Launchpad, and Reading UK and Abbey Quarter BID’s festive light trail, have teamed up to present an exclusive evening of festivities – Twilight Trail & Carols at the Abbey – on Wednesday 8 December, all to raise vital funds for vulnerable people in Reading this Christmas.
The Twilight Trail returns to Forbury Gardens this year with a biscuit-themed event to celebrate Reading’s link with the world-famous Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory – and will feature immersive, engaging and unique installations such as The Lion’s Roar and the Production Line stepping stones. The event runs throughout December but for one night only, guests can enjoy the festive light trail along with a carol concert by BBC’s Gospel Choir of the Year 2019 winners, Reading Community Gospel Choir. The concert will be performed within the historic walls of the Abbey Ruins.
All proceeds from tickets sold for this special evening will be donated to Launchpad – so our support can give the gift of a better Christmas to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home in Reading. This includes individuals sleeping rough during the cold winter months, those spending the festivities alone in emergency bed and breakfasts, and families living in fear of being made homeless because their personal circumstances have left them unable to pay rent, let alone afford ingredients for a Christmas dinner or the smallest of presents for their children.
Kirsti Wilson, Head of Marketing and Fundraising at Launchpad, said: “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Twilight Trail and couldn’t be more grateful to them for supporting Launchpad with this special event. Christmas is often a bleak and isolating time for the people we support but by buying a ticket for Twilight Trail & Carols at the Abbey, you can give the gift of a better Christmas to those who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. Launchpad provides a lifeline to those in need over the festive season with safe and stable accommodation; legal advice; a drop-in service; and practical support with things like food parcels and mobile phones.”
Twilight Trail & Carols at the Abbey will be hosted by our patron, Danyl Johnson, and guests can bask in the magic of Reading Community Gospel Choir’s festive singing at the Abbey Ruins from 6.30pm. Guests are encouraged to book their tickets so they can complete the trail experience before or after the carol concert, which lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Reading UK’s Zsuzsi Lindsay commented: “Launchpad do such vital work throughout the year and their wonderful carol concerts have become a real festive highlight for the town, so we are absolutely delighted to have this special evening at the Twilight Trail on 8 December.”
Refreshments will be on sale in both the Abbey Ruins and on the Twilight Trail route, and there will be limited seating available for the performance – with priority given to elderly, disabled and pregnant guests.
