Celebrity performers and readers including Ben Miller, Heidi Range, Gwyneth Strong and Ellen Williams will feature at Childline’s Carol Concert this year.
The long-running annual evening of entertainment will be hosted by Kate Lawler and will raise money for Childline, the NSPCC listening service for under-19s.
Appearances will also be made by Call the Midwife actors Chris Harper (Geoffrey Franklin), Rebecca Gethings (Sister Veronica) and Linda Bassett (Nurse Phyllis Crane).
The concert will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Sloane Street, in the heart of Chelsea on Thursday, December 11th with doors opening at 6:30pm.
Guests will be treated to a complimentary glass of fizz and a COOK mince pie as part of the ticket price, which starts at £43.
All money raised will go towards the NSPCC’s Childline service to help their volunteer counsellors continue to be there for children all over the country and giving them a voice when they need it most.
Ben Miller, NSPCC Friend, said: “As a father and a children’s author, I’m proud to be reading at Childline’s Carol Concert this year, and helping make sure that someone is there for any child that needs help this Christmas.
“Please consider supporting us, either by buying a ticket and joining the concert, or donating whatever you can spare, so that Childline can continue to be a lifeline for children who need our support.”
Kate Lawler, Friend of the NSPCC, said: “It’s an honour to host the Childline’s Carol Concert and to be supporting a charity that plays a vital role in being there for children during the festive season.
“As a mother, I know how magical Christmas should be for every child — yet heartbreakingly, for some, it’s the most dangerous time of year as many spend more time at home and away from their usual support networks. That’s why Childline’s support is so crucial.
“Please join me in raising funds for Childline this Christmas, so they can continue to be there for children who need someone to listen.”
Previous concerts have welcomed Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, Michael Ball, Leona Lewis, Martin Freeman, Elaine Paige and Anton Du Beke to the stage. Over the last two years, the concert has raised over £125,000 for Childline.
Shaun Friel, Director of Childline, said: “We’re delighted to announce some fantastic names for our annual Childline’s Carol Concert this year.
“All funds raised from the evening will go directly to Childline, allowing us to be there for children this Christmas, a time that can be particularly dangerous for children at risk from abuse, with increased vulnerability and decreased visibility.
“This evening is an opportunity to celebrate Christmas while helping children across the UK. Just £4 could help answer a child’s call or message to Childline when they most need it.”
For more information and to book tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1500837719019?aff=oddtdtcreator
Childline is free to contact on 0800 1111. Childline counsellors are here to take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from children and young people under 19. Childline counsellors are also available to speak to online through 1-2-1 chat and via email.
