On 3 December over 400 people gathered in the stunning surroundings of the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for this year's 'Carols from Chelsea' in support of The Institute of Cancer Research, London. The service, the eleventh of its kind, raised nearly £100,000 and takes the total raised by the event over the years to over £1 million.
The evening, which began with a beautiful candlelit procession to 'Silent Night', featured a breath-taking musical programme under the leadership of the Director of Music William Vann. In addition to the Chapel Choir performances were also given by the BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year Luke McWatters, the violinist Gina McCormack and the bass baritone Iain Paterson. Readers included the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, the BAFTA award winning actress Geraldine James, George Alagiah and the actor Nigel Havers.
After the service guests were invited to remain for a champagne reception in the Great Hall and to mingle with the evening's performers and other guests.
"This year's event was a resounding success, with all the guests, readers and performers providing a wonderful atmosphere," said Lara Jukes, Director of Development at the ICR. "We are extremely grateful for all the support, and the funds raised will help ensure that the ICR is able to continue its world-leading research".