A total of 700 people attended Launchpad’s sold-out annual carol service, Carols by Candlelight, at the Reading Minster on Thursday 5 December 2019 – and the event raised a record £10,800 for the homelessness prevention charity.
Now in its twelfth year, Carols by Candlelight – which was sponsored by MFG and Reading Chronicle – has become a Christmas highlight for hundreds of local people with many saying it marks the start of the festive season.
This year’s service was led by The Reverend Judith Sumner and the congregation enjoyed traditional Christmas carols, a Christmas message from The Reverend and bible readings given by trustee Manjula Phadnis; volunteer Emma Vallely; corporate supporter Bill Gornall-King; and Launchpad patron Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle.
The congregation were also treated to performances by local mezzo-soprano Harriet Kirk, Reading Bach Choir, Reading Blue Coat School Junior Choir, and Launchpad patron Danyl Johnson. The standout performance from the night was O Come, All Ye Faithful, arranged by Reading Blue Coat School Junior Choir’s Director of Music, Richard Meehan, which included stunning solo performances from three students and Danyl.
Donations on the night, ticket sales, sponsorship and Gift Aid raised a total of £10,800 – which is £700 more than funds raised at Carols by Candlelight in 2018. Ian Caren, CEO of Launchpad, said:
“Carols by Candlelight is always such a special event for Launchpad and our supporters, and this year was no different. Once again, local people of all ages came together to enjoy a traditional Christmas service in the magical setting of the candlelit Reading Minster, all in aid of preventing homelessness and helping those in need in Reading.
“The fact that our community has raised such a fantastic amount of money to support our work in December and all year round is simply amazing. I’d like to thank every single person involved – from Reading Minster, the beautiful singers and those who gave a reading, to our volunteers helping on the night and everyone who bought a ticket.”
Check out our Facebook album to see all the photos from the night.
