More than 900 children from schools across the UK came together in song last night, for the Barnardo’s Young Supporters concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
The annual concert – also attended by celebrity supporters of the leading children’s charity including singing sensation Heather Small and actors Lennie James and Fay Ripley – raises money for the leading children’s charity.
And this year, there was a special surprise in store for the schools – with an exclusive video appearance from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the stars of Wicked: For Good, in cinemas now.
Barnardo’s and Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good have joined forces, coming together for good – because all children and young people deserve to feel like that they belong and to find a place where they can discover their true powers.
Songs sung on the night included “Defying Gravity” and “For Good”.
Barnardo’s chief executive Lynn Perry said: “What a special night this was. To hear the voices of hundreds of children coming together in song, aiming to help families who are struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table this winter, was emotional to say the least.
“We’re so thankful to everyone who took part, to our ambassadors and supporters for helping us carry on supporting children and families across the UK and to our partners who helped make this incredible event happen.
“Behind the sparkle of this festive season, we know there will be children worrying about having enough to eat, making do with a coat that’s too small and feeling left out of the celebrations. By supporting Barnardo’s, our supporters are helping to give Christmas back to children living in poverty.
Singer Heather Small, who performed on stage with the schools, said: “It was a huge pleasure to perform at the Albert Hall alongside so many wonderful school choirs from across the country to help raise money for Barnardo’s. I’ve been a Barnardo’s ambassador for several years now and am honoured to continue supporting their work.
“It is heartbreaking that so many families are facing hardship. This is why fundraising events like the Young Supporter Concert are vital in making sure that Barnardo’s can continue supporting children, young people and their families and to help change lives.”
Barnardo’s President, and host of the event, Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, said: “Every year, this incredibly special concert raises money to support Barnardo’s vital services across the UK – helping struggling families at what can be a difficult time of year.
“Too many children are facing a harsh winter without the basics they need to stay warm, healthy and hopeful – Barnardo’s is here to help bring the sparkle back to Christmas for families across the country.”
Research from Barnardo’s, published last week, showed that one in seven parents in the UK say they will struggle to afford a coat/clothing to keep their child warm this winter – and there could be 300,000 children without a winter coat.
This winter, and all year round, Barnardo’s supports children and their families to keep the power on and the fridge stocked, helping with the essentials to ease some of the worry. We couldn’t do this without the generous support from the public.
The Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concert was generously supported by lead sponsor, London-based FirstPoint Equity, for the third year in a row, and also Allianz, part of Allianz Group, the world’s #1 insurance brand.
Attendees at the concert were also able to purchase one of 1,000 official Wicked plushy flying monkey toys, generously donated by The Noble Collection UK, helping to bring the event to life.
To find out more about Barnardo’s and how you could help give Christmas back to children living in poverty visit barnardos.org.uk.
