Top stars join Christmas concert for UK's historic churches

Huw Edwards, Bill Bryson, Michael Palin and Joe Stilgoe image Andy Sillett

Bill Bryson, Huw Edwards and Michael Palin are amongst celebrities headlining the National Churches Trust's online Christmas Carol Concert at 7.30pm on Wednesday 16 December 2020. The concert will raise money for the UK's churches, many of which have been in the frontline of providing community support during the coronavirus pandemic.

The concert features the acclaimed choir of St Paul's church in Knightsbridge and will include favourite carols which can be sung at home by those watching the online concert.

Other top names featuring include actors Joanna David, Richard Clifford and Hugh Dennis as well as singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe.

Rev Alan Gyle, vicar of St Paul's church will provide a warm welcome and there will also be a seasonal message from Rev Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James's church Piccadilly, well known to listeners of BBC Radio 4's 'Thought for the Day'.

Bill Bryson said: "Historic churches are Britain's wonders of the world and a vital part of our national heritage. Many of them have been in the frontline of helping local people during the coronavirus pandemic, supporting people in need and those isolated during the lockdown."

"This year, many churches have struggled to pay the bills and fundraise for the urgent repairs needed to keep their buildings windproof and watertight. So I'm delighted to support the National Churches Trust's Christmas Concert which will help keep the UK's churches safe for the future. "

"With appearances from leading names including Michael Palin, Hugh Dennis and Huw Edwards, and carols performed by the magnificent choir of St Paul's church in Knightsbridge, this one-off Zoom event will be a marvellous evening that everyone who cares about the future of the UK's churches can join."

Claire Walker, CEO of The National Churches Trust said:"The UK's churches, chapels and meeting houses are some of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world. "

"Our evening of song and laughter features some of the UK's favourites faces and voices and will bring some much needed Christmas cheer. With the concert being shown on-line, we are looking forward to people from all round the UK and across the world joining and enjoying the good cheer."

"The concert is a chance to celebrate Christmas and also to show our appreciation for the good works that churches provide."

"Covid-19 has made the value of churches even more important. During the summer lockdown, some 89% continued providing essential support to local people, from running foodbanks to delivering shopping and medicine to isolated or vulnerable people."

"Churches are not just for Christmas; the support they provide is there every day of the year and the sheer beauty of these historic buildings is timeless. However, the sad truth is that with no long term strategic national or government funding, many churches struggle to find the money to pay for repairs to keep their buildings open."

"Our Christmas Carol Concert will raise urgently required funds for our charitable work supporting churches and chapels throughout the UK and help us to say Yes to more places of worship that apply for us for help.

"Many thanks to the top names who are talking part and who have so generously supported us with their time."

The event is organised by the National Churches Trust in partnership with St Paul's church Knightsbridge and is sponsored by CCLA, one of the UK's leading charity investment fund managers.

See a video promo at: https://vimeo.com/487004882

Tickets can be booked online at: www.nationalchurchestrust.org/christmas2020