On Saturday 9th of December 2023, we were once again joined by the incredible St John the Evangelist Choir for our Annual Carols on the River event.
Running annually since 2018 (with a break due to COVID in 2020) Christmas Carols on the River has become one of our highlights of the year and this year did not disappoint.
Coming off the back of some wet December weather the river was running fairly swiftly, coupled with some gusty winds experienced chauffeurs had their work cut out to remain in formation. They did a stellar job of keeping together and navigating the river safely so everyone could sit back, relax and enjoy the Choir. St John the Evangelist Choir entertained us for an hour singing much loved Christmas Carols and one or two lesser-known tunes.
The wet weather of the morning was left behind us and the sun even put in an appearance bathing a beautiful light over the Choir as we punted past Kings College Chapel – what a majestic sight. As our chauffeurs expertly manoeuvred around the Choir punt we were treated to renditions of Silent Night, The First Noel and O Come All Ye Faithful to name just a few.
It ended with a rousing ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’ where everyone joined in it was fair to say we were all feeling festive and full of Christmas cheer.
Tickets sold out in just a few days after going on sale in November and we were delighted to see lots of members of the public watching from bridges and the riverbank, soaking up a little of the Christmas magic.
Charity Focus
Christmas is the season of giving and since the first year of Carols on the River in 2018 we have chosen a different charity each year to benefit from ticket sales. This year we decided to support Tom’s Trust a local charity supporting children with Brain Tumors and their families.
Kirsty Keegan, Head of Fundraising at Tom’s Trust, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who has helped to organise and got involved with Christmas Carols on the River and we are so thrilled that Tom’s Trust has been picked as the chosen charity. We’ve been supporting families following a child’s devastating brain tumour diagnosis for over a decade in Cambridge, but there is so much more to be done to give them the support they need at such a difficult time. The money raised will be a huge boost for our work and make a real difference to families, especially for those who are in hospital over Christmas. We hope everyone enjoys this unique festive event.”
By donating 100% of ticket sales we are delighted to announce we have raised £1200 for Tom’s Trust year. This money means Tom’s Trust will be able to support more children over the coming year.
Each year we donate to the choir to thank them for their time. This year we donated £300 to them which they will put towards charitable work.
We would like to say an enormous huge THANK YOU to the choir and we are already looking forward to next year.
