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. There is absolutely nothing as festive to enjoy.
Running annually since 2018 (with a break due to COVID in 2020) Christmas Carols on the River is one of our highlights of the year. And this year did not disappoint.
After a wet December, the river ran swiftly with gusty winds adding to the challenge. Experienced chauffeurs worked hard to stay in formation. They navigated safely, ensuring everyone could relax and enjoy the Choir. St. John the Evangelist Choir delighted us with beloved Christmas carols and a few rare gems.
By afternoon, the rain cleared, and the sun made an appearance. A warm glow bathed the Choir as we passed King’s College Chapel—a truly majestic sight. Chauffeurs expertly guided the boats while the Choir performed Silent Night, The First Noel, and O Come All Ye Faithful.
It ended with a rousing ‘We Wish you a Merry Christmas’. Everyone joined in it was fair to say we were all feeling festive and full of Christmas cheer. We are so very pleased with how the day unfolded.
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.”
We are thrilled to announce that by donating 100% of ticket sales, we raised £1,200 for Tom’s Trust this year! This incredible contribution will allow Tom’s Trust to support even more children in the coming months.
Each year, we also donate to the choir as a token of our appreciation for their time and talent. This year, we contributed £300, which the choir will use to further their charitable work.
We want to extend a massive THANK YOU to the choir for making the event so special. We’re already counting down the days until next year! Tickets go on sale every November, so stay tuned. This is an event you definitely don’t want to miss!