s year
Welcoming everyone to the Cathedral our Chief Executive, Tom Nutt, said: “We’re delighted to be joined by so many of our supporters, many of whom have travelled some distance to be with us tonight. It’s lovely to meet up again with so many friendly and familiar faces for our annual concert, one of the highlights of the charity’s year.
“Let us not forget what it is that unites us. Do take the time to reflect on our Christmas tree, decorated with ribbons of remembrance, and remember those whose lives have been changed forever by this devastating disease.
“This event encapsulates what makes Meningitis Now such a vibrant and compassionate charity, bringing people together around a shared purpose and common bond.”
And that, sums up what is special about our Christmas concert – the way it is moving and uplifting in equal measure as it brings together the many branches of the Meningitis Now family.
If you’d like to donate to support our work through the Ribbon Appeal you can do so here.
We hope to be back at Gloucester Cathedral in 2025, so please do join us then if you can.
